POSITION TITLE: Adjunct Faculty - Biology DEPARTMENT: Biology REPORTS TO: Academic Chair/Department Head STARTING SALARY RANGE: Click on the following link to view the Adjunct Faculty Salary Scale

ANTICIPATED START DATE: August — Fall Semester 2021 SUMMARY This adjunct faculty member is responsible for teaching one or more Biology courses, including lectures and labs. This person will also be expected to maintain lab, equipment and reagent inventories and to assist in the development and revision of courses as needed. This adjunct faculty member will employ a range of suitable strategies to foster student learning, stimulate class discussions and encourage active learning in all students while maintaining proper class-related records, promptly assessing student coursework and apprising students of their progress. The adjunct faculty member is a member of the professional teaching staff that is responsible for effectively implementing the mission of NMC and the Science/Math discipline. The ideal candidate will possess the ability to relate well to a diverse population of learners and meet the criteria of the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Responsibilities may include teaching nights and/or online instruction. There may be a combination of both in-person and online teaching components depending on the course taught. EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATES, AND LICENSES REQUIRED: 

• Master's degree in a science/math area related to the position required, with a bachelor's degree in biology or related field that meets the requirements of the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) for the respective course taught.

 PREFERRED:  

• Master's degree in biology (meeting HLC requirements)
• Two years of college-level teaching experience in biology
• Teaching experience in a science/math-related area
• Teaching experience in online environments

FOUNDATIONAL COMPETENCIES (ESSENTIAL FOR ALL NMC EMPLOYEES):

• Ethical behavior and integrity
• Commitment to quality service, responsible stewardship, continuous improvement
• Agility/adaptability/tolerance for ambiguity
• Accountability/personal responsibility
• Commitment to lifelong learning
• Create/Contribute to a culture of innovation and thoughtful risk-taking
• Collaboration/Teamwork
• Value all people

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (OTHER DUTIES MAY BE ASSIGNED)

PLANNING AND INSTRUCTION: 

• Prepare and deliver instruction to students. 
• Effectively employ a range of suitable strategies to foster student learning. 
• Stimulate class discussions and encourage active learning in all students. 
• Maintain proper class-related records.
• Promptly assess student coursework and apprise students of progress. 
• Demonstrate an interest in using current and emerging technologies in the classroom and/or in online teaching.

 CURRICULUM: 

• Support the academic area and College through other work normally expected of adjunct faculty members.

 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: 

Engage in ongoing professional development activities, maintaining and expanding expertise in the academic field. (College funding may be available to do so.)  Specifically, adjunct faculty members have these responsibilities:

Effectively teach students registered for assigned classes.

Effectively participate in the affairs of the College as necessary to develop and maintain a strong and vibrant instructional institution.

Continuously improve teaching effectiveness through professional growth. For example, adjunct faculty are encouraged to attend, whenever possible, professional development activities sponsored by Northwestern Michigan College's Center for Instructional Excellence.

Prepare appropriate plans, materials, and learning activities for students to reach the learning outcomes of each class.

Present to students, by whatever means is more effective, the information in as imaginative and stimulating a manner as his/her competence and the circumstances permit.

Consult with students individually and/or in groups to; 1) amplify, examine, critique, and/or apply course material to help students efficiently reach learning outcomes; and 2) identify common learning problems of students so the teaching strategies can be appropriately adjusted.

Construct and administer tests, and/or other means, for measuring student learning. Upon evaluating such performance for each instructional period, report a grade for each student to the Records Office by the date due.

Maintain any student records appropriate to regular college procedure and assessment practice.

Use survey forms as designated to obtain evaluation feedback regarding performance. 

Submit appropriate materials to the Vice President or his/her designee. All official college transcripts should be sent to Human Resources.

Attend meetings required by the Vice President, Academic Chair, or their designees.

Contribute ideas and energies to cooperate and actively participate as a team member with colleagues in carrying out activities of the division.

Consult with the Academic Chair, Department Head, or other appropriate college personnel on questions or issues involving course, curricula, instructional strategies, and College procedures and policies.

• Attendance (Instructor)

In the event of the instructor's absence, it is the adjunct instructor's responsibility to notify the Educational Services Office as soon as possible by calling 995-1543.  All class cancellations are posted on the campus TV monitors and the telephone information bulletin board. Extended absences may result in a reduction in the adjunct faculty member's contracted pay.

• Attendance (Student)

It is assumed that regular attendance is necessary for success in any course. While generally it has been accepted that a student should be penalized when the number of absences, due to negligence on the student's part, are in excess of the hours of credit in the course, instructors are permitted to establish attendance regulations for their own classes. Each instructor must determine their own policy at the beginning of each semester and include it in the instructions to the students. All work missed by absence must be made up to the satisfaction of the instructor.

If a student has excessive absences, the instructor should attempt to contact the student regarding the problem and also notify the Academic Chair.

In the event that students or parents report to the Educational Services Office that the student will be absent for an extended period of time because of illness or other unforeseen circumstances, this information will be transmitted to the appropriate instructors.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES OF ADJUNCT FACULTY MEMBERS Each adjunct faculty member is primarily responsible for effectively teaching students in assigned classes. In such assignments, each adjunct faculty instructor is a member of the professional teaching staff, and as such is responsible for effectively implementing the mission of Northwestern Michigan College and the appropriate academic areas. Each member of the adjunct faculty is directly responsible for and is provided resources by, the following: the academic chair(s), the department head(s), and/or the program coordinator(s). The office manager in each academic area is an additional resource to all faculty. Specifically, adjunct faculty members have these responsibilities:

PLANNING

• Distributes to each student, and for each course taught, an approved syllabus that:
• Conveys the goals and outcomes of the course.
• Reflects curriculum adopted by the academic area for said course.
• Establishes and communicates challenging expectations for students.
• Explains the relationship of those expectations to the grading and assessment process.
• Plans thoroughly on a daily, weekly, and semester basis to ensure implementation of the established curriculum and provides strong support for students (in their pursuit of established expectations).

INSTRUCTION

Provides motivation to learn through:

• Thorough planning.
• Enthusiasm for the subject matter.
• An appropriate classroom climate.
• Relevant and current course content.
• The use of varied instructional delivery modes.
• Facilitates and paces instruction effectively to maximize learning.
• Assesses learning goals frequently, using a variety of methods, such as:
• Questioning techniques.
• Oral and/or written tests.
• Student presentations.
• Writing assignments.
• Is available to students for consultation on an as-needed basis. 
• Provides instructional support (e.g., tutoring and support services/special needs) as deemed appropriate.  _For detailed information about these services, contact the Director of Learning Services, at 995-1228. _

PROFESSIONAL GROWTH

• Maintains a current knowledge of the subject area(s) of instruction and effective teaching methodologies.
• Makes good use of professional development opportunities.  _For information on professional development activities available to adjunct faculty, visit www.nmc.edu/cie. _

PROFESSIONAL EXPECTATIONS

• Professional Expertise: Subject Area Mastery
• Places the primary emphasis on student learning in the design, delivery, evaluation, and assessment of courses.
• Demonstrates a continuing engagement with the learning and scholarship of his/her area of specialization.
• Strives to be on the cutting edge of professional content knowledge and methodology.
• Understands and adapts teaching to the various learning styles present in the classroom as demonstrated by the development of course materials and assessment of student learning.
• Understands and practices a variety of teaching strategies.
• Uses innovation in teaching practices to facilitate student learning.
• Designs and implements a course curriculum that reflects the relevance of academic studies to the everyday world.
• Professional Qualities
• Exhibits strong communication skills and serves as a role model for students in this area.
• Strives to foster higher-level learning with an emphasis on analysis, problem-solving and critical thinking.
• Is fully committed to the mission and values of Northwestern Michigan College.
• Possesses a positive attitude including the ability to see good in self and others.
• Shows flexibility including the acceptance of and willingness to change.
• Takes risks and tries new things.
• Knows and acknowledges personal limits.
• Displays self-discipline and a strong work ethic.
• Accepts responsibilities for professional and personal growth.
• Professional Abilities
• Demonstrates success and commitment as a team player.
• Uses constructive feedback as an opportunity for growth.
• Handles conflict effectively.
• Motivates others.
• Professional Relations with Students: Creating a Positive Learning Environment
• Puts students first.
• Sets high expectations for students.
• Resolves to “make a difference” in students’ learning.
• Makes an earnest attempt to learn and remember students’ names.
• Listens to and hears what students say.
• Shows respect for students.
• Shows confidence in students and encourages them to believe they can learn successfully. 
• Professional Expertise: Teaching Methodology
• Provides a clear and comprehensive course syllabus.

ADDITIONAL CONTRACT RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responds to requests (e.g., from academic area chairs, department heads, committee chairs, Records Office) in a timely and thorough manner.
• Communicates with students and college personnel via the College’s electronic mail system (i.e., GroupWise).
• Consults with the academic area chair or other appropriate College personnel on questions or issues involving course curricula, instructional strategies, and College policies and procedures.
• Works constructively and through established channels to resolve problems.
• Meets classes for the scheduled times.
• Notifies the academic area office manager and the Central Scheduling Office (995-1113) as soon as possible if the need to be absent arises.  Absences may result in a reduction in contracted pay.
• Consults the official class roster to assure that all students appearing in class are registered for the class, as students are not permitted to sit in class without being registered.  All students must be registered by the end of the add period. 
• Maintains a paper or electronic record (i.e., spreadsheet or grade book) of each student’s progress and has it available upon request by appropriate College personnel.  Submits a copy of the record to the academic area chair at the conclusion of every semester. Such records must be kept by the college for a period of three years.
• Enters grades online for each student for attendance verification, mid-semester notification and final grades.  Monitors Northwestern Michigan College email for instructions and deadline dates.  _(See pp. 14-15, for more information.) _
• Follows academic area’s established method for obtaining student evaluation feedback regarding instructor performance.
• Treats all members of the College community with dignity and respect.

QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. LANGUAGE SKILLS Ability to read, analyze, and interpret the most complex documents. Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints.  Ability to write speeches and articles using original or innovative techniques or style. Ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to top management, public groups, and/or the Board of Trustees. MATHEMATICAL SKILLS Ability to comprehend and apply principles of calculus, modern algebra, and advanced statistical theory. Ability to work with concepts such as limits, quadratic and differential equations, and proofs of theorems. REASONING ABILITY Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems. Ability to deal with nonverbal symbolism (formulas, scientific equations, graphs, musical notes, etc.,) in its most difficult phases. Ability to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands; and talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee frequently is required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals. The employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, outside weather conditions due to travel between buildings, and risk of electrical shock. The employee is occasionally exposed to extreme cold, extreme heat, and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. BENEFITS All adjunct faculty are required to be part of the Michigan Public Schools Employee Retirement System (MPSERS). Adjunct faculty are eligible to receive tuition benefits during the following academic year based on the contacts taught in the previous academic year. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES May supervise student lab assistants. WORK HOURS This is a part-time position. The work hours may include teaching nights and/or weekends. TO APPLY Open until filled. Please attach a copy of your cover letter, resume, and unofficial transcripts (if possible). Official transcripts will be required of all finalists. Applications must be submitted online at http://www.nmc.edu/jobs. For assistance call (231)995-2612 or e-mail hr@nmc.edu. NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE Northwestern Michigan College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, height, weight, marital status, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities and admissions.  nmc.edu/nondiscrimination Michigan Law requires that a person with a disability or handicap requiring accommodation for employment must notify the employer in writing within 182 days after the need is known.

Required Skills Required Experience

QUALIFICATIONS: 

At least one year of experience in photography and video production in fast-paced environment. It is preferred that candidates have 3 to 5 years of experience and a bachelor’s degree in multimedia production or related studies (photography, television, video or film).

HOW TO APPLY: 

The complete application will include a cover letter, resume and contact information for three professional references. The review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a qualified candidate is selected.

Shenandoah University is committed to enriching its educational experience and culture through the diversity of its faculty, administration, and staff. All candidates are strongly encouraged to include a statement in their cover letters addressing ways in which they may be able to contribute to that commitment.

**Note: A pre-employment background check and drug screen will be required as a condition of hire. If the job requires driving for University business, a satisfactory driving record will be required as well.

At this time, SU is requiring that individuals within certain groups specifically those who have high levels of contact with others at the university or pose a greater risk to our community to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 by August 1 for Fall 2021 or have at least the first dose by June 1 for groups that will be in person this summer (with full vaccination following as soon as possible), unless they have a SU-approved medical or religious exemption

Shenandoah University values the unique and diverse perspectives of individuals and communities locally and globally and seeks to foster mutual understanding in an inviting community where individuals are welcome and respected. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran’s status or on any other basis protected under applicable law.