Renewable Term Faculty Position – Lecturer – University of Oklahoma

Description

University College at the University of Oklahoma invites applications for renewable term faculty for the new general education course “Gateway to Belonging at OU” (GBO). The course is focused on building cultural fluency, understanding our collective experiences and histories, and building an inclusive community. This new course is one of a suite of courses that meet the General Education Core V requirement: First Year Experience. A first-year experience course is required for all incoming first-year and transfer students. This uniform course, that is taught by a team of instructors, will help students gain an understanding of the wide range of perspectives, values, and experiences they and others have, building an intercultural awareness and appreciation of difference that will allow them to interact more effectively with others.

Course Objectives

  • Cultural Fluency: Students will gain an understanding of diverse perspectives from people of different abilities, identities, cultures, and social backgrounds.
  • Critical Thinking: Students will explore how they have formed their opinions and beliefs about themselves and others and determine the difference between beliefs, values, opinions, and facts.
  • Civil Discourse: Students will master practical skills to interact with others of different beliefs and backgrounds and learn that they can disagree with humility and integrity and a willingness to learn from one another.
  • Citizenship: Students will study the important historical dynamics and legacies in the U.S. and abroad, and the ways in which they shape our experience of belonging and community and inform how we engage as global citizens.
  • Community Engagement: Students will discover ways to create a shared vision and values for an inclusive culture with opportunities for all, as well as to practice engagement on campus and in the wider community.

Successful candidates will be appointed as renewable term faculty. The term of the initial appointment is three years, and faculty who meet the appropriate qualification requirements are eligible to be considered for renewal of their appointment. The regular teaching load is 4/4.

We seek candidates who contribute to fostering an inclusive culture in all aspects of their engagement with the campus and community. Successful candidates will have a commitment to excellence in teaching, outstanding teaching credentials, and evidence of teaching practices that promote inclusive classroom environments.

The University of Oklahoma is a Carnegie-R1 comprehensive public research university known for excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement, serving the educational, cultural, economic and healthcare needs of the state, region, and nation from three campuses: the main campus in Norman, the Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City, and the Schusterman Center in Tulsa. OU enrolls over 30,000 students and has more than 2,700 full-time faculty members in 21 colleges. This fall, approximately 25% of OU’s first year undergraduates are first-generation students and 39% of students belong to an underrepresented race/ethnic group. Norman is a culturally rich and vibrant town located in the Oklahoma City metro area. With outstanding schools, amenities, and a low cost of living, Norman is a perennial contender on the “Best Places to Live” rankings.

The University of Oklahoma is committed to achieving a diverse, equitable, and inclusive university community by embracing each person’s unique contributions, background, and perspectives. The University of Oklahoma recognizes that fostering an inclusive environment for all, with particular attention to the needs of historically marginalized populations, is vital to the pursuit of excellence in all aspects of our institutional mission. This enhances the OU experience for all students, faculty, and staff and for the communities we engage.

Qualifications

Required:

  • Doctorate or other relevant terminal degree.
  • Demonstrated knowledge in creating inclusive spaces that promote belonging and growth.
  • Record of excellence in teaching.

Preferred:

  • Demonstrated effectiveness in
    • Creating equitable and inclusive classroom experiences for students
    • Implementing inclusive pedagogies
    • Building community with diverse student populations
    • Cultivating enriching discussions and spurring critical thinking among students
    • Engaging students in learning experiences that take place outside of the classroom;  for example, service learning and immersive experiences

  Application Instructions

Applicants should submit 1) a cover letter briefly describing your interest in the position; 2) current CV; 3) teaching portfolio (see below); and 4) names and contact information for three  references. Candidates should have their terminal degree in hand at time of appointment.

Teaching portfolio must include:

  1. Teaching statement that includes a brief discussion of your teaching goals, methods,  and strategies, and highlights your experience building inclusive teaching environments and cultivating enriching discussions with students (can  include, but is not limited to, syllabi and other course materials from courses you have taught, testimonials from students, a list of relevant workshops and/or trainings attended, etc.).
  • A summary of past teaching positions and courses taught.

Salary

Salary is competitive and commensurate with background.

All application materials should be submitted to Deja Mitchell at Deja.D.Mitchell-1@ou.edu. Inquiries about the position should be addressed to Dr. Adrienne Carter-Sowell at arcartersowell@ou.edu, Director of the Gateway to Belonging at OU course. Review of applications will continue until the positions are filled. Starting date for the position is July 1, 2022. Thank you.