Assistant Professor In-Residence

Job Description

INTRODUCTION

The Department of Journalism at the University of Connecticut invites applications for one non-tenure track position teaching core journalism courses at the rank of Assistant Professor in Residence, renewable annually based on funding and performance, with the potential for multi-year contracts. This position is based at the UConn Storrs campus and will begin on January 1, 2025.

We seek a colleague with significant teaching and professional experience in news writing, reporting, multiplatform editing, and journalism ethics to instruct undergraduate students at all levels.

The ideal candidate will also demonstrate knowledge of local and online news, Freedom of Information and media law, journalism history, and AP style.

The successful candidate will assist the department with instruction of at least three core UConn Journalism courses such as Newswriting I, Newswriting II, Journalism Ethics, Media Law, Multiplatform Editing, Multimedia Skills, and/or The Press in America.

Other responsibilities will include advising journalism majors, serving on departmental, CLAS (College of Liberal Arts & Sciences) and university-wide committees, engaging in program assessment and curriculum development, holding office hours, collaborating with faculty colleagues and local news publication partners, and participating in traditional academic functions.

The successful candidate will share a deep commitment to effective undergraduate instruction. UConn Journalism is the only nationally accredited journalism program in New England. It embraces the standards set by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (www.acejmc.org). It has seven tenure-stream faculty, three in-residence faculty, and more than 170 majors. All faculty members have significant professional backgrounds, including two who have won Pulitzer Prizes. For more information, visit jourrnalism.uconn.edu.

UConn Journalism’s curriculum is built on a practical approach that encompasses fieldwork by students. We train students to produce publishable news content following professional standards of accuracy and ethics. The goal of the department is to graduate journalists who represent the highest standards of our profession and become national and international leaders in the field. We do not produce marketing or advertising material.

The Journalism Department embraces an inclusive environment. All faculty are expected to contribute to the department's goal of preparing future generations of journalists to serve the needs of an increasingly diverse population.

Founded in 1881, UConn is a Land Grant and Sea Grant institution and member of the Space Grant Consortium. It is the State’s flagship institution of higher education and includes a main campus in Storrs, CT, four regional campuses throughout the state, and 13 Schools and Colleges, including a Law School in Hartford, and Medical and Dental Schools at the UConn Health campus in Farmington. The University has approximately 10,000 faculty and staff and 32,000 students, including nearly 24,000 undergraduates and over 8,000 graduate and professional students. UConn is a Carnegie Foundation R1 (highest research activity) institution, among the top 25 public universities in the nation. Through research, teaching, service, and outreach, UConn embraces diversity and cultivates leadership, integrity, and engaged citizenship in its students, faculty, staff, and alumni. UConn promotes the health and well-being of citizens by enhancing the social, economic, cultural, and natural environments of the state and beyond. The University serves as a beacon of academic and research excellence and a center for innovation and social service to communities. UConn is a leader in many scholarly, research, and innovation areas. Today, the path forward includes exciting opportunities and notable challenges. Record numbers of undergraduate applications and support for student success have enabled the University to become extraordinarily selective.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Master's degree in journalism or another related field.
2. A strong professional journalism portfolio.
3. Demonstrated capacity to teach three (3) core undergraduate journalism courses.
4. Documentation of a commitment to teaching and/or mentoring a diverse student population.
5. Evidence of ability to contribute to the diversity and excellence of the learning experience through innovative teaching and public engagement.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. History of involvement in professional journalism organizations.
2. Demonstrated history of or potential for securing external funding.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a 9-month, non-tenure track position at the level of Assistant Professor in Residence. The teaching load is 21 credits per academic year. The position is based in Storrs. Faculty may also be asked to teach at one of UConn’s regional campuses as part of their ordinary workload. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The successful candidate hired for this position may be renewed annually depending on funding and performance; after six successful years, Assistant Professors in Residence may be eligible for a multi-year contract and promotion.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Faculty and Staff Positions, Search #498421 to upload the following additional application materials:

• A cover letter,
• Curriculum vitae,
• Professional journalism portfolio
• Teaching statement (including teaching philosophy, teaching experience, commitment to effective learning, concepts for new course development, etc.);
• Evidence of teaching effectiveness, including at least one journalism course syllabus
• Commitment to diversity statement (including broadening participation, integrating multicultural experiences in instruction and research and pedagogical techniques to meet the needs of diverse learning styles, etc.);
• Names and contact information for three (3) professional references who can speak to the candidate’s teaching and journalism experience.

Review of applications will begin immediately. For full consideration, applications should be received no later than October 21, 2024.

At the University of Connecticut, our commitment to excellence is complemented by our commitment to building a culturally diverse community.

This position will be filled subject to budgetary approval.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.

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