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Faculty In Residence Program Apply Here!

Instructor points to a laptop while assisting students in a classroom, with a presentation displayed on a screen in the background.

 

The SHSU Faculty in Residence (FIR) Program is a cross-campus collaborative initiative that will increase student-faculty engagement outside of the classroom, develop community inside the residence hall, enhance an environment that promotes holistic student development, and blend curricular and co-curricular student learning and development. Through structured programs and opportunities for spontaneous interaction, the Faculty in Residence Program will accomplish the following goals:

  • Engage faculty in holistic student development
  • Provide opportunities for faculty and students to interact outside of the classroom
  • Enhance faculty presence and role modeling outside of the classroom

                                                                Eligibility

  • Full time, teaching faculty/professional with a preference of previous work experience at SHSU
  • Preferred candidates would have a connection to UNIV 1101, a First-Year Learning Community, or a living community in on-campus housing
  • Spouses who are not employees of Sam Houston State University must agree to have a criminal background check completed in order to live on campus

Expectations of the Faculty In Residence

  • Maintain ten hours of student contact per week to include planned programs, informal meetings with students, and time available for student interaction at the FIR office 
  • Organize three residential programs per semester
  • Attend two resident advisor (RA) programs each semester
  • Recruit other faculty to interact with students
  • Participate in a mid-semester, end of semester, and end of year review process and document progress and accomplishments through a portfolio
  • Participate in key first-year programs in the residence hall
  • Attend relevant meetings and/or trainings such as select RA trainings and regular check-ins with Residence Life FIR liaison
  • Be open and ready for spontaneous meetings with students 
  • Be available, and reside, in the residence hall
  • FIR and spouse/family must comply with Texas State University System Rules and Regulations and all Sam Houston State University policies, including Residence Life policies and procedures
                                     Application and Interview Process
 
 

The application process will involve the FIR search Committee 

Application Submission Window: April 1 - May 1
Interviews: Mid-May
Hiring Decision: Early June
Application – the application packet should include the following documents and be submitted via email to shsufir@shsu.edu :
  • Resume or CV
  • Letter of intent that explains        
    • Interest in the position
    • Background of work with undergraduates and first-year students
    • Attributes, expertise, or skills that make the candidate well-suited for the position
    • Anticipated contributions to the program and the students
  • Letter of support from the candidate’s department
Interview Process
  • Interview with committee
  • Sample program presentation
                                                 Employment Package
 
One to two year appointment in a fully furnished 2 bedroom/2 bathroom apartment as a condition of employment
  • Washer/dryer included
  • Outdoor private terrace/patio available
  • Utilities and Wi-Fi included
  • FIR office (workstation included) located adjacent to Community Learning Center
  • August 1 move in and July 15 move out (can be somewhat flexible with dates)
  • Meal plan (30 meals per semester) for FIR intended for on-campus meals with students
  • Programming budget
  • Paid residential parking permit for FIR
  • Recreational sports pass for non-SHSU spouse (if applicable)
                                                       Training and Support
The FIR will be included in relevant Residence Life hall staff training. On-boarding and additional orientation will be done prior to the beginning of, and throughout, the Fall semester.
 
Support for the FIR will consist of:
  • Training from Residence Life Staff
  • Regular communication with hall staff
  • Regular meetings with Director of Residence Life