Job description
The Honors College at Virginia Commonwealth University invites applications for a faculty position at the rank of Instructor (non-tenurable) to teach courses grounded in experiential learning, primarily Honors 460: Clash of Ideas. This course investigates key intellectual debates using the Reacting to the Past pedagogy and the successful candidate will have experience and/or a willingness to use this approach. Depending upon staffing needs and expertise, the successful candidate may have the opportunity to teach in the Honors Writing Program and/or develop courses in their area of expertise. This 9-month appointment will start on August 15, 2026 and has a 4/4 teaching load. This position may be renewed yearly, for up to three years (contingent upon Dean’s approval, satisfactory performance, college needs and the availability of funding).
Unit: Honors College
Department: Honors College
Department Summary: The Honors College at Virginia Commonwealth University promotes academic excellence through an innovative curriculum integrated with experiential learning. Our students acquire a foundation for future success wherever their dreams and passions may lead them.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Mission:
The VCU Honors College is an inclusive community of scholars that inspires creativity, enduring curiosity and a commitment to improve the human experience. The VCU Honors College serves as an interdisciplinary center for academic excellence where students cultivate their intellectual curiosity and realize their potential through:
* Experiential learning
* Targeted research opportunities
* Creative scholarship
* Civic engagement
* Global learning
* Close knit and collaborative community
* Developmental mentoring
* Specialized learning opportunities
* Innovative curriculum
Chief Purpose:
This position is a term faculty position (restricted) with the rank of Instructor, in the Honors College. The primary responsibility of this position is to teach HONR 460 (Clash of Ideas). This class is based on the Reacting to the Past pedagogy, and it is expected that this position will contribute multiple sections of this course to the Honors curriculum. Additionally, as needed, this position may contribute to the Honors Writing Program courses (HONR 230, 240, 340) and/or topics courses in their area of expertise. In this role, this position supports the development of Honors students’ skills in critical thinking, communication, teamwork, and problem solving. This position directly contributes to the Honors College’s mission of providing world-class educational experiences and fostering intellectual growth, thereby supporting VCU’s Quest 2028: One VCU Together We Transform by igniting student success and promoting innovation. The faculty member may also support the department with service responsibilities as well, but there is no expectation of research.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Teaching- Teaching Honors courses as needed, with a 4/4 teaching load, at the rank of instructor (non-tenurable). The instructor will have teaching responsibilities in the area of Experiential Learning, chiefly in the form of teaching HONR 460: Clash of Ideas, although additional teaching assignments in their disciplinary field or in the Honors Writing Program may be possible. The instructor will actively contribute to the design, development, and integration of the Clash of Ideas courses. In addition, the instructor may mentor research projects of undergraduate students who are working in their discipline. The instructor is expected to foster a rigorous academic environment that enhances students’ critical thinking and writing skills.
- Service- The instructor may serve on departmental, College, and/or University committees as necessary, as well as in a professional capacity in their field.
- Administrative Duties – Support and contribute to Honors College events and programming, as appropriate.
Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications
- A terminal degree in a discipline taught at VCU
- A successful record of teaching at the undergraduate level, including courses grounded in experiential learning
- Teaching experience with the Reacting to the Past pedagogy and/or a willingness to use it
- Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism, and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a faculty member at VCU
Preferred Qualifications
- Teaching experience with the Reacting to the Past pedagogy
- Teaching experience with writing-intensive courses and/or support for undergraduate research and creative scholarship
- Ability to offer discipline-specific and/or interdisciplinary courses in areas of expertise
Salary Range: $55,000-70.000
Benefits: All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave granted up front, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.
FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt
Hours per Week: 40
Restricted Position: Yes
ORP Eligible: Yes
Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite
University Job Title:
Rank: Instructor
Tenure: Ineligible
Months: 9 months
Contact Information:
Contact Name: Scott Breuninger
Contact Email: [email protected]
