Full-Time Faculty, Astronomy

NWACC

About The Position

NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) provides quality and affordable higher education to empower lives and strengthen communities within Northwest Arkansas and surrounding areas. As the largest community college in Arkansas, NWACC is recognized as a leader in education. NWACC offers a full range of associate degrees, certificates and workforce training programs that prepare students for rewarding futures and careers. NWACC employees are dedicated to fostering a diverse educational community and cultural learning environment that supports student success. Faculty members serve multiple roles as teachers, mentors, colleagues, and scholars. Full-time faculty are expected not only to excel in classroom instruction but also to fulfill various responsibilities as active members of the college and the northwest Arkansas community. Essential Duties: The following list of duties applies to a full-time NWACC faculty member. Please note that this faculty position includes a combination of teaching and administrative or service duties, as noted below. (Refer to Faculty Workload Policy 5009.) 15 teaching load hours as defined in the faculty workload policy 10 clock hours of class preparation/evaluations Some combination of the following that equals 15 clock hours Class related office hours General student development services Three “committee” hours a week (“Committee” is defined broadly as committee work, club sponsorship, work on advisory boards, tutoring, etc. This would be considered the faculty member’s service to the college.) Instruction: Facilitate student learning, provide effective instruction, and perform evaluations of student learning for all assigned classes, using each course's standard course outline as a guide. The standard teaching load for full-time faculty teaching credit courses is 15 load hours per semester during the nine-month employment period. Furthermore, this faculty position may include a combination of teaching and administrative or service duties. On occasion, faculty may receive a reduced instructional load to complete other duties related to the function of the college. Each semester's instructional load will be assigned by the faculty member's supervisor, which will be determined by the nature of the position, the needs of the department, and workload guidelines established by college policy. (Policy 5009) Develop course curriculum, course handouts, lectures, labs, and presentations. Participate in program level learning assessment. Participation includes helping articulate learning outcomes, choosing, and administering measures, evaluating student performance, and suggesting changes to improve student learning. Work with other faculty and administrators in developing program curriculum, standards, and policies, including reviewing and participating in textbook selection process where appropriate. Schedule, supervise, debrief, and evaluate students in clinical, internship, observation, field experience, and similar settings as appropriate for the course or program. Be available to meet with students. The method of contact and hours of availability should be clearly communicated to supervisors and to students through the course syllabus each semester. Assign grades, maintain course/student records in accordance with FERPA regulations, and submit grades and records by established deadlines. Meet all classes and other scheduled responsibilities, such as office hours and meetings at the designated times. A faculty member should inform the supervisor if he or she is unable to meet a class on time. Teach courses by alternative delivery methods as needed. The teaching load could include teaching at other facilities in Benton or Washington County and/or during the evenings or weekends. Teaching assignments will depend on the program, the course, and the needs of the students. Tutor at facilities in both Benton and Washington Counties. Tutor during day, afternoon, night, and/or weekend. Attend departmental, divisional, and college-wide meetings. Professional Development: The following are examples of what may be considered professional development. Some of these may be required based on the nature of the program, division, and/or college policy. Participate in faculty evaluation process. Remain current in academic or program discipline, including attending professional conferences and maintaining licensure, certification, or continuing education requirements where appropriate. Receive training or stay current in technological or pedagogical advances that promote student learning. Participate in college professional development activities. Service to the College: The following are examples of what may be considered service to the college. Some of these may be required based on the nature of the program, division, and/or college policy. Serve on standing and ad hoc committees, programmatic advisory boards, hiring committees, or faculty senate (“Committee” is defined broadly as committee work, club sponsorship, work on advisory boards, tutoring, etc.). Attend local, regional, state, or national meetings where required or necessary for the discipline. Mentor and/or assist in orienting new faculty either formally or informally. Serve as a liaison for Early College Experience faculty. Attend commencement or other ceremonies appropriate to the faculty member's discipline or program. Perform other academically related duties as assigned by the instructor's supervisor. Participate in faculty business meetings and forums. Participate in community and other educational activities outside of the college to promote and market the college, programs, and/or students and graduates. An activity or assignment is not considered service to the college if the faculty member receives a stipend, release time, or other additional payment or benefit for their participation. However, reimbursement for, or payment of, incurred travel/business expenses, pursuant to College policy and/or Federal or State regulation, is allowed. Other duties as assigned: Faculty may have other duties assigned based on the requirements for courses, degrees, certificates, and accrediting bodies.

Requirements

Master’s Degree or higher in Astronomy
Master’s degree or higher in Space and Planetary Sciences
Master’s degree or higher in another science discipline with these additional classes: 2 Astronomy or Planetary Science courses, College Physics, College Chemistry, and College Algebra (Calculus is preferred)
Knowledge of the organization and administration of various higher education academic and social programs
Knowledge of campus and community resources
Knowledge of state, federal, and campus rules, regulations, and requirements related to campus academic and social programs
Ability to coordinate the activities of campus academic and/or social programs
Ability to evaluate collected information and formulate into recommendations
Ability to compile information into report form

Responsibilities

Facilitate student learning, provide effective instruction, and perform evaluations of student learning for all assigned classes, using each course's standard course outline as a guide.
Develop course curriculum, course handouts, lectures, labs, and presentations.
Participate in program level learning assessment.
Work with other faculty and administrators in developing program curriculum, standards, and policies, including reviewing and participating in textbook selection process where appropriate.
Schedule, supervise, debrief, and evaluate students in clinical, internship, observation, field experience, and similar settings as appropriate for the course or program.
Be available to meet with students.
Assign grades, maintain course/student records in accordance with FERPA regulations, and submit grades and records by established deadlines.
Meet all classes and other scheduled responsibilities, such as office hours and meetings at the designated times.
Teach courses by alternative delivery methods as needed.
Tutor at facilities in both Benton and Washington Counties.
Attend departmental, divisional, and college-wide meetings.
Participate in faculty evaluation process.
Remain current in academic or program discipline, including attending professional conferences and maintaining licensure, certification, or continuing education requirements where appropriate.
Receive training or stay current in technological or pedagogical advances that promote student learning.
Participate in college professional development activities.
Serve on standing and ad hoc committees, programmatic advisory boards, hiring committees, or faculty senate
Attend local, regional, state, or national meetings where required or necessary for the discipline.
Mentor and/or assist in orienting new faculty either formally or informally.
Serve as a liaison for Early College Experience faculty.
Attend commencement or other ceremonies appropriate to the faculty member's discipline or program.
Perform other academically related duties as assigned by the instructor's supervisor.
Participate in faculty business meetings and forums.
Participate in community and other educational activities outside of the college to promote and market the college, programs, and/or students and graduates.