Adjunct Instructor - Journalism and Mass Communication

Abilene Christian University•Abilene, TX

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Journalism and Mass Communication at ACU invites applications for adjunct instructors to teach undergraduate courses in journalism, mass communication, and related professional fields. Courses may be taught face-to-face, online, or in a hybrid format. Adjunct instructors are expected to provide high-quality instruction grounded in current academic knowledge, professional practices, and ethical standards, helping students develop the necessary knowledge, critical-thinking abilities, and practical communication skills for success in journalism, media, and communication-related industries. Teaching assignments can cover a range of subjects including reporting, media law and ethics, digital media, multimedia production, broadcast journalism, advertising, public relations, strategic communication, social media, visual communication, and film/video production. Appointments are made on a course-by-course and semester-by-semester basis, dependent on enrollment, curricular needs, and applicant qualifications. An adjunct appointment does not guarantee future employment or specific teaching assignments.

Requirements

A master’s degree in journalism, mass communication, communication, media studies, or a closely related discipline from an accredited institution; OR a master’s degree in another field with at least 18 graduate credit hours in the teaching discipline; OR a combination of academic preparation and substantial professional experience that the university determines to be appropriate for the assigned course.
Demonstrated knowledge or professional expertise in the subject area to be taught.
Effective written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
The ability to organize course content, meet deadlines, and maintain accurate academic records.
The ability to work effectively with undergraduate students from varied backgrounds and levels of preparation.
The ability and willingness to use instructional technology and the university’s learning management system.
Must be a professing Christian and willing to support the Christian mission of ACU.

Nice To Haves

A terminal degree in journalism, mass communication, communication, or a related field (Ph.D. or M.F.A.).
Previous college-level teaching experience.
Professional experience in journalism, broadcasting, digital media, film and video production, advertising, public relations, strategic communication, social media, sports media, or a related field.
Experience teaching online or hybrid courses.
Familiarity with contemporary media technologies, professional software, and digital publishing platforms.
Evidence of effective teaching, such as student evaluations, peer observations, course materials, or teaching awards.
Experience mentoring students or supervising professional, creative, or experiential-learning projects.
A record of professional, creative, or scholarly accomplishment relevant to the teaching assignment.

Responsibilities

Teach assigned undergraduate courses in accordance with approved course descriptions, learning outcomes, departmental expectations, and university policies.
Develop or adapt syllabi, course schedules, assignments, instructional materials, and assessments appropriate to the assigned course.
Prepare and deliver organized, engaging, and academically rigorous instruction in face-to-face, online, or hybrid learning environments.
Incorporate relevant professional practices, technologies, ethical principles, and contemporary issues into course instruction.
Clearly communicate course requirements, grading standards, deadlines, and expectations to students.
Evaluate student performance through assignments, examinations, projects, presentations, portfolios, or other appropriate forms of assessment.
Provide students with substantive, constructive, and timely feedback.
Maintain accurate records of attendance, grades, and student performance.
Submit grades, attendance reports, and other required documentation by established university deadlines.
Maintain regular communication with students and respond to student questions within a reasonable period.
Establish and communicate appropriate office hours or other opportunities for student consultation.
Create an inclusive, respectful, and academically responsible learning environment.
Identify and refer students to appropriate university resources when academic or personal concerns affect their performance.
Use the university’s learning management system and other required instructional technologies.
Protect student privacy and comply with applicable university policies and legal requirements, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
Communicate regularly with the department chair, program director, or designated course coordinator regarding course progress, student concerns, and instructional needs.
Participate in orientation, training, assessment, or departmental meetings when required.
Support departmental and university efforts related to student learning, program assessment, academic integrity, and continuous improvement.
Perform other instructional duties reasonably associated with the assigned course.
Maintain an organized and accessible online course site (for online courses).
Provide regular instructor presence through announcements, discussions, feedback, recorded materials, or other forms of interaction (for online courses).
Communicate clearly regarding weekly expectations, assignments, and deadlines (for online courses).
Respond to student communications within the timeframe established by the department or university (for online courses).
Follow university standards for online course design, accessibility, and student engagement (for online courses).
Complete any required online-teaching orientation or certification (for online courses).