Assistant Professor — BIOLOGY

OPENING FOR FALL 2023

Ottawa University, SURPRISE, ARIZONA CAMPUS

Ottawa University Surprise, Arizona Campus (OUAZ) invites candidates for a full-time, 10-month BIOLOGY Faculty position. Faculty rank will be dependent on experience and credentials. Position is responsible for providing a high quality and engaging instruction and academic mentoring to undergraduates; for developing, assessing, and assuring excellent pedagogy and curriculum design, both within the discipline and in contributions to the Liberal Arts core program; for promoting student achievement and academic integrity on behalf of the University; and for collaboration with support services provided through units such as the Adawe Center and for collaboration with support services provided through campus units. Academic program development for program currency, growth, retention, and recruitment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Teaching Load: Approximately 10 courses per year (with the potential addition of two directed studies or small courses*). For undergraduate faculty, a primary course load will be in Liberal Arts Studies (LAS) core courses, in addition to courses within preparation discipline, to be determined in collaboration with the local Academic Dean.
• Teaching Standards: Responsible for maintaining rigor and currency in classroom and online teaching by employing creative teaching methods, exhibiting awareness and understanding of best practices in adult education through application, and remaining current with curriculum and instructional approaches in both liberal arts and one’s academic discipline.
• Curriculum: Maintain awareness of contemporary trends and evolving knowledge within one’s academic discipline and in the liberal arts through research, creative work, writing, conference attendance, public presentations, and other involvement in the regional and national community of higher education professionals.
• Advising: Attend to student needs and concerns, and work with each student’s advising team members to identify and develop opportunities for each individual learner. Collaborate as needed in scheduling courses, addressing academic concerns, and supporting efforts in retention.
• Assessment: Collaborate in assessment of the academic needs of the University and students in analyzing needs, developing curriculum, and recommending changes necessary to support effective online course delivery.
• Community Work: Serve as a coordinator for grievance committees, as directed by the Academic Dean. Participate in university-wide committee work, including on-going committees, program assessments, task-oriented committees or task forces, and other projects or committees as requested.
• Participation: Faculty are expected to engage productively with students and colleagues as well as be present as expected to participate with student recruiting and retention activities, as well as
  o Actively support the university mission.
  o Encourage the spiritual and personal growth of our students.
  o Collaborate constructively with faculty and administrative colleagues.
  o Engage productively with and serve on standing faculty or special task forces as these may be convened.
  o Engage in regular professional development and scholarly activities to ensure the relevance of course materials and delivery methods.
  o Actively contribute to the vitality of the Ottawa University community as you exemplify what it means to lead your personal life of significance.
• Adjunct & Faculty Search: Participate in the interview process, orientation, mentoring, and development of online full-time and adjunct faculty, including training and serving as mentor for an identified group of adjunct faculty.
• Faculty Shared Governance: Participate in unit and university-wide shared governance, including participation in routine and planned dialogue related to academic issues, serving as a voting member of the Ottawa Faculty assembly, and as a faculty member within the appropriate School, and as a faculty of the local faculty
• As key members of our academic community, faculty are expected to abide by all rules and regulations contained in the University Faculty Handbook and the University Employment Policies Handbook. This information is available and open for reading or examination at any time.
• Professional Development: In collaboration with the Faculty Development Committee, develop and lead Online Faculty Professional Development sessions focused on teaching strategies, effective grading practices, and the integration of instructional technology

Founded in 1865, Ottawa University (www.ottawa.edu) is a not-for-profit, comprehensive university affiliated with the American Baptist Churches USA. The University’s traditional campuses are located in Ottawa, Kansas and Surprise, Arizona. In addition to the traditional campuses, Ottawa University offers innovative, flexible adult education programs for both the bachelors and graduate level at its campuses located within the United States and through online degree programs throughout the U.S. Ottawa University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

Building on its foundation as a Christ-inspired community of grace and open inquiry, Ottawa University prepares professional and liberal arts graduates for lifetimes of personal significance, vocational fulfillment, and service to God and humanity. The University’s Code of Conduct and Ethics interprets this mission as it applies to the everyday decisions, behaviors and actions of those within the community. All members of the Ottawa University Community are responsible for sustaining the highest ethical standards of the University, and of the broader communities in which it functions.

Ottawa University celebrates and prizes the diversity of its students, faculty, staff and Board of Trustees. In keeping with its Mission Statement, the University is called to actively foster an environment of awareness, appreciation, and intentional inclusivity. We are particularly interested in receiving applications from members of underrepresented groups and strongly encourage them to apply.

A completed Application for Employment is required at http://www.ottawa.edu/Careers as a part of the application process. Candidates must also submit a cover letter, CV/resume, teaching philosophy, and the contact information for three professional references to complete the application for employment. Additional information can be emailed to ouhr@ottawa.edu .

REQUIRED EDUCATION: (education based on essential job duties and requirements consistent with business necessity): Earned Doctorate preferred. Master’s Degree required. Applicants with a terminal degree will be considered for a tenure-track appointment.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE: (experience based on requirements in role and are consistent with business necessity) Three years higher education experience, preferably in a residential campus, liberal arts setting

ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: List required and/or preferred certification, industry specific requirements, required or preferred use of equipment, and all necessary job skills, abilities, and knowledge competencies) Provide a list of items below:

• Ability to work collaboratively with fellow faculty, both at the OUAZ and University-wide, and with units that support student life and academic achievement.
• Proven ability to teach effectively in an undergraduate classroom;
• Ability to be flexible in adjusting to and responding to both student and local university needs and concerns; and
• Proven interpersonal and communication skills.