Adjunct Instructor - Journalism and Mass Communication

Abilene Christian University•Abilene, TX

18h

About The Position

The Department of Journalism and Mass Communication at Abilene Christian University invites applications for adjunct instructors to teach undergraduate courses in journalism, mass communication, and related professional fields. Courses may be delivered face-to-face, online, or in a hybrid format, depending on departmental needs. Teaching assignments may include introductory or specialized courses in journalism, reporting and writing, media law and ethics, digital media, multimedia production, broadcast journalism, sports media, advertising, public relations, strategic communication, social media, visual communication, film and video production, or other areas aligned with the instructor’s academic preparation and professional experience. Adjunct instructors provide high-quality instruction grounded in current academic knowledge, professional practice, and ethical standards. They help students develop knowledge, critical-thinking abilities, and practical communication skills for academic success and professional work in journalism, media, and communication-related industries. Appointments are made course by course and semester by semester based on enrollment, curricular needs, and applicant qualifications; an appointment does not guarantee future employment or a particular teaching assignment. Adjunct instructors are part-time employees appointed to teach one or more courses during a designated academic term. Assignments, delivery formats, and schedules are determined by departmental needs and may include daytime, evening, or online instruction. Compensation is based on the number of courses or credit hours taught and applicable university policies. Continued appointment depends on satisfactory performance, student enrollment, funding, departmental need, and compliance with university policies and procedures. ACU is affiliated with the fellowship of the Church of Christ. Employees must be professing Christians and willing to support ACU’s Christian mission.

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 academic preparation combined with substantial professional experience determined by the university 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.
Ability to organize course content, meet deadlines, and maintain accurate academic records.
Ability to work effectively with undergraduate students from varied backgrounds and levels of preparation.
Ability and willingness to use instructional technology and the university’s learning management system.
Profess a Christian faith and be willing to support ACU’s Christian mission.
Ability to use a computer and standard instructional, communication, and learning-management technologies.
Ability to communicate effectively in classroom and online settings.
Ability to remain stationary or move within a classroom or instructional facility for reasonable periods.
Ability to operate or supervise media-production equipment when required by the assigned course.
Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

A terminal degree in journalism, mass communication, communication, or a related field, such as a 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.
Knowledge of current developments, professional expectations, and ethical issues within journalism and mass communication.
Ability to translate professional or scholarly expertise into effective undergraduate instruction and connect theory with professional practice.
Skill in evaluating student work fairly and consistently and providing constructive feedback.
Professional judgment, dependability, attention to detail, collegiality, commitment to academic integrity and student learning, and ability to adapt instruction to course formats and student needs.

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 for assigned courses.
Prepare and deliver organized, engaging, and academically rigorous instruction in face-to-face, online, or hybrid environments.
Incorporate relevant professional practices, technologies, ethical principles, and contemporary issues into instruction.
Communicate course requirements, grading standards, deadlines, and expectations clearly to students.
Assess student performance through appropriate assignments, examinations, projects, presentations, portfolios, or other methods.
Provide substantive, constructive, and timely feedback to students.
Maintain accurate attendance, grade, and student-performance records and submit required documentation by university deadlines.
Communicate regularly with students and respond to questions within a reasonable period.
Establish and communicate office hours or other opportunities for student consultation.
Create an inclusive, respectful, and academically responsible learning environment.
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 university policies and applicable legal requirements, including FERPA.
Communicate with the department chair, program director, or designated course coordinator regarding course progress, student concerns, and instructional needs.
Participate in required orientation, training, assessment, or departmental meetings.
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.
For online courses, maintain an organized and accessible course site; provide regular instructor presence; communicate weekly expectations, assignments, and deadlines; respond to student communications within established timeframes; follow online-course standards for design, accessibility, and engagement; and complete required online-teaching orientation or certification.