Associate Professor

The University of Utah’s Department of Writing & Rhetoric Studies seeks an associate professor with tenure to serve as Director of its First-Year Writing Program. This faculty position begins 1 July 2020 and the directorship of the program is a 5-year term with the possibility of renewal. This position includes administrative responsibilities as well as teaching, research, and service.

The Director is expected to maintain an active scholarly agenda. Research area is open with preference for scholars interested in writing program work so that administrative and scholarly interests can be pursued simultaneously. Desirable scholarly areas include, but are not limited to, composition theory, writing assessment, writing program administration, curriculum design and development, faculty development, online learning, literacy theories, translingual composition, professional and technical writing, second language writing, visual and digital rhetoric, and queer and disability studies.

Administrative duties include overseeing curriculum, pedagogy, and graduate instructor preparation for first-year writing; designing curricula; mentoring graduate instructors; and conducting programmatic assessment. The selected candidate will work closely with departmental administrators, the Director of the Writing Center, as well as other major stakeholders beyond the department, including the growing number of international students in the Utah Global programs.

Teaching duties include a two-week, pre-fall semester teacher training course and semester practica for new TAs each year. The teaching load is adjusted for administrative duties, but will include opportunities to teach seminars in the Writing major and in the Writing and Rhetoric graduate program.

Minimum Qualifications: PhD in Rhetoric and Composition or closely related field; excellent scholarship commensurate with appointment to associate professor; established experience in writing program administration; a record of high-quality teaching at the college level; and experience mentoring graduate student instructors.

The successful candidate will join a dynamic and rapidly growing department, one that has a long-standing first-year writing program, a vibrant undergraduate major, Master and PhD programs in Rhetoric and Composition, and the University Writing Center (http://writing.utah.edu/). As a department, we embrace transdisciplinary approaches to writing and rhetoric studies, and we are deeply committed to supporting diverse scholarly interests and methodologies, valuing global rhetorical traditions and language practices, structuring opportunities for students of all backgrounds and identities to learn and grow, and promoting reciprocal relationships with two- and four-year institutions throughout our region and with both local and global communities. Located in Salt Lake City, the U of U is an integral part of a diverse and growing urban region.

The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, national origin, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, status as a person with a disability, genetic information, or Protected Veteran status. Individuals from historically underrepresented groups, such as minorities, women, qualified persons with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities. To inquire about the University’s nondiscrimination or affirmative action policies or to request disability accommodation, please contact: Director, Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action, 201 S. Presidents Circle, Rm 135, (801) 581-8365.

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students from diverse backgrounds, and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education for historically underrepresented students.

To Apply: Candidates should submit a letter of application outlining scholarly interests, teaching and administrative experience, and accomplishments; CV; a one-page statement of administrative philosophy; a one-page diversity statement; and a list of references.

Review of applications begins 4 October 2019. Candidates who advance beyond the initial screening will be asked to provide additional materials, including a relevant writing sample of no more than 25 pages; three letters of recommendation; and evidence of teaching effectiveness (e.g., a link to an electronic teaching portfolio or sample syllabi and course evaluations).

Skype/Zoom interviews will be conducted in November and early December, and campus interviews will be scheduled for January and February 2020. Position will remain open until filled.

Inquiries can be directed to LuMing Mao, Chair of the Department of Writing and Rhetoric Studies (luming.mao@utah.edu).


Similar searches: Full-time, Composition and rhetoric, 4-year college or university, English, Professor, Associate, Utah