Christian Studies and Ministry Faculty 10-month (July 2023)

OUR UNIVERSITY

Ottawa University (established in 1865), one of the oldest private liberal arts universities in the United States, is a multi-campus system serving approximately 4000 students through its campuses in Kansas (Ottawa, Kansas- Residential Campus and Overland Park, Kansas- Adult Programs); Arizona (Surprise Residential Campus and OUAZ Adult Programs); Wisconsin (Brookfield Adult Programs); and our OU ONLINE PROGRAM based out of Overland Park, Kansas.

Ottawa University is a regionally accredited, church-related, private university that strives to integrate faith, learning, and life in the academic experiences of students.

Ottawa University seeks candidates for a full-time Christian Studies and Ministry Faculty position at the Surprise, Arizona campus. This position is responsible for providing engaging and effective instruction in Religion courses along with academic mentoring to undergraduate students. Experience in Philosophy and the Liberal Arts highly desired.

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 FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB (provide list of items which are essential to effective outcomes in this role):

• 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 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 your 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.
• Other duties as assigned

STANDARD UNIVERSITY EXPECTATIONS:

• Model and encourage collaboration among University departments assuring effective communication and operations.
• Understand the University’s policies and, procedures, and exercise good judgment accordingly. Assure that University and student information is managed in a confidential and ethical manner in accordance with the University’s Code of Conduct and Ethics.
• Provide leadership through conduct, attitude, and professionalism. Represent the University to students, external groups, faculty, and staff in a way that reflects positively on the University.
• Be mindful and supportive of the overall Mission of Ottawa University.
• Exercise Inclusivity in your daily actions accruing alignment within expectations of the University’s Diversity Statement.

NOTE

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.

Ottawa University is committed to equal employment opportunity and does not unlawfully discriminate in recruitment or employment on the basis of race, age, sex, color, religion, disability, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Job Qualifications

REQUIRED EDUCATION: (education based on essential job duties and requirements consistent with business necessity): Earned Doctorate preferred. Master’s Degree required.

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 skill.