Faculty Fellow
University, MS, US, 38677
Note for Current UM Employees
Current employees must apply internally via connectU > connectu.olemiss.edu
Position Description
The Faculty Fellow at The University of Mississippi is invested in impacting the student residential experience and student success through establishing an academic life and culture in the Residential Colleges and strengthening the connection between students’ curricular and co-curricular activities. Faculty Fellows maintain a close working partnership with the Student Housing staff to build a supportive, engaging experience through formal and informal interactions where students can learn and develop. Faculty Fellows live in one of two residential colleges on campus, form strong connections with residents, collaborate closely with the Student Housing staff in developing the environment, and are integral community leaders. Faculty-in-residence bridges the curricular experience through structured interactions between students and faculty that support student learning. Faculty Fellows report to the Provost for their responsibilities in the Residential Colleges.
Faculty Fellows support the academic mission of the University and the goals of the Divisions of Academic Affairs and Student Affairs. Faculty Fellows will work closely with Student Housing staff, who are committed to providing an environment that supports the learning, development, and success of students living in the Residential Colleges.
Faculty Fellows will serve as a model and mentor to residents, initiating and participating in residential college activities, and facilitating the involvement of other faculty members and community partners in the residential colleges.
Eligibility Criteria
Faculty Fellows must be tenured members of the University of Mississippi faculty and have served on the UM campus for at least 3 years. Faculty Fellows should support the goals of a living/learning environment, be strongly committed to undergraduate and graduate education, and have a willingness to invest time and energy in support of the goals of the Residential College. Faculty Fellows must be excellent communicators in one-to-one and group settings; effective event programmers (including conception, promotion, implementation, and assessment); able to work collegially and effectively with a diverse student body, including students, faculty, and staff; and be accessible and approachable to students.
Faculty Fellows are hired with a 12-month appointment and should expect to begin meetings immediately upon hire with Residential College Partners. Regular monthly meetings are expected to begin each July before the academic year begins. Faculty Fellows have full occupancy of their residence throughout the calendar year, and meal packages and parking permits will carry forward during the summer months when they have minimal obligations.
Benefits
Faculty Fellows are provided resources for creating interaction with residents and fostering community and include the following:
- A spacious apartment, which includes utilities and internet. In addition, the apartment will have a separate furnished living space, in which the fellow is encouraged to have programs with students.
- A meal plan to be used in the Residential College Dining facilities.
- Eligibility for reserved parking spaces next to the building.
- Must follow the pet policy for campus faculty housing
- A budget to create and hold events, dinners, etc.
- Eligibility for sporting event tickets and Ford Center event tickets on campus.
Term of Appointment
The Faculty Fellow appointment is for 4 years, with the option for one 1-year renewal based on annual evaluations and demonstration of exceptional/exemplary service.
Participation Requirements
The majority of duties expected of Faculty Fellows shall be conducted primarily during the 10-month academic school year with some planning and conversations in late summer.
- Facilitate, plan, and administer a minimum of 3 events per semester with residents (past events have included receptions with first-gen students, cooking lessons in the faculty house or teaching kitchen, sports competitions between the colleges, game nights, producing plays and organizing dances in the dining commons, karaoke singalongs, game-watch parties when UM is playing football away, hosting Grove tents, producing new t-shirts annually to promote visibility on campus).
- Maintain a high level of visibility and spend approximately ten hours per week engaged in residential community activities (eating in Residential College dining facilities, meeting with students and housing staff, participating in or attending RA programs, supporting Residential College events, etc.).
- Create a welcome letter at the start of each academic year for residents describing your academic background, interests and hobbies, office hours, and possible semester plans.
- Participate and show a strong presence during Fall and Spring move-in days & activities.
- Create and advertise office hours in the Residential College and be available to residents during that time.
- Participate in hallmark events such as the RHA Block Party, Welcome Week, and other Residential College events.
- Develop and cultivate Residential College traditions.
The following expectations are designed to encourage regular interaction, collaboration, and communication between the Faculty Fellow and the Residential College partners:
- Attend regular monthly meetings with the Director of Student Housing, other Faculty-in-Residence, and Student Housing staff.
- Work closely with the Department of Student Housing and other campus partners to develop the overall environment of the Residential College.
- Participate in RA selection
- Attend one Residential College housing staff meeting per month.
- Attend bi-weekly meetings with the Residential College Community Coordinator.
- Take part in Fall and Spring housing training sessions and meetings.
- Collaborate with the Community Coordinator and Director of Student Housing in ongoing program assessment, including an annual report summarizing academic year activities.
Faculty Fellows have supervisory responsibilities over the College Coordinator in their respective Residential College. Faculty Fellows must support and comply with all current Student Housing policies for live-in staff members.
Co-Curricular Components
Faculty Fellows are in a unique position to model a balanced life of academics and personal interests among students in the Residential Colleges. Faculty Fellows collaborate with the hall housing team in creating regular activities that foster engagement in educational and social activities beyond the classroom. The Faculty Fellow and Community Coordinator (and Director of the Luckyday program in the Luckyday Residential College) will also collaborate closely to organize semester programming including academic and para-curricular activities, off-campus excursions, community service projects, special events, guest speaker programs, etc. Informal interactions with students are equally integral to the Faculty Fellow program. Examples might include organizing study breaks or meals in the Faculty Fellow apartment; meeting with residents, as needed, either in the dining commons, at events, or one-on-one; and attending hall team meetings on a monthly basis to become familiar with the department, structure of the residential community, and housing team members.
Finally, Faculty Fellows are expected to assist in facilitating other faculty participation in the Residential College. In so doing, they create opportunities for interactions between faculty and students in the Residential College to enhance the learning and development of students. Simultaneously, those faculty gain a deeper understanding of students’ developmental and academic needs to improve their overall college experience.
Position Details
Appointment: 12 Month
Assignment Type: Tenure Track
About the University of MS & Oxford, MS
Founded in 1848, the University of Mississippi (UM), affectionately known to alumni, students and friends as Ole Miss, is Mississippi's flagship university. Included in the elite group of R-1: Doctoral Universities - Highest Research Activity by the Carnegie Classification, it has a long history of producing leaders in public service, academics and business. The University of Mississippi, consistently named by The Chronicle of Higher Education as a “Great College to Work For,” is located in Oxford, MS, which is ranked one of the “Top 10 Best College Towns.” With more than 24,000 students, UM is the state's largest university and is ranked among the nation's fastest-growing institutions. The University of Mississippi, which has aggressively implemented many health and wellness initiatives for its more than 2,900 employees, has consistently been named one of Mississippi’s Healthiest Workplaces.
Touted as the “Cultural Mecca of the South”, creativity abounds in Oxford as musicians, artists and writers alike find inspiration in Oxford’s rich history, small town charm and creative community. Oxford is a one-hour drive south of Memphis, TN and is known as the home of Nobel Prize winning author William Faulkner. Over the years Oxford has also been known for offering exceptional culinary experiences and as the home of the University of Mississippi and the Ole Miss Rebels, there is always something here to immerse yourself in. Oxford has also been featured as a literary and arts destination in such publications as The New York Times, Southern Living, Condé Nast Traveler, and GQ. Among other cultural activities, annual events include the Oxford Film Festival, a thriving local music scene, and the Ford Center Performing Arts Series. Oxford is a vibrant university town, filled with unique shops and galleries, eclectic restaurants and clubs, historic landmarks, and comfortable inns.
Background Check Statement
The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community. UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.
EEO Statement
Nearest Major Market: Oxford Mississippi