Assistant Professor and Director of the Writing Program

The University of Detroit Mercy Department of English invites applications for Director of the Writing Program, a tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant Professor level with a specialization in rhetoric and composition. Secondary areas of interest are open. 

In alignment with the university’s mission, the Detroit Mercy English Department is committed to fostering an inclusive environment for students and faculty and promoting justice in our broader community. We work to support undergraduate students in their intellectual, social, ethical, and spiritual development through engaged teaching, advising, and mentorship. Faculty pursue vibrant research agendas and collaborate on program development, assessment, and evaluation, advising, and retention. 

The Writing Program Director is responsible for directing a first-year writing program (approximately 40 sections per year) informed by current research practices of writing pedagogy. Teaching responsibilities include first-year writing courses and other courses consistent with the candidate’s areas of interest. The Writing Program Director has a 2/2 teaching load with an active research agenda and is responsible for supporting full-time and adjunct faculty teaching in the program. 

The department seeks a dynamic teacher-scholar with demonstrated excellence in teaching first-year writing at the college level. Strong applicants will have a record of commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in research, teaching, service, and/or community engagement. We welcome nominations of and applications from individuals who would bring additional dimensions to the university’s mission of providing excellent, student-centered education for a diverse student body.

Required Qualifications

  • Ph.D. in Rhetoric and Composition or related field by August 16, 2022
  • Demonstrated excellence in teaching first-year writing
  • Knowledge of and commitment to best practices for teaching and mentoring a diverse student body 
  • Established or developing research program

Preferred Qualifications

  • Demonstrated experience helping undergraduate students, including first-generation college students, successfully transition to college-level coursework
  • Experience with curriculum development and assessment at the course or program level 
  • ESL certification or experience teaching English language learners

Applicants should submit a letter of application; C.V.; a statement of teaching philosophy; and a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) statement. In the DEI statement, applicants should reflect upon past experiences and potential future contributions to teaching and mentoring students with a wide range of academic and social backgrounds. Additional materials, including letters of recommendation, will be solicited from semi-finalists.

Questions regarding this position should be directed to Sigrid Streit, Ph.D., chair of the search committee: streitsi@udmercy.edu. More information about the department can be found at www.udmercy.edu/english

To ensure full consideration, applications should be received by: December 10, 2021  

Start date: August 16, 2022

Michigan's largest, most comprehensive private University, University of Detroit Mercy is an independent Catholic institution of higher education sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy and Society of Jesus. Detroit Mercy seeks qualified candidates who will contribute to the University's mission, diversity, and excellence of its academic community. University of Detroit Mercy is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer with a diverse student body and welcomes persons of all backgrounds. 

 


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