Join a vibrant campus community whose excellence is reflected in its diversity and student success. The Department of Communication and Media invites applicants for a full-time, tenure-track, Assistant Professor and Forensics Director for our nationally competitive speech & debate team. The position will begin in August 2023.
West Chester University, a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, is a public, comprehensive institution committed to offering high-quality undergraduate education, selected post-baccalaureate and graduate programs, and a variety of educational and cultural resources for its students, alumni, and citizens of southeastern Pennsylvania. The University offers more than 100 graduate and undergraduate programs in the sciences and mathematics, business and public management, arts and humanities, health sciences, education and social work, music, and interdisciplinary studies. We are a community of educators dedicated to developing graduates who succeed personally and professionally and contribute to the common good.
The College of Arts and Humanities, home of the Department of Communication and Media, is dedicated to fostering creativity, curiosity, civic engagement, and critical thinking through a rich liberal arts curriculum that instills a capacity for productive action. The department’s faculty are active scholars and professionals who love teaching and are committed to student success, diversity, and ethical communication.
The primary responsibility of the incumbent is to direct the department’s regionally and nationally recognized speech & debate program. The ideal candidate’s experience, substantive specializations, and pedagogical training will serve to strengthen the department’s mission and vision. The faculty member will demonstrate attention to the learning and teaching needs of the students. Teach undergraduate and/or graduate courses offered in-person and online in both synchronous and asynchronous formats. Collaborate with other departmental faculty and staff. The typical course load involves teaching two courses per semester in Argumentation and Public Speaking.
RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
-Teach undergraduate courses in the area of Argumentation and Public Speaking. Additional courses within area of specialization may be assigned based on departmental needs.
-Direct the forensic program.
-Travel with students to competitions and tournaments.
-Supervise and mentor graduate assistants.
-Manage the budget, fund-raising, and alumni relations.
-Engage in scholarly activities such as research, presentations, and publications.
-Serve the University and the community through participation in various committees.
-Mentoring and advising students.
-Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
-Ph.D. in Communication Studies or related field of study, from an accredited university. (ABD may be considered. Must be completed before August 2023).
-At least 3 years of demonstrated leadership and/or experience in competitive intercollegiate forensics.
-Demonstrated ability to teach at college level.
-Valid driver’s license with a safe driving record.
Preferred Qualifications
-Experience developing course curriculum.
-Ability to develop specialized courses in communications and media.
-Experience teaching in different modalities or use of flipped pedagogies.
Special Instructions
-Apply online at https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/wcupa. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
-Review of applications will begin in September 2022 and continue until the position has been filled.
Finalist must successfully complete an interview, teaching demonstration, and research presentation.
Required Documents for Consideration
To be considered as an applicant for this position, please submit the following:
-Cover letter (describe fit for position and scholarly agenda).
-Curriculum vitae (specify courses taught).
-Evidence of teaching effectiveness (such as student class evaluations and peer or supervisor observations).
-List of three references with contact information.
-Unofficial graduate transcripts (official transcripts will be required at a later date).
-Diversity statement (see below)
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
West Chester University has joined EAB’s Moon Shot initiative for Equity in Higher education. This initiative is designed to support faculty, students, and staff who are typically excluded and therefore are underrepresented. As part of your application for a tenure-track faculty position, we request a Diversity Statement. This request highlights our department's commitment to promote diversity and inclusiveness and to cultivate a campus environment that welcomes all. This commitment reflects the Diversity Theme of West Chester University's Strategic Plan and supports initiatives of our Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (WCU Diversity Equity Inclusion). We expect that each applicant's statement will be unique, as informed by their own experiences and goals. Some topics you might address in a 1-2-page statement include the following: (1) How have you supported diversity and inclusion in your interactions with others in classroom and research environments? (2) What have you done to help students from diverse communities (such as underrepresented minorities, non-traditional, LGBTQ, veteran, rural, and/or first generation) succeed, including any programs for these students in which you have participated? (3) Describe your commitment to working toward achieving equity and enhancing diversity at WCU. How might you contribute to our current diversity initiatives, and do you have any other ideas to help promote equity on our campus?
All offers of employment are subject to and contingent upon satisfactory completion of all preemployment criminal background checks.
Developing and sustaining a diverse faculty and staff advances West Chester University’s educational mission and strategic Plan for Excellence. West Chester University is an Affirmative Action – Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.