Adjunct Instructor - Political Science (Pool)

Shaw University; Raleigh; On-site; CAD 28,000 - 50,000; Part time

Job summary

Shaw University invites applications for an Adjunct Instructor in Political Science (Pool). This part-time position teaches traditional and/or non-traditional college-level students at on-campus and/or off-campus sites, primarily on weekdays, weeknights, and Saturdays.

Work is contingent upon enrollment each semester. The role requires teaching according to an approved syllabus, maintaining student records, and engaging students effectively while supporting university accreditation and

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Political Science from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of 18 graduate semester hours in the teaching field.
• Experience teaching college-level courses is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Teach traditional and/or non-traditional students on-campus and/or off-campus.
• Provide student assistance and advice in the subject area.
• Prepare course syllabus and ensure alignment with university requirements.
• Maintain accurate attendance and grade records; submit final grades as required.

Skills

Public speaking

English fluency

Teaching experience

Education

Master’s degree in Political Science

Doctorate preferred in Political Science

Tools

Canvas or teaching platforms

Job description

Adjunct Instructor - Political Science (Pool)

Job Category: Faculty

Requisition Number: ADJUN001771

• Posted : December 8, 2025
• Part-Time

Locations

Showing 1 location

Description

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Department of Social Sciences, the Adjunct Instructor of Political Science is a part-time position that teaches traditional and/or non-traditional college-level students at on-campus and/or off-campus sites on weekdays/, weeknights, and Saturdays. Work is contingent upon enrollment needs on a per-semester basis. In addition to teaching, part-time faculty must provide student assistance and advice in their subject area and may be required to participate in student orientation sessions

Essential Job Functions:

1. 1. Through a demonstrated commitment to the University's mission and goals, effectively teaches college-level students.
   • Demonstrates acceptance and support of the mission and goals of the University.
   • Actively engages in planning, developing, and improving curriculum offerings.
   • Understands, promotes, and engages data collection, continuous improvement, accreditation requirements, and End of Course Evaluations.
   • Directs curriculum instructional activities that encourage students to improve critical thinking and problem-solving skills, to increase motivation, to enhance a positive self- image, and to clarify their values.
   • On the first day of class, provide each student with a copy of a course syllabus that conforms to university-approved requirements.
   • Teaches the course in accordance with the approved course syllabus.
   • Informs students of the course objectives and requirements, explains the grading system and attendance policy, discusses academic integrity, and provides a bibliography of suggested readings.
   • Holds classes as scheduled, including those immediately preceding and following holidays observed by the University.
   • Obtains pre-approval from the applicable Department head or Dean before rescheduling or cancelling a class.
   • Promptly notifies the applicable Department Head or Program Coordinator when unable to hold class on account of illness, attendance at conferences, and emergencies, and indicates the arrangements made for instruction of students during that absence. Promptly completes and submits faculty absentee form (see Faculty Handbook).
   • Provide ample opportunities for students to discuss, demonstrate, present, and explain to others their ideas, information, processes, and techniques relevant to the subject matter.
   • Utilizes a variety of teaching strategies, including appropriate instructional technology.
   • Encourages students to use relevant available resources to enhance the opportunity to become well-educated scholars.
   • Properly prepares each class and conducts each class in a manner that will require students to master learning objectives at the upper end of Bloom's taxonomy (analysis, synthesis, evaluation).
   • Present teaching materials in a respectful, understandable, and effective manner.
   • Uses related testing measurements that accurately reflect the stated course objectives.
   • grades and returns students' assignments within a reasonable time, not to exceed ten working days from the date of the assignment or exam.
   • Equitably administers academic policies across all student groups.
   • As applicable to the program, ensures that coursework:
   • Requires students to analyze, explore, question, reconsider, and synthesize old and new knowledge, current events, and skills.
   • Relates to currently accepted practices within the discipline.
   • Requires students to engage in research and to confront the diversity of views in the field of study.
2. 2. Effectively manages the classroom environment.
   • Engages in professional classroom behavior that promotes maximum learning.
   • Ensures that University policies concerning classroom behavior and etiquette are adhered to, such as prohibiting classroom disruption, profanity, eating, smoking, drinking, illegal drugs, and littering.
   • For students who engage in disruptive behavior, provide counsel to students outside of class. Should disruptive behavior continue, promptly report inappropriate behavior to the Department head.
   • In the event of a threatening classroom situation, contact appropriate emergency responders:
   • If on the main Raleigh campus, contact the Campus Police & Security Office at 919-546-8249
   • If offsite, contact the local Security Officer and/or dial 911 as applicable.
   • Upholds academic integrity.
   • Identifies classroom safety hazards and initiates corrective action, including ensuring applicable Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are locally posted for all chemical-containing substances accessible by students in the classroom.
3. 3. Develops, maintains, and submits accurate, timely, and complete records, forms, reports, requests, etc.
   • Maintains accurate and up-to-date student records pertaining to attendance, assignments, and grades.
   • Takes class attendance each time a class meets; maintains accurate attendance records on each student.
   • Promptly furnishes related information upon request by the Department head or the administration to meet required deadlines.
   • Files enrollment reports as requested.
   • Submits final grades for a course, as instructed by the university, within 48 hours of the date of the final exam.
   • Files final evaluation reports within 48 hours after the administration of the final examination to the Office of Records and Registration.
   • Submits end-of-semester course documents for each class taught to the Department head by the end-of-semester deadline (as per the current End of Semester Course Checklist Form), including:
   • Semester and year
   • Course name and section
   • Course syllabus
   • Attendance spreadsheet
   • Pre/post-test copy
   • Pre/post-test analysis
   • Midterm and final grade sheets (system printout)
   • Grade book
   • Student work products with a rubric
   • Final project/research paper/exam
   • Faculty narrative
   • Under established guidelines, submit an analysis of student learning outcomes to the Program Coordinator for each course taught.
   • Submits proposed undergraduate curricular changes to the Department Head.
   • Submits textbook orders by applicable deadlines, if required by the Department Head.
   • Completes the required check-out process with the Department head at the end of the academic year.
   • Ensures all University-issued property, equipment, and/or materials are returned on time and in good order.
   • Obtains pre-approval from the Department Head before inviting a guest speaker/lecturer to address a class or make a presentation. Presenters must provide substantive knowledge related to the course.
   • Promptly report any emergency to the academic Department head.
4. 4. Maintains effective collegial communication, professional interaction, and functional relations within the assigned main-campus academic department, college, and/or the applicable off-campus site.
   • Works to ensure that positive relations are maintained.
   • Effectively resolves inter-personal and/or transactional issues and concerns.
   • Ensures effective and appropriate overall communication and dissemination of information.
   • Consistently exhibits sound judgment in exercising responsibilities.
5. 5. Maintains up-to-date knowledge and compliance with all University policies and procedures:
   • Complies with the Faculty Handbook (accessible on the University's intranet site)
   • Complies with the Employment Handbook policies and procedures, which affect all faculty and staff (accessible on the University’s intranet site), including staffing and recruitment, workplace expectations, performance, compensation and payroll, benefits, safety and security, communication, and training.
   • Always demonstrates professional conduct at all University-related events.
   • Refrains from behavior that disrupts the business operations of the University; brings the faculty member into public disrepute, scandal, or ridicule; or reflects unfavorably upon the reputation or the high moral or ethical standards of the University.
   • Follows established policies and procedures, including but not limited to harassment, intellectual property, equal opportunity and affirmative action, conflicts of interest, nepotism, and outside employment.
   • Ensures the confidentiality of all personal information relating to students and personnel; limits exposure of confidential information to a job-related and need-to-know basis only.
   • Follows and ensures compliance with external regulatory institutions and organizations.
   • Follows established financial guidelines, including travel and purchasing of instructional materials.
   • Ensures the efficient allocation and economical utilization of university resources.
6. 6. Actively pursues scholarly activities and development: remains current in the applicable teaching field.
   • Improves professional competence and performance by engaging in scholarly activities and pursuing programs of self-development, such as:
   • Participation in workshops and conferences.
   • Membership and holding office in professional organizations.
   • Writing and/or research completed or in progress.
   • Publishing.
   • Consulting and/or editing.
   • Proposals written or grants received (required to be initiated through the Department Head or Dean and
   • Participates in the University's professional development activities and systems training offerings, as needed, to be efficient in the delivery of coursework.
   • Maintains up-to-date computer technology skills, including university platforms like Canvas or others as needed for teaching, learning, and data completion.

Secondary Responsibilities:

• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

Minimum Job Qualifications

Education and/or Experience

• Master’s degree in Political Science from an accredited institution of higher learning or a related discipline for non-practice courses.
• Minimum of 18 graduate semester hours in the teaching field.

Preferred:

• MS or Ph.D. in Political Science from an accredited institution of higher learning or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated success teaching at the college level.
• Recent experience in a higher education setting
• Candidates with teaching experience and expertise in an additional area also offered in the assigned department are highly desired.
• Knowledge and experience in using instructional technology.

Certificates, Licenses or Registrations

None

Other Competencies (skills, abilities, behavior)

Must have a philosophy that is consistent with the Mission, Vision, and Core Values of the organization. Vision, commitment, and experience in achieving goals and pursuing excellence are critical. Strong oral and written presentation skills. Ability to work well independently and as a member of a team. Excellence in organization, decision-making, problem-solving, and creating a collaborative environment. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Must be able to read, write, and speak fluently in English.

Physical Demands

Ability to sit or stand for up to 8 hours/day. Some lifting (up to 25 pounds occasionally), bending, and carrying. The employee is regularly required to talk and hear, and to use hands and fingers to handle or feel.

Qualifications

Skills

Preferred

Technology

Some Knowledge

Behaviors

Preferred

Enthusiastic

Shows intense and eager enjoyment and interest

Detail Oriented

Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well

Dedicated

Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity

Education

Required

Masters or better in Political Science or related field.

Preferred

Doctorate or better in Political Science or related field.

Experience

Preferred

Experience in a Higher Education setting.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.