About the role
Position Title
Adjunct Instructor - Political Science (Part-time, Temporary)
Location
Big Rapids (Main Campus)
Department
33600 - Social Sciences
Advertised Salary
$1,458 per credit hour; Salary commensurate with qualifications pursuant to the FSU and FNTFO/AFT Agreement.
Benefits
Comprehensive benefit package (health care, vacation, etc.). Please see the following link for a list of benefits offered with this position.
Adjunct Faculty
FLSA
Exempt
Temporary/Continuing
Temporary
Part-Time/Full-Time
Part-Time
Union Group
Ferris Nontenure-Track Faculty Organization (FNTFO) (AFT)
Term of Position
As Needed
At Will/Just Cause
Just Cause
Summary of Position
The Social and Behavioral Sciences Department in the College of Arts, Sciences and Education seeks applicants to provide instruction for a variety of face-to-face and online Political Sciences courses on the Big Rapids, MI campus. Needs vary from semester to semester and may include introductory courses on American Government and other Political Science courses as determined by instructor qualification and departmental needs.
This is a pooled position. One or more applicants may be hired as needed to teach classes on a semester-by-semester basis.
Courses are to be taught in person on one of Ferris State's sites. The candidate(s) selected for the position must reside in Michigan by the first day of employment and will perform duties at a Ferris site.
The anticipated start dates for these positions are August 2026 or January 2027, depending on departmental needs.
The selected candidate for this position must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire without employer assistance or sponsorship now or in the future. The university will not assist with any F1 EAD’s, OPT, H1B, etc.
Position Type
Faculty - Temporary & Continuing
Required Education
Master's degree in Political Science
Required Work Experience
Higher education teaching experience
Required Licenses and Certifications
Physical Demands
- Office Environment
- Bending
- Carrying
- Moving
- Reaching
- Sitting
- Repetitive movement
- Standing
Additional Education/Experiences to be Considered
Ph.D. in Political Science.
At least two years of higher education teaching experience and some on-line teaching experience.
Essential Duties/Responsibilities
Teaching a variety of Political Science courses as determined by instructor specialty and department needs.
Provide up-to-date coursework and course-related materials.
Maintain a safe and engaging learning environment.
Keep office hours at times convenient for students.
Meet with classes at their scheduled times.
Effective teaching by way of good communication, assessment of student learning, and adaptation to various levels of student preparation.
Carry out teaching and professional development responsibilities under the supervision of the Social Sciences Department Chair and the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences (or their designee).
Responsibilities include maintaining the confidentiality of designated information and performing duties in compliance with applicable laws, policies and procedures.
Faculty members also have professional responsibilities which may include but are limited to: keeping regularly scheduled office hours (at times convenient for students), and participation in traditional functions (e.g., reporting initial student participation data and submitting final grades on time). Faculty may be required to teach off-campus or online.
Carries out responsibilities in accordance with university policies and applicable laws.
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.
Marginal Duties/Responsibilities
Skills and Abilities
Ability to travel to teaching assignments and events during both day and evening hours.
Ability to provide structured learning experiences utilizing official course learning outcomes.
Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary team setting.
Ability to work effectively with diverse groups.
Effective interpersonal skills.
Demonstrated successful experience working directly with people from diverse backgrounds, including cultural, educational, and socioeconomic, and life experiences.
Required Documents
- Cover Letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Unofficial Transcript 1
- Teaching Philosophy
Optional Documents
2nd transcript of Ph.D. coursework and/or degree, if applicable
Special Instructions to Applicants
Unofficial Transcript 1 (REQUIRED): Applicants must attach a copy of unofficial transcript of Master’s Degree.
Unofficial Transcript 2 (OPTIONAL): Applicants should attach a copy of unofficial transcript of Ph.D., if applicable.
Transcript must include: Institution name, applicant name, date degree attained, degree awarded. Finalist will be required to submit an official transcript.
Initial Application Review Date
August 3, 2026
Open Until Position is Filled?
No
Posting Close Date
January 30, 2027
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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