Lecturer in Interdisciplinary Studies

University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 20,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Virginia is seeking part-time instructors for the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies Program to teach BIS courses within secure correctional facilities. Candidates must hold a Master’s degree in related fields and demonstrate experience with adult education. The role requires teaching skills across interdisciplinary subjects, adapting to low-technology environments, and engaging underserved populations. This position does not carry benefits and is contingent on background checks.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in the discipline or a closely related field required.
• Minimum of 18 graduate semester hours in the teaching discipline.
• Ability to teach in-person at correctional sites in Virginia required.

Responsibilities

• Teach BIS courses in various interdisciplinary fields.
• Adapt instructional methods for low-technology environments.
• Engage undergraduate students and promote academic skill development.

Skills

Interdisciplinary teaching

Engagement with adult learners

Ethical and critical thinking

Inclusive teaching practices

Education

Master’s degree in a related field

18 graduate semester hours in teaching discipline

Terminal degree preferred

Job description

Overview

University of Virginia School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS) seeks qualified applicants for part-time, non-tenure track instructional appointments in the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) Program to support the Virginia Prison Education Program (VPEP). These appointments support UVA’s mission to expand access to higher education for working adults and underserved student populations by delivering high-quality BIS coursework in correctional education settings across Virginia. The Virginia Prison Education Program (VPEP) extends this mission by offering face-to-face BIS courses within secure correctional facilities.

Position Overview

Instructors will be appointed on a faculty wage basis to teach BIS courses in interdisciplinary fields such as:

• Sociology
• Political Science
• Music
• Business
• Humanities and Fine Arts
• Psychology
• Communication
• Philosophy
• English
• History
• Theology / Religious Studies
• Project Management

Courses are delivered in-person only at Fluvanna Correctional Center for Women in Troy, VA. Instruction is scheduled one day (3 hours) during the week at either 7:45am-10:45am OR 1pm-4pm. Teaching environments involve limited access to instructional technology, requiring adaptability in course design and delivery. There is mandatory VA Department of Corrections (VADOC) training required to enter and teach inside the facility.

Course Content & Instructional Expectations

Faculty will teach undergraduate BIS courses aligned with program learning outcomes and may be assigned courses across multiple disciplinary areas based on qualifications. Instruction emphasizes:

• Foundational disciplinary knowledge and interdisciplinary connections
• Student engagement and academic skill development for adult learners
• Ethical, civic, and critical thinking competencies
• Inclusive and student-centered teaching practices
• Adaptation of instructional methods for low-technology environments

Qualifications

Faculty will teach undergraduate BIS courses aligned with program learning outcomes and may be assigned courses across multiple disciplinary areas based on qualifications. Instruction emphasizes:

• Foundational disciplinary knowledge and interdisciplinary connections
• Student engagement and academic skill development for adult learners
• Ethical, civic, and critical thinking competencies
• Inclusive and student-centered teaching practices
• Adaptation of instructional methods for low-technology environments

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in the discipline or a closely related field
• Minimum of 18 graduate semester hours in the teaching discipline
• Ability to teach in-person at correctional facility sites in Virginia
• Commitment to teaching adult and non-traditional learners in an interdisciplinary degree program

Preferred Qualifications

• Terminal degree in the discipline or related field
• College-level teaching experience
• Professional experience relevant to the discipline
• Experience working with adult learners, underserved populations, or incarcerated students
• Demonstrated ability to implement inclusive and innovative teaching strategies

Employment Terms

This is a part-time, non-tenure track faculty wage appointment. Positions do not carry benefits and carry no expectation of renewal. Salary is commensurate with education and experience.

All appointments are contingent upon successful completion of background checks, education verification, and compliance with correctional facility security requirements.

Application Instructions

Applicants must apply online via the University of Virginia jobs portal at https://jobs.virginia.edu and submit the following materials:

• Cover letter describing qualifications and teaching interests
• Current curriculum vitae
• Contact information for three professional references

Search for requisition number R0083055. Applications will be considered on an ongoing basis as instructional needs arise throughout the academic year. Complete applications meeting minimum qualifications will be retained on file for consideration even if there are not immediate openings to be filled.

For questions regarding this posting, please contact Lori Ann Willy at [e-mail].

Wage Faculty and all personnel actions associated with them are governed and approved by the EVPP and policy PROV-026: Faculty Wage Employment. Wage Faculty (Adjunct) positions come with no expectation of renewal, and are not eligible for leave or other benefits.

Because of the significant disciplinary differences between schools, specific employment expectations vary by school and are described in local school policies. Schools may have additional expectations of Wage Faculty who have other documented responsibilities.

Physical requirements of faculty will vary, but may include some or all of the following: traveling to and from work location, other UVA or UVA Health facilities, or to other locations in the U.S. or abroad for meetings or research; using computers, specialized equipment, and other technologies; remaining stationary, moving, bending, lifting, and reaching; performing procedures using fine motor skills; communicating effectively, in writing, in person, in the classroom, online, and in clinical settings; and interacting with others such as colleagues, other academic and medical peers, students, patients, and the public.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.