Part Time Faculty of First Year Experience

Job Family Group

• Faculty
• Time
• Type:
• Part time
• Department/Office:
• First
• Year
• Experience
• Exemption
• Status: Exempt

Job Description

Trinity University is seeking a Part-Time Faculty for the Fall 2026 semester to teach the following course(s): The First-Year Experience - Why People Believe Weird Things BACKGROUND The First-Year Experience is a team-taught course designed to instruct students in how to analyze and discuss academic texts and ideas, and to produce college-level academic writing and presentations. Sections of 12-15 students take this course every day (each instructor teaches two days per week, and there is one plenary each week). Courses in a wide variety of topics are available, led by faculty topic coordinators. This particular instructor will join a team teaching the FYE topic “Why People Believe Weird Things” (no experience in this topic is necessary - all course content is already prepared and plug-in ready; new instructors are paired with veteran instructors from many different disciplines across the university). Topic Summary: In this FYE, we explore the weaknesses of human logic and emotion that cause us to embrace false conclusions. We explore fringe beliefs like those of flat-earthers, Holocaust deniers, and conspiracy theorists… but also the not-so-fringe world: popular movements and widely-held assumptions about our world that you may have never thought to even question. Why does evidence not change peoples' minds, but actually entrench them in their original views? Do ‘experts’ matter, and who gets to be called an ‘expert’ on something? Why are we seeing a resurgence of deeply polarized and tribal politics? And in the end, if we are brave enough to try, how could we possibly persuade the unpersuadable? DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Typical responsibilities of part-time faculty members include but are not limited to: Lead undergraduate sections of 12-15 students through in-person class discussions of assigned class readings and pre-programmed activities exploring the topic. Provide instruction in researching and writing quality academic essays. Instruction is twice per week during the Fall (Mon. 10:30-11:20am, Thurs. 9:55am-11:10am Evaluate and provide the students with appropriate feedback on their written and oral work. Be available to help students at regular, designated times outside class time (i.e. holding some regular weekly office hours on campus). Attend weekly meetings with other FYE instructors (Mon. 12:30-1:30pm, can be done remotely and/or recorded as needed) APPOINTMENT DETAILS Appointments are for the Fall semester (late August – mid December) QUALIFICATIONS EDUCATION Required: Masters degree (or higher, or equivalent) in any field of study. EXPERIENCE Preferred: Experience teaching college-level writing and organizing classroom seminar-style discussion. KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES The ideal candidate will demonstrate: No particular subject matter mastery is assumed - but having scholarly disciplinary experience can be helpful. Can lead engaged discussions and in-class activities Can help students become better writers, speakers, and critical thinkers. Can provide feedback and grading on students’ written and oral work. HOW TO APPLY For internal applicants, please apply through Workday using the 'Jobs Hub' application, see instructions provided here. For external applicants, when starting the application, select "Apply Manually.” Only complete fields with a red asterisk, which are required. Please create your Workday application account using a personal email address, as you will need to maintain access to this account throughout the pre-hire process, if selected. For all applicants, you do not need to complete the “(Work) Experience,” “Education,” “Certifications,” or “Languages” fields - these details will be provided in your curriculum vitae. In the “Application Documents” field, please upload the following, each as a separate pdf file [note: a maximum of five (5) files can be uploaded]: Cover letter Curriculum vitae or resume Names and contact information for three professional references CONTACT INFORMATION Joshua Schwartz, Ph.D., Topic Coordinator, “Why People Believe Weird Things”, jschwar1@trinity.edu Shannon Mariotti, Ph.D., Interim FYE Coordinator, smariott@trinity.edu Please ensure that all required documents are uploaded prior to submitting an application. If you have revisions needed to an application already submitted or need help submitting an application, please contact Human Resources at 210-999-7507 or email humanresources@trinity.edu. Trinity University aims to attract an efficient, dedicated staff whose talents will continue to grow the University as an exceptional place to study and work. Don't see a job opening of interest? Introduce Yourself! Trinity University will post non-exempt staff positions for at least 5 business days and exempt staff positions for at least 10 business days. Faculty positions will remain open until filled. Postings may be extended if a sufficient number of qualified applications has not been received. Trinity University reserves the right to close a posting if a suitable applicant pool has been received and to withdraw or close postings at any time during the posting period. Trinity University is an equal opportunity employer and as such provides equal opportunity for employment and advancement of all employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, military/veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any status protected by Federal, State, or Local Laws. Equal Opportunity Employer – Disability and Veteran Trinity prohibits harassment and discrimination based on protected status , including sexual harassment and sexual misconduct. Any person may report discrimination, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct online or by contacting Interim Trinity's Title IX Coordinator, Michaela Postell. You may also report in person or by mail addressed to her at One Trinity Place, Northrup Hall 210, San Antonio, TX 78212.