include teaching courses in Ethnic Studies, particularly those focusing on the intersections of race, gender, sexuality, and class in the U.S. Most courses focus on American Indian/Indigenous, African American, Latina/o/e, or Asian American communities and cultures.
Appointments from the part-Time pool are temporary and often made just prior to the start of the academic term. Applicants must be available on very short notice.
The Ethnic Studies Department in the College of Liberal Arts at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, is seeking applications for a pool of part-time lecturers.
Positions are available as determined by need and funding during Fall and/or Spring semesters of the 2026 - 2027 academic year, which begins August 17, 2026.
Rank and salary are commensurate with qualifications, experience and time base.
Responsibilities include teaching courses in Ethnic Studies particularly course offerings that focus on the intersections of race, gender, sexuality, and class in the U.S.
Most Ethnic Studies courses focus on American Indian/Indigenous, African American, Latina/o/e, or Asian American communities and cultures.
Initial rank and salary for lecturer faculty are based on professional experience and educational background and are determined by the hiring department. Most new lecturers are hired at the Lecturer A or B rank. As of July 2024, the classification salary ranges for the respective ranks are: Lecturer A: $5,507-$6,677 Lecturer B: $6,221-$13,224 Lecturer C: $6,825-$14,523 Lecturer D: $8,593-$15,221
Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment
This position is open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin.
Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal Poly provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin.
Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities.
Cal Poly complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art.
I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy.
We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.
Cal Poly is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, and is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment.
We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success.
Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives.
As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs.
At Cal Poly, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.
Due to CSU policies, the person hired must reside in the state of California at the time of hire and for the entirety of the appointment.
Master's degree in Ethnic Studies or Master's degree in an area of social science or humanities with an emphasis in Ethnic Studies or Cultural Studies.
Ph.D in Ethnic Studies or Ph.D in an area of social science or humanities with an emphasis in Ethnic Studies and/or Cultural Studies. Demonstrable college-level teaching experience in Ethnic Studies or related discipline.
All CSU employees are designated "mandated reporters" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act. As a condition of your employment, you will be required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 and any subsequent amendments.
Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment.
Cal Poly cannot deny an applicant a position solely or in part due to a criminal conviction history until it has performed an individualized assessment and linked the relevant conviction history with specific job duties in the position being sought.
Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Cal Poly has designated as sensitive. Sensitive positions are those requiring heightened scrutiny of individuals holding the position based on potential for harm to children, concerns for the safety and security of people, animals, or property, or heightened risk of financial loss to Cal Poly or individuals in the university community.
For health and well-being, Cal Poly is a smoke & tobacco-free campus. The university is committed to promoting a healthy environment for all members of our community.
In accordance with the California State University (CSU) Out-of-State Employment Policy, the CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California and prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU related work outside of California.
Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo will not sponsor an H-1B for this position.
1. A cover letter
2. Current resume/curriculum vitae
3. A copy of unofficial transcripts of highest degree earned (official transcripts will be required prior to an appointment)
4. A list indicating Ethnic Studies courses you are interested in teaching; if applicable, a list of courses previously taught
5. Teaching philosophy; and evidence of teaching effectiveness (if available)
Please be prepared to provide three professional references with names and email addresses when completing the online faculty application. Cal Poly will directly solicit letters from the people listed by applicants.
May 1, 2026 and continues throughout the 26 - 27 academic year.
For questions, please contact the Ethnic Studies Department by phone at (805) 756-1707 or by email at ethnicstudies@calpoly.edu [biosci@calpoly.edu].
A Master's degree in Ethnic Studies or a related field is required, with a Ph.D. preferred. Demonstrable college-level teaching experience in Ethnic Studies or a related discipline is also preferred.
Market context
California colleges regularly post part-time Ethnic Studies lecturer openings, especially for campuses building course coverage across general education and diversity curricula. These roles are competitive because a master’s degree is required, a Ph.D. is preferred, and prior college-level teaching in Ethnic Studies or a related field can strengthen an application. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then tailor your materials to show relevant teaching experience, course fit, and availability for a part-time pool.
Part-Time Lecturer Pool - World Languages & Cultures (AY 26/27)
Part-Time Lecturer Pool - Ethnic Studies - Solano Campus (26/27)
Part-Time Lecturer Pool - English - Solano Campus (26/27)