Adjunct Instructor - First Year Experience

TITLE: Adjunct Instructor – First Year Experience
DEPARTMENT: School of Humanities
REPORTS TO: Chair, School of Humanities
CLASSIFICATION:

EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD
EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Part-time
EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

PRINCIPAL PURPOSE OF JOB:

The Adjunct Instructor (non-tenure track) will deliver instruction in First Year Experience (FYE) courses designed to support the transition of incoming students into the academic and community life at Kentucky State University. These courses are grounded in fostering belonging, academic readiness, and engagement with campus resources and should reflect an understanding of student success strategies, particularly in the humanities context.

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY

Collaborate with the Student Success and Retention office—specifically the First & Second Year Experience program—to design and teach dynamic, inclusive seminars or workshops that promote early academic success, community-building, and engagement with university resources. Align content with KSU’s broader mission for culturally responsive, student-centered education.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Develop and teach FYE course modules or seminars (e.g., First-Year Seminar, Introduction to University Learning) tailored to humanities students.
• Facilitate student engagement via high-impact pedagogy—project- or problem-based learning, community building, reflective writing, etc.
• Coordinate with the Transition Services team to integrate programming such as peer mentoring, campus orientation ("BRED Week"), workshops like financial literacy and academic support seminars.
• Help students connect with faculty, staff, and support systems (e.g., Writing Center, Academic Advising, Disability Services).
• Propose and integrate thoughtfully designed learning experiences—common reads, humanistic inquiry, reflective dialogue, and community engagement—to help first-year students transition effectively.
• Use university learning management systems and communication tools effectively for course delivery and student interaction.
• Monitor student progress, provide feedback, and report on course outcomes and student engagement metrics.
• Maintain professionalism in instructional design, delivery, and interactions.

OTHER DUTIES: 

• Participate in onboarding/training provided by Transition Services to align with FYE pedagogical frameworks and outcomes.
• Support the ongoing development of FYE programming, events, and curriculum innovations (e.g., workshops, peer-mentor training, community-building events).
• Engage in collaborative efforts with Student Success and Retention to enhance FYE offerings and student outcomes.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in English, Humanities, Education, Student Affairs, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated excellence and innovation in teaching, especially in working with first-year or underprepared students.

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in English, Humanities, Education, Student Affairs, or a closely related discipline.
• Experience teaching First-Year Seminars, FYE courses, or similar orientation/transition-focused instruction.
• Familiarity with student success models, high-impact practices, and learning communities.
• Experience collaborating with student services or advising departments.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES:

• Deep subject knowledge and capacity to ignite academic curiosity in freshmen.
• Strong oral and written communication; ability to foster reflective and inclusive discussions.
• Skill in designing and facilitating interactive learning experiences: seminars, workshops, peer mentoring discussions.
• Adept at leveraging digital tools (LMS, multimedia) for hybrid or online content delivery.
• Commitment to inclusive pedagogies and creating a supportive, equitable learning environment.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: This position does not have any supervisory responsibility.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Remain stationary for periods during instructional delivery; manage digital and physical materials and tools.
• Communicate clearly in-speaking and writing; organize course resources and maintain grading responsibilities.
• Teaching may occur in classroom, campus seminar space, or online; occasional participation in FYE events or workshops is expected.

Internal candidates are encouraged to apply.

KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.