Assistant Professor of Liberal Arts

As a part of a diverse community of faculty and staff who represent many faith systems and worldviews, Marian University seeks a Full-Time Assistant Professor of Liberal Arts to promote our Catholic Franciscan mission and identity by high-quality teaching, student mentorship, scholarly and professional development, and service to the University and broader community.

The Assistant Professor of Liberal Arts contributes to a student-centered learning environment grounded in the liberal arts and supports the intellectual, personal, and professional development of students. The faculty member is expected to demonstrate excellence in teaching, maintain appropriate scholarly or professional engagement, participate actively in academic and institutional service, and contribute to the ongoing development and assessment of the University’s academic programs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Actively engage the Catholic Franciscan mission and identity of Marian University by modeling the Franciscan Sponsorship Values and honoring the legacy of the founding congregation through transformative education, unity in diversity, leadership through service, integrating faith and life, and institutional policies.

Teaching and Instruction – 60%

• Teach undergraduate courses within the Liberal Arts curriculum according to the assigned faculty teaching load.


• Develop and deliver engaging, academically rigorous, and student-centered instruction.


• Prepare and maintain course syllabi, learning objectives, instructional materials, assignments, and assessments consistent with University and departmental expectations.


• Incorporate appropriate instructional methods, technologies, and evidence-based teaching practices.


• Maintain timely and accurate grading, attendance, and other required academic records.


• Evaluate student learning and use assessment results to strengthen course effectiveness.


• Maintain appropriate academic standards while supporting student learning and success.


• Participate in curriculum review, course development, and continuous improvement of academic programs.


• Remain current in the faculty member’s academic discipline and incorporate relevant developments into instruction.

Student Advising, Mentoring, and Support – 15%

• Advise and mentor students regarding academic progress, educational goals, career interests, and professional development.


• Maintain regular office hours and provide reasonable accessibility to students outside the classroom.


• Identify students who may need additional academic support and connect them with appropriate University resources.


• Support student retention, persistence, and degree completion through proactive engagement.


• Provide mentorship that encourages critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, ethical decision-making, and lifelong learning.


• When assigned, advise student organizations, independent studies, internships, undergraduate research, or other student experiences.

Scholarship and Professional Development – 10%

• Maintain active engagement in scholarly, creative, or professional activities appropriate to the faculty member’s discipline.


• Pursue opportunities for research, publication, presentation, creative work, or other recognized forms of scholarly contribution.


• Participate in professional organizations, conferences, workshops, and continuing education activities.


• Remain current regarding developments, research, pedagogy, and emerging practices within the discipline.


• Demonstrate ongoing professional growth consistent with expectations for faculty rank and advancement.


• Contribute scholarly or professional expertise to the academic community as appropriate.

University, College, and Departmental Service – 10%

• Participate actively in department, college, and University meetings and activities.


• Serve on faculty committees, task forces, search committees, or other institutional groups as assigned or elected.


• Participate in faculty governance and contribute constructively to academic and institutional decision-making.


• Support departmental initiatives, program reviews, accreditation activities, assessment efforts, and curriculum development.


• Participate in University events such as commencement, convocation, recruitment activities, orientation, and other academic functions as appropriate.


• Collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, administrators, and other campus partners.


• Contribute to a collegial and professional academic environment.

Mission, Community Engagement, and Institutional Responsibilities – 5%

• Support and advance the mission, values, and educational philosophy of Marian University.


• Demonstrate respect for the dignity of students, colleagues, and members of the University community.


• Contribute to an inclusive learning environment that encourages respectful dialogue and engagement with diverse perspectives.


• Participate in community engagement, outreach, or service activities appropriate to the faculty member’s discipline and University mission.


• Comply with University policies, faculty handbook requirements, academic procedures, and applicable legal and accreditation requirements.


• Perform other faculty responsibilities reasonably related to the position as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

• Earned doctorate in the applicable academic discipline.


• Previous college or university teaching experience.


• Experience teaching within a liberal arts or interdisciplinary curriculum.


• Evidence of scholarly activity, research, publication, presentation, or other professional contributions appropriate to the discipline.


• Experience advising and mentoring undergraduate students.


• Experience with curriculum development, learning assessment, or academic program improvement.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of the faculty member's academic discipline.


• Effective classroom teaching, communication, and presentation skills.


• Ability to engage students with varying levels of academic preparation.


• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.


• Ability to effectively advise and mentor students.


• Ability to work independently while contributing collaboratively to an academic community.


• Strong organizational and time-management skills.


• Commitment to academic integrity, professional ethics, and continuous improvement.


• Ability to integrate the University's mission and values into teaching, service, and engagement.

University Expectations:

• Knowledge of and a commitment to the mission of Marian University


• Adheres to Marian University’s policies and procedures


• Shows courtesy and respect in interactions with fellow employees, students, subordinates, and supervisors


• Communicates regularly with supervisor about Department issues


• Meets department productivity standards


• Participates in developing department goals, objectives, and systems


• Assists to establish department measurements that align and support the accomplishment of the University’s strategic goals


• Adheres to the department budget

Required Qualifications:

• Doctoral degree in an appropriate Liberal Arts discipline from an accredited institution; ABD candidates may be considered when completion of the doctoral degree is expected within an established timeframe.


• Demonstrated preparation to teach undergraduate courses within the applicable discipline.


• Evidence of or potential for effective college-level teaching.


• Demonstrated commitment to student learning, advising, and academic success. 


• Ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with students, faculty, staff, and administrators.


• Commitment to ongoing scholarly and professional development. 

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.   

For Consideration All Applications Require:  

1. Cover Letter


2. Current resume or CV


3. Contact information of three professional references.  The reference contact information must be entered after the application is submitted in the "My Presence" section of the applicant profile.


4. Responses to the supplementary mission & identity questions.

Please Review Marian University’s Mission & Identity Statement before responding to the supplementary questions on your application:  

https://www.marian.edu/faith 

Essential Functions:
Work hours necessary to perform job requirements satisfactorily on a regular basis.  Manage absence from work in responsible manner to ensure service to clients, work teams, and coworkers.  Comply with Marian University policies and practices and seeking clarification of them when necessary.

Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use their hands to handle or feel objects, equipment, or controls; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with their hands and arms, climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Limitations and Disclaimer:
The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.  Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position.  Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and States Laws.

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities.  To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.  Continued employment remains on an “at-will” basis.

Marian University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.