What are the responsibilities and job description for the University Studies and College Success Non-Tenure Track Faculty position at Montana State University?
University Studies offers a number of courses designed to help exploring (undecided) students identify their strengths, interests, and potential pathways at MSU. These courses include: US 102 Career Connections, US 103 Learning Strategies, US 210D Education, The World of Work, and You, US 191 Explore Bozeman, US 191 Serve Bozeman, and HMED 140 Intro to Health Professions. These courses range from 1-3 credits.
Montana State University seeks qualified individuals to provide non-tenurable level instruction and/or related functions. Instructors are needed to teach classes depending upon need and available funding.
Applications are accepted on a continual basis (unless otherwise indicated) and will be maintained in pool for two years. After two years, candidates will be notified to re-submit materials for continued consideration.
The department or program search committees or hiring authority will review and evaluate the submitted application materials. Applicants will be notified if their application is being retained in the non-tenure track faculty hiring pool.
Appointments are on a part-time basis and vary in duration, a couple weeks, a semester or an academic year, depending on the specific needs of the department/program. Salary is dependent on number of courses taught and duration.
Montana State University seeks qualified individuals to provide non-tenurable level instruction and/or related functions. Instructors are needed to teach classes depending upon need and available funding.
Applications are accepted on a continual basis (unless otherwise indicated) and will be maintained in pool for two years. After two years, candidates will be notified to re-submit materials for continued consideration.
The department or program search committees or hiring authority will review and evaluate the submitted application materials. Applicants will be notified if their application is being retained in the non-tenure track faculty hiring pool.
Appointments are on a part-time basis and vary in duration, a couple weeks, a semester or an academic year, depending on the specific needs of the department/program. Salary is dependent on number of courses taught and duration.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Teaching one or more courses of a curriculum designed for first-year and exploring students, or students who are seeking to improve their academic performance.
- Evaluating student work and providing timely feedback.
- Submitting student grades by the University’s deadlines.
- Following a shared curriculum and meeting learning outcomes for the course.
- Mentoring and connecting with students.
- Collaborating with fellow faculty and the Program Director to continuously improve the program and teaching effectiveness.
- Utilizing required technology, including the Canvas learning management system and the University’s grade submission system.
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
- Bachelor’s degree
- Demonstrated experience working with students and colleagues
Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
- Master’s degree, preferably in Education, Counseling, Higher Education, or a field related to the subject you’re applying to teach
- College teaching experience
- Experience with teaching software systems (e.g., Canvas, student communication systems like NavMSU)
- Demonstrated experience with college student development through advising, teaching, or other student success work, particularly with first-year students or exploratory courses.
The Successful Candidate Will
- Exhibit effective interpersonal skills including the ability to collaborate successfully with students, faculty and staff.
- Exhibit effective written and oral communication skills.
- Be organized and responsive to student needs.
- Relate and develop rapport with college students.
- Mentor and support students from all backgrounds and a wide range of interests.
- Be skilled in pedagogy that actively engages students in the learning process.
- Take initiative and work well independently.
- Provide effective leadership within their class and assume responsibility for organization and teaching activities.
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
The position for which you have applied MAY BE a Union position. Union affiliation is determined by job duties and the collective bargaining unit.
- Non-Tenure Track Faculty – Any position that is .5 FTE or more is represented by the Associated Faculty of Montana State University (AFMSU). Faculty covered by AFMSU may choose to pay membership dues. This is a condition of employment. Additional information can be found at AFMSU or by emailing AFSMU
- Any position less than .5 FTE is not represented by the Union and is not required to pay dues.
- If the FTE changes during employment, the representational status of this position could be impacted.
- Exceptions: Anyone having successfully completed a PEI exam or any faculty working in Extension are exempt from the Union
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Physical Demands
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
The Program
The University Studies program is designed for students who want to explore academic paths while earning credits toward their degree. University Studies provides a supportive environment where students can work with faculty and academic advisors to identify their personal strengths and career goals as they make an educated decision about which major to declare.
The Department
University Studies is the academic home for exploring students, those who want to explore the degrees and majors offered at MSU prior to declaring, as well as Pre-Med students, Pre-Law students, and the Leadership Certificate. We teach approximately 45 sections of US101US each academic year, along with sections of COMX 111US Intro to Public Speaking, Leadership courses, and several additional 1-credit exploratory and success courses.
In University Studies, we seek to help students develop a connection to MSU, to fellow students, and to the broader community. Through personalized academic advising and engaging instruction, we empower students to explore their interests, clarify their goals, and develop the intellectual skills needed to navigate the opportunities and responsibilities of college life.
The College
Provost/Academic Affairs
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies
Pooled position
Desired Start Date
Review of applications will be on a continual basis and will continue until the position(s) are filled. Applicants will be notified if their application is being retained in the hiring pool for up to two years.
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
Close Date
Applications will be:
Review of applications will be on a continual basis and will continue until the position(s) are filled.
Special Instructions
This position is not eligible for new sponsorship.
Please provide a cover letter that addresses which of these course topics you’re applying to teach, your interest and experience working with college students (particularly first-year or exploring students), your understanding of college student development, and your teaching philosophy.
Review of applications for fall teaching appointments will begin in late March/early April. Screening, interviews, and hiring for fall teaching will continue as needed throughout the summer. Review of applications for spring teaching appointments will begin in October/November, and continue until January, as needed. Review of applications will be on a continual basis and will continue until the position(s) are filled. Applicants are retained in the hiring pool for up to two years.
Please provide a cover letter that addresses which of these course topics you’re applying to teach, your interest and experience working with college students (particularly first-year or exploring students), your understanding of college student development, and your teaching philosophy.
Review of applications for fall teaching appointments will begin in late March/early April. Screening, interviews, and hiring for fall teaching will continue as needed throughout the summer. Review of applications for spring teaching appointments will begin in October/November, and continue until January, as needed. Review of applications will be on a continual basis and will continue until the position(s) are filled. Applicants are retained in the hiring pool for up to two years.
EEO Statement
Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.
FLSA Details
FLSA Determination
FLSA Status
Exempt