POSITION SUMMARY:
The Adjunct Faculty member is contracted on a temporary basis to provide instruction in the Medical Anatomy and Physiology lecture and laboratory series during Quarters 1 and 2 of the Physician Assistant Program. This role focuses on direct teaching responsibilities and oversight of cadaver-based dissection and laboratory instruction, ensuring students gain a strong foundation in the medical sciences required for PA practice.
The adjunct faculty member will deliver course content in collaboration with program leadership, maintain consistency with program learning outcomes, and foster student engagement in a clinically integrated learning environment. This temporary role does not carry the broader administrative and accreditation responsibilities of principal faculty. Adjunct faculty are expected to instruct and facilitate meaningful learning of the course outcomes in the curriculum and proactively support all facets of the learning environment. Teaching is carried out through learning-centered instruction designed to prepare graduates to meet the evolving needs of the marketplace.
Faculty members are expected to:
- Encourage a culture of learning that values mutual responsibility and respect, life-long learning, diversity, and ethics as well as personal and professional development.
- Assure that the South University philosophy: quality service to students; development, growth, involvement, and recognition of employees; and an environment conducive to innovation, positive thinking, and expansion is considered in carrying out all duties and responsibilities.
- Participate in activities that promote the stature of the academic programs, department, and university, and abide by the mandates of the South University Board of Trustees.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Provide high-quality teaching in the Anatomy and Physiology lecture and laboratory series, including cadaver-based dissection.
- Manage the educational process to ensure every student is involved in a positive educational experience through the learning, teaching, and social environment.
- Deliver clinically relevant, systems-based instruction aligned with program learning outcomes and competencies for PA practice.
- Design and deliver instruction through the development of instructional plans to meet course outcomes, the development of activities that support lesson objectives, and for online courses, deliver the instruction as approved within each course shell.
- Effectively utilize technology in the classroom and laboratory to support the student learning experience.
- Promote student success by showing flexibility in teaching style and work schedule, exhibiting a passion for teaching, and engaging students in the learning process.
- Provide timely feedback and remedial support as needed to foster student mastery and progression.
- Prepare, administer, and grade course examinations, laboratory practical exams, and other student assessments.
- Enable the achievement of pre-defined outcomes by establishing student performance criteria, evaluating student learning, and fostering proficiency.
- Keep accurate records, submit grades and reports on time, and enforce academic and attendance policies consistent with university and program expectations.
- Relate professional, clinical, or research experience to instruction, bringing industry and medical relevance into the classroom and laboratory setting.
- Participate in the faculty development process to enhance knowledge, skills, and abilities in learner-centered instruction.
- Communicate consistently and effectively with supervisor(s), faculty, and other South University administrators.
- Perform faculty responsibilities as outlined in the faculty job description in accordance with the provisions of Faculty Supplement to the South University Employee Handbook.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Terminal degree in healthcare disciplines such as physician assistant, pharmacy, medical doctor, or public health. Minimum of a Master's degree is required.
- Eligibility for professional licensure/certification in the applicable state and healthcare discipline (if applicable) or holds an active, valid, and unencumbered state license.
- 1-2 years teaching experience in a graduate health-related profession highly preferred.
- 2 years of clinical experience required, if applicable.
- Experience in PA/medical classroom teaching preferred.
- PAs must have graduated from an accredited PA program and have current or emeritus NCCPA certification.
- Emeritus clinicians are not required to hold active licensure.
- Cadaver dissection experience is preferred
- Academic Processes - knowledge of university guidelines, course descriptions, and academic terminology
- Clerical - knowledge of office administrative procedures, including accurate record-keeping
- Computer - ability to perform basic computer processes, including word processing, web browsing, and utilization of Microsoft Office
- Technical Knowledge and Application - proficiency with the online learning environment, including the creation of digital media and utilization of learning management systems
- Mathematics - ability to perform basic mathematic calculations
- Critical Thinking - uses logic and reasoning to look at different types of information in order to make conclusions and work through problems
- Research - Locates key facts and information to learn more about different types of information
- Interpersonal Skills - communicates and interacts with people effectively while being aware of social perceptions
- Time Management - manages one's own time to accomplish assigned tasks
- Attention to Detail - thoroughness and accuracy when accomplishing a task ensuring all aspects are reviewed
- Written Comprehension - ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing
- Written Expression - ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
- Oral Comprehension - ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences
- Oral Expression - ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand
- Selective Attention (Focus) - ability to concentrate on a task over time without being distracted
- Organizational - ability to organize large amounts of information and tasks
- Teaching - ability to convey course concepts and material in a manner that others can understand
- Engagement - ability to learn from students' participation, demonstrate fair and consistent behavior in all matters, and show compassion without being ineffectual.
- Ability to physically work in the United States while performing all responsibilities of the position for the University.
- Computing - ability to access a personal computer, Internet connection, and telephone connection (hardware, software, and Internet access specifications to be provided) to fulfill teaching and related administrative responsibilities.
- Office Hours - ability to hold required office hours and respond to student questions and administration within the required response time.
- Orientation participation - ability to complete the New Faculty Orientation and other assigned/required training (e.g., Code of Conduct) through South University.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
South University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and embraces diversity as a critical step in ensuring employee, student, and graduate success. We are committed to building and developing a diverse environment where a variety of ideas, cultures and perspectives can thrive.