| Position Title: |
Assistant Professor - Department of Interdisciplinary Studies |
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| Location: |
Big Rapids (Main Campus) |
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| Department: |
43100C - Interdisciplinary Studies CO
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| Advertised Salary: |
$67,000-69,500; Salary commensurate with qualifications pursuant to the FFA Agreement. |
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Benefits:
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Comprehensive benefits package (health care, vacation, etc.). Please see the following link for a list of benefits offered with this position.
Faculty Health Benefit Plans
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| FLSA: |
Exempt |
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| Temporary/Continuing: |
Continuing |
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| Part-Time/Full-Time: |
Full-Time |
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| Union Group: |
Ferris Faculty Association (MEA-NEA) |
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| Term of Position: |
9 Month |
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| At Will/Just Cause: |
Just Cause |
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| Summary of Position: |
University College at Ferris State University seeks a diverse group of outstanding applicants for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies position to teach undergraduate courses that emphasize integrative programming, cross-disciplinary learning, and support for students designing individualized academic pathways aligned with their educational and career goals. The role requires developing and delivering innovative integrative curricula that connect multiple fields of study, fostering critical thinking, collaboration, and real-world problem solving. This position will also include advising and mentoring students, contributing to program and course development, and engaging in service to the department, college, and university to advance interdisciplinary teaching and learning.
• Candidates are expected to foster a meaningful learning experience for our students, faculty are expected to be student-oriented, advise, and integrate current technology into the learning environment.
• Additionally, faculty will participate in collaborative efforts to foster curricular efforts, participate in assessment of student learning, and further develop programmatic enhancement.
• Specifically, we expect the candidate to be willing to engage students outside the classroom, support and expand our existing academic initiatives, and be willing to mentor students beyond a traditional academic advising role.
• In support of teaching, candidates will engage in scholarly/professional activities and participate in department, college, and university committees.
• Off-campus and online teaching may be required.
• Courses are to be taught in person on one of Ferris State University's Campuses. The candidate(s) selected for the position must reside in Michigan after acceptance of employment and will perform duties at a Ferris site.
The anticipated start date of this position is August 2026 at the earliest and January 2027 at the latest. However, these are estimated dates and can be revised as needed. |
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| Position Type: |
Faculty - Temporary & Continuing |
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| Required Education: |
This position requires candidates to hold a minimum of a master’s degree in education, reading/English/literacy, career development, special education, or a closely related discipline. Candidates should have demonstrated experience teaching at the college or K-12 level with a strong background in developing and delivering interdisciplinary or integrative coursework. Experience in curriculum design, student advising, and mentoring is highly valued, particularly in promoting flexible academic pathways that address diverse student needs. |
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| Required Work Experience: |
Experience teaching in a college or K-12 setting.
Experience in student advising or mentoring. |
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| Required Licenses and Certifications: |
N/A |
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| Physical Demands: |
- Office Environment
- Sitting
- Standing
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| Additional Education/Experiences to be Considered: |
N/A |
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| Essential Duties/Responsibilities: |
• Teach full-time during the 9-month academic year.
• Teach undergraduate courses in the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies, emphasizing integrative programming, cross-disciplinary learning, and individualized academic pathways aligned with students' educational and career goals.
• Recruitment of students (including Dawg Days, Admitted Student Days, visits to high schools or career tech centers, and other University-outreach events) will occur throughout the academic year and include some Saturdays.
• Serve on program committees and represent the program(s) on College and University committees.
• Collaborate with faculty on curriculum development, assessment, and quality assurance.
• Candidate is expected to teach at the Big Rapids Campus.
• Teach and coordinate elective courses in areas of expertise.
• Collaborate in design and implementation of additional undergraduate and graduate degrees.
• Maintain records and conduct assessment and advising in accordance with policies and procedures developed by the university, college, school, department, and/or program.
• Perform duties in accordance with established University policies.
• Act as liaison between the program and professional organizations through active, individual involvement and, potentially as the program-appointed representative.
• Enthusiastically support student success through active involvement with individual students, student organizations, and student competitions, both within and outside of the classroom.
• Remain current in the profession.
• The position reports to the Department Chair or Director and the Dean.
• Support, promote, and develop University student enrollment and retention initiatives.
• Ferris State University's philosophy places excellence in teaching as the first priority while encouraging involvement in scholarly activity.
• Work with colleagues to develop new curricular initiatives.
• Faculty members also have professional responsibilities which may include advising students, orientation and registration of students, participation in university committees, keeping regular posted office hours (which are scheduled at times convenient for students), and participation in traditional functions which have academic significance (ex. reporting initial student participation data and submitting final grades on time).
• Faculty members may be required to teach off-campus or in an on-line environment.
• Develop and deliver innovative integrative curricula that connect multiple fields of study, fostering critical thinking, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving skills.
• Mentor students in designing flexible, personalized degree plans that address diverse needs and current trends in education and career development.
• Contribute to program and course development, including curriculum design, assessment, and updates to support interdisciplinary teaching and learning.
• Engage in service activities at the department, college, and university levels to advance inclusive learning environments and promote student success.
• Cultivates an environment of belonging that values, respects, supports, and celebrates individual similarities and differences, allowing students, faculty and staff to thrive authentically.
• Support, promote, and develop university student enrollment and retention initiatives.
• Any other duties assigned within the position classification area. |
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| Marginal Duties/Responsibilities: |
Participate in faculty meetings, committees, and professional development opportunities as needed.
Assist with departmental recruitment efforts, such as attending open houses or reviewing applications.
Conduct occasional research or scholarly activities related to interdisciplinary education.
Support special projects or events, including workshops on career development or literacy strategies.
Perform administrative tasks, such as maintaining student records or updating course materials on occasion. |
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| Skills and Abilities: |
Understanding of interdisciplinary curriculum design and integrative programming.
Proven ability to teach and engage college-level students in critical thinking, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving.
Excellent advising and mentoring skills to guide students in developing personalized academic and career pathways.
Proficiency in fostering inclusive learning environments that support diverse student needs and promote student success.
Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, for classroom instruction, student interaction, and professional collaboration.
Knowledge of current trends in education, literacy, career development, and special education practices.
Ability to assess student learning outcomes and contribute to program evaluation and continuous improvement.
Organizational skills for managing course development, service activities, and administrative tasks.
Demonstrated successful experience working directly with people from diverse backgrounds, including cultural, educational, socioeconomic and life experiences. |
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| Required Documents: |
- Cover Letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Unofficial Transcripts
- Teaching Philosophy
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| Optional Documents: |
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| Special Instructions to Applicants: |
Unofficial Transcript 1 (REQUIRED): Applicants must attach a copy of unofficial transcript of Master's degree in Education, Reading/English/ Literacy, Developmental Education, Special Education or related field.
Transcript must include: Institution name, applicant name, date degree attained, degree awarded. Finalist will be required to submit an official transcript. |
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Initial Application Review Date:
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April 6, 2026 |
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| Open Until Position is Filled?: |
No |
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Posting Close Date:
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April 5, 2026 |
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| EEO Statement: |
Ferris State University, an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, is committed to enhancing equity, inclusion, and diversity within its community. Ferris offers employment opportunities to qualified candidates seeking careers in a student-focused environment that values opportunity, collaboration, diversity and educational excellence. Learn more about the Ferris Mission and community at ferris.edu. The University actively seeks applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups. For more information on the University’s Policy on Non-Discrimination, visit: Ferris Non-Discrimination Statement. |
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Click here to learn more about working at FSU and KCAD. |
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