Position Details

Position Information

Position TypeFaculty, Tenure TrackClassification TitleAssociate ProfessorPosition's Functional TitleAssistant Professor, CommunicationPosition Start Date08/10/2020Position End Date (if temporary)Position Summary

Governors State University (University Park, IL) is a minority-majority institution inviting applications for a tenure track position as an Assistant Professor in Communication to begin in the Fall 2020 semester.

We seek a Communication teacher-scholar who is committed to enhancing our culture of diversity, equity and inclusion and will complement existing faculty strengths. The successful candidate will be a generalist of the communication discipline and will contribute to our program by incorporating research and teaching expertise that benefits our program and student population. We will consider applicants with specialties from across the discipline, but areas of particular interest include critical cultural studies; intercultural communication; and/or strategic communication. Preference will be given to candidates who can also contribute to related minors in Latin American, Caribbean, and Latina/o Studies; Global Studies; and/or an upcoming Black Studies minor. The successful candidate will teach courses in the major’s core such as: Communication & Society, Communication Ethics, Junior Seminar (which serves as an introduction to the Communication discipline), Senior Seminar (a capstone course to prepare students for entering the job market), and Advanced Public Speaking. This position will include teaching responsibilities at both the undergraduate and graduate level, and will also include teaching sections of the basic public speaking course. Candidates should be proficient in their teaching ability and show evidence of the potential for a strong record of scholarship. Candidates should have completed their Ph.D. in Communication or related field by August 15, 2020.

The Communication Program at Governors State University offers an undergraduate (B.A.) degree with concentrations in Human Communication and Strategic Communication. We also offer an interdisciplinary graduate (M.A.) degree in Communication, Media, and Performance. Our faculty are dedicated to advancing the teaching, research, and service missions of the university.

Governors State University is the only regional public comprehensive university in Chicago’s south suburban area, serving more than 5,500 students annually. Since its founding in 1969, GSU has offered accessible, high-value educational opportunities to a culturally diverse student body of first-generation students, returning adults, and veterans. With the lowest undergraduate tuition in Illinois, GSU offers accredited programs that have earned high praise from national accrediting agencies. In 2014, GSU accepted its inaugural class of first-year students as it transitioned from an upper-division and graduate institution into a regional comprehensive university with a state-of-the-art general education program. New faculty at GSU must demonstrate enthusiasm and ability to work with students at all levels, from first-year to graduate.

Through its strategic plan, Vision 2020, GSU emphasizes excellence, access, and innovation. Students benefit from the university’s academic quality, range of convenient class times, increasingly numerous hybrid and online offerings, and outstanding educational value. Our innovative lower-division program uses high-impact practices to foster student engagement with ethics, citizenship, and innovative thinking. Every first-year class is taught by a full-time faculty member to ensure that students have a strong foundation for their studies. GSU is a national leader in successful transfer of community college students to universities, and is leading through the Kresge-supported Dual Degree Program, with features such as tuition lock-in at GSU for academically eligible community college students who commit to earn an Associate Degree and attend college full-time. GSU offers a wide variety of master’s programs and several applied doctoral degrees in health, counseling fields, and Interdisciplinary Leadership.

GSU’s 750-acre campus encompasses the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park yet is conveniently located within easy reach of Chicago and surrounding communities with a wealth of cultural and natural attractions. The highly diverse region GSU serves has a number of high-performing schools and engaged communities as well as struggling urban, suburban, and rural communities. GSU serves as a public square, working to foster educational opportunities for all populations.

It is the policy of Governors State University, in its role as educator, employer, and purchaser of goods and services, to provide equal opportunity and affirmative action. Discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status is strictly prohibited.

Salary and benefits package are commensurate with education and experience.

Minimum Qualifications

1.Ph.D. in Communication or closely related discipline by August 16, 2020.
2.Ability to complement the program’s strengths.
3.Ability to teach a broad range of courses in the core curriculum.
4.Evidence of proficiency in teaching ability.
5.Evidence of potential for strong record of scholarship.

Preferred Qualifications

1.Experience with non-traditional, first-generation, and/or traditionally underserved student populations.
2.Ability to contribute to related minors in Latin American, Caribbean, and Latina/o Studies; Global Studies; and/or an upcoming Black Studies minor.
3.Experience with teaching online courses.
4.Teaching experience at a graduate level.
5.Demonstrated record of scholarship through publication and conference presentations.
6.Demonstrated ability to infuse course content with scholarship related to underrepresented and marginalized groups.

Posting Date07/10/2019Closing DateOpen Until FilledYesPosting NumberFA0265PType of SearchExternalQuicklink for Postinghttp://employment.govst.edu/postings/4557Employee IDDepartmentSpecial Instructions to Applicants

To apply, applicants should submit a curriculum vitae, cover letter, unofficial transcripts, statement of teaching philosophy, and list of professional references by October 1, 2019 to receive full consideration, although applications will be accepted until the position is filled. References will only be contacted prior to candidate interviews.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * What is the highest level of education attained?
   • GED
   • High School Diploma
   • Associates Degree
   • Bachelors Degree
   • Masters Degree
   • Doctorate Degree
   • ABD
2. * What academic discipline did you earn your degree(s) in?

   (Open Ended Question)

3. * Do you have experience teaching at the college/university level?
   • yes
   • no
4. * Do you have experience in developing and/or teaching online (web-based) courses?
   • No
   • No but interested and able to do so
   • Yes I have taught online courses
   • Yes I have developed online courses
   • Yes, I have developed and taught online courses

Required DocumentsRequired Documents

1. Cover Letter
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. Teaching Philosophy
4. Transcripts
5. List of References

Optional Documents

1. Other
2. Other2
3. Other3
4. Other4
5. Letter of Recommendation