CSU Spur Start Instructor, Ethnic Studies

Colorado State University•Denver, CO

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Spur Start program is seeking applications from individuals who are interested in non-tenure track, temporary adjunct teaching assignments located at the CSU Spur campus in Denver, CO as part of the Spur Start undergraduate program. The teaching load and course assignments are made by the Department Chair. Teaching will be in person. Instructors contribute to Spur Start primarily through their commitment to teaching undergraduate courses or supervising laboratory instruction, as well as their interest in improving teaching and learning in the department through other activities. In general, instructors are expected to interact with other members of the department including faculty, staff, and students to enrich and enhance the undergraduate education program offered by the Spur Start Department. Instructors must hold a M.S. degree in a field related to the course and are typically hired on a semester basis. They can be either part-time or full-time depending on departmental instructor need, student enrollment numbers, and funding. Adjunct faculty will be 100% teaching, with no expectation of conducting research or service. The Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President is responsible for providing the academic vision and leadership to fulfill the University’s land-grant mission. The work unit articulates, communicates, and facilitates the development of fundamental values basic to the University’s mission and administers academic programs and policies. It oversees the academic programming and faculty affairs on campus, as well as provides oversight for the Spur Start program. The CSU Spur Start program is a newly developed initiative that expands Colorado State University's commitment to educational access by creating a distinctive first-year experience for students in the Denver metropolitan area and beyond. Based at the CSU Spur campus in Denver, the program provides an accessible and affordable pathway for students who may not otherwise see a four-year degree as attainable. Students begin their college journey at Spur before transitioning to the Fort Collins campus for their second year, benefiting from a model that combines the personalized experience of a small, cohort-based learning community with the resources and opportunities of a major research university. Through individualized support, close relationships with faculty and peers, experiential learning, and intentional programming that fosters belonging, Spur Start offers a truly differentiated educational experience. By leveraging the unique learning assets of the CSU Spur campus while maintaining a strong connection to the broader CSU community, the program delivers compelling value and helps students build a strong academic, social, and personal foundation for success.

Requirements

M.A. in Ethnic Studies, Women's Studies, or a closely related field
Legally authorized to work in the United States by the proposed start date

Nice To Haves

Ph.D. in Ethnic Studies, Women's Studies, or a closely related field
Experience using a Learning Management System (LMS) such as Canvas (Instructure), Blackboard, Moodle, etc.
Experience teaching a wide variety of lower division (100-300 level) undergraduate courses in area of expertise.
Experience preparing and presenting lessons as outlined in the course syllabus, as well as manage homework assignments, exams, and communications.

Responsibilities

Teaching undergraduate courses.
Supervising laboratory instruction.
Mentoring undergraduate students.
Developing new lecture demonstrations.
Developing and revising peer evaluation tools.
Developing and maintaining course materials, assessments, and records.
Providing guidance, feedback, and support to students while contributing to departmental goals.
Providing regular office hours at the Spur campus.