Department Of University Studies
Our Commitment
Guided by our core values as a university: diversity, sustainability, community engagement, and adaptability, Sonoma State University (SSU) offers an education that fosters intellectual, social, and personal growth. SSU is a public liberal arts and sciences university. As the only member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges in the state of California, we are committed to preparing students for a life of active citizenship and public service. We have a vibrant campus life characterized by a lively co-curriculum that fosters broad based intellectual and artistic opportunities in which the campus as a whole is actively engaged. Faculty members are committed to facilitating spaces in which all can grow by building on our scholars’ assets as they explore new knowledge. These efforts include fostering creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, experimentation, empathy, and communication. We strive to create a diverse, equity-minded, and inclusive campus environment. Faculty are expected to collaborate thoughtfully with our staff and scholars, which means we value the full range of everyone's assets in terms of languages, abilities, cultures, and ways of knowing. We are fully committed to the rights of scholars, staff, and faculty. We are especially interested in candidates who are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion.
The University
Sonoma State University’s beautiful 274-acre campus is located in Sonoma County wine country, an hour north of San Francisco. The campus offers the ideal setting for teaching and learning and access to a community of rich cultural, environmental, and recreational opportunities. Founded in 1960, SSU is one of the 23 campuses of the California State University System. As members of the largest public higher educational system in the nation, we provide accessible, high-quality education. Sonoma State University is federally-designated “Hispanic Serving Institution”, as such we are committed to achieving the goals of equal opportunity and endeavors to employ faculty and staff reflecting the linguistic, ethnic, and cultural diversity of the region and state.
The Department
Courses taught within the Department of University Studies are designed to provide students with academic and transitional support. Through University Studies courses, new members of the Sonoma State community are welcomed to campus with introductions to campus resources, mentoring opportunities, and tools for academic success. Students develop their personal, academic, and career goals and cultivate a sense of responsibility to themselves and the world around them. Together with co-curricular activities these learning experiences lay a strong foundation for lifelong personal and intellectual growth.
First- and Second-Year Transition programs are offered in University Studies through partnerships with the academic home department. Through first-year learning communities (FLCs) and sophomore year experiences (SYEs), these programs provide peer mentor support, transition content, and typically also meet general education course requirements. University Studies also partners with the Center for Academic Access and Student Enrichment to provide academic courses for the Summer Bridge program.
Duties of the Position
Courses available in University Studies can be accessed through the SSU Catalog. Instructors teaching these courses are responsible for all aspects of course development following the provided master course syllabus and/or course guideline document. For multi-section courses, FLCs, or courses affiliated with the Summer Bridge program, faculty will also receive course guidance from the University Studies Curriculum Committee or Summer Bridge. Faculty teaching in the FLC will also be required to collaborate with peer mentors and other FLC faculty.
Professional Qualifications
To be recommended for appointment, the candidate must have:
- A minimum MA/MS or equivalent degree in a field related to the disciplinary content of the course; a terminal degree is preferred.
- Demonstrated experience teaching the disciplinary content of the course and supporting first and second year students.
- Training in and/or experience with equitable and inclusive teaching pedagogies.
- When applicable, demonstrated commitment to collaborating with teaching partners such as peer mentors or Summer Bridge.
Rank and Salary
Full-time is a 15-unit workload per semester. Actual salary is dependent upon the number of units assigned, educational preparation, and availability of funds subject to any CSU system faculty contract salary increases.
- Salary commensurate with degree level and experience.
- Anticipated Hiring Salary Range: $4,530 - $6,056 per full-time month.
- The full-time (15 units per semester) monthly base salary range indicated above is prorated to the number of units worked and are paid in six monthly payments for each full semester.
- Selection as a candidate in the applicant pool, does not guarantee employment. Temporary Faculty appointments are made on a part-time, temporary basis and contingent upon department needs and funding.
- Temporary Faculty appointments are made on a semester-by-semester basis.
- Relocation expenses will not be provided for temporary faculty appointments.
- Expenses incurred to attend an interview for temporary faculty positions are not reimbursed by the University.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, go to jobs.sonoma.edu and click on the Staff & Faculty Career Opportunities link. Find and select the faculty position you are applying for to view the description and select Apply Now. If you have not previously applied, you will be prompted to create an account. You can use this account to apply to multiple positions. Once you have submitted the application, a confirmation email will be automatically sent to you. Please do not send materials to facultysearch@sonoma.edu. If you encounter difficulties during the application process, please email facultysearch@sonoma.edu.
New Applicants Submit:
Application letter
- Curriculum vitae
- List of University Studies courses the applicant would like to be considered qualified for with a corresponding explanation of qualifications
- Contact information for three references
Current Faculty Teaching University Studies Courses:
- Temporary Faculty with three-year contracts do not need to reapply unless they wish to be considered qualified for additional courses. If this is the case, please also submit a list of University Studies courses the applicant would like to be considered qualified for with a corresponding explanation of qualifications.
- Temporary Faculty who have taught for the department within the past two years only need to submit an updated CV to remain in the hiring pool unless they wish to be considered qualified for additional courses. If this is the case, please also submit a list of University Studies courses the applicant would like to be considered qualified for with a corresponding explanation of qualifications. The hiring committee will review the Personnel Action File and then determine whether an additional interview would be beneficial.
Sonoma State University hires only individuals lawfully authorized to work in the United States. All offers of employment are contingent upon presentation of documents demonstrating the appointee’s identity and eligibility to work, in accordance with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act. Sonoma State University does not facilitate the process of applying for an H1B Visa for temporary positions.
CSU Out of State Policy - Sonoma State University, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees upon date of hire to reside in the State of California. As of January 1, 2022 the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California.
Contact Information
- Questions concerning the application process may be directed to: facultysearch@sonoma.edu
- Questions concerning this position may be directed to the Faculty Fellow for University Studies and Transition Programs: Dr. Jen Johnson, at johnsonje@sonoma.edu (please include a Subject Line: Univ Studies Position).
# AP USE ONLY Please refer to this number on app correspondence and inquiries regarding this position.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator is available at hraccomodations@sonoma.edu to assist applicants in need of accommodations during the hiring process.
Other Information
The university is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, or protected veteran status.
This position is considered a “mandated reporter” under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.
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