What are the responsibilities and job description for the First Year Seminar (FYS) 101 Lead Instructor position at Syracuse University?
Job Description
First Year Seminar Lead Instructors will work in conjunction with an undergraduate Peer Leader to instruct a section of FYS 101, which is comprised of approximately 19 first-year and transfer students for the duration of the fall 2026 semester. The course is anchored around transitioning to college and creating a sense of belonging within the Syracuse University and greater Syracuse community.
Lead Instructors will be provided with a course guide, Blackboard Course Shell, training, and ongoing support throughout the duration of FYS 101. Throughout the fall 2026 semester, Lead Instructors will meet with their Peer Leader outside of class hours for course planning. Lead Instructors are invited and encouraged to attend, campus events and activities relative to the first-year experience.
Candidate is expected to work in-person for this position. Remote accommodations will not be considered.
Please use this Qualtrics link to apply for this job:
https://syracuseuniversity.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3K6tPXSvOl5GakS
Education and Experience
Not Applicable
Tools/Equipment
Not Applicable
Application Instructions
Complete The Survey Using The Following Link
https://syracuseuniversity.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3K6tPXSvOl5GakS
PLEASE NOTE THAT ONLY APPLICATIONS RECEIVED ON QUALTRICS WILL BE REVIEWED.
About Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.
The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.
About The Syracuse Area
Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.
EEO Statement
Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.
Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans
Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.
Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community
Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.
First Year Seminar Lead Instructors will work in conjunction with an undergraduate Peer Leader to instruct a section of FYS 101, which is comprised of approximately 19 first-year and transfer students for the duration of the fall 2026 semester. The course is anchored around transitioning to college and creating a sense of belonging within the Syracuse University and greater Syracuse community.
Lead Instructors will be provided with a course guide, Blackboard Course Shell, training, and ongoing support throughout the duration of FYS 101. Throughout the fall 2026 semester, Lead Instructors will meet with their Peer Leader outside of class hours for course planning. Lead Instructors are invited and encouraged to attend, campus events and activities relative to the first-year experience.
Candidate is expected to work in-person for this position. Remote accommodations will not be considered.
Please use this Qualtrics link to apply for this job:
https://syracuseuniversity.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3K6tPXSvOl5GakS
Education and Experience
- Master’s degree or higher from accredited institution; bachelor’s degree with experience in group facilitation and/or teaching considered.
- Must have training, facilitation, research and/or leadership experience, in creating inclusive environments, or have been a Lead Facilitator for SEM 100 or Lead Instructor for FYS 101 in the past.
- Completion of FYS Lead Instructor training Held in Summer 2026.
- Current Syracuse University faculty, staff, or graduate students without assistantships.
- The Graduate School will determine graduate students’ eligibility for the FYS 101 Lead Instructor position.
- Approval by the Lead Instructor’s supervisor or department chair is required.
- Attending required training and ongoing workshops offered to support instructors prior to and during the fall 2026 semester.
- Leading a group of 19 first-year and transfer students through discussions around students’ sense of belonging on campus.
- Demonstrating an ability to engage students in discussions around their identity, creating a sense of belonging on campus, and engaged citizenship.
- Teach FYS 101 weekly throughout the fall 2026 semester and support students during the school/college weeks of FYS 101.
- Meet with Peer Leader for class planning and preparation.
- Utilizing Blackboard Ultra to manage course materials and assignment grading for students. Communicating with students via email, Blackboard and/or other channels.
- Promptly grading student assignments.
- Attending some additional campus events at which FYS 101 students will be attending and required to reflect upon and discuss further.
- Submit attendance weekly through Orange Success.
- Must be able to work on campus.
Not Applicable
Tools/Equipment
Not Applicable
Application Instructions
Complete The Survey Using The Following Link
https://syracuseuniversity.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3K6tPXSvOl5GakS
PLEASE NOTE THAT ONLY APPLICATIONS RECEIVED ON QUALTRICS WILL BE REVIEWED.
About Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.
The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.
About The Syracuse Area
Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.
EEO Statement
Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.
Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans
Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.
Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community
Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.