University of Connecticut
Office of First Year Programs & Learning Communities
Internal Call for Faculty Director
for the
Humanities House Learning Community
Humanities House is a Living/Learning Community housed near the arts departments and the new Storrs Center. It is seeking a current tenured or tenure-track faculty member to assume responsibilities as Faculty Director. The 10-month appointment is proposed as half-time. The Faculty Director will report directly to the Executive Director of First Year Programs & Learning Communities. Effective date of appointment is targeted for July 2014 and will be for a 3-year term.
Humanities House was established in August, 2011. Over the past three years Humanities House has advanced students’ interest in the humanities, especially in humanities-related undergraduate research. Humanities House enrolls students who have an interest in interdisciplinary learning across humanities fields, including literature, history, languages, ethnic studies, creative writing, and philosophy. The program enrolls between 50 and 75 students per year.
Humanities House, located in Shippee Hall, is equipped with a high-tech classroom furnished with a SMART Board; a locked office space to be used at the discretion of the Faculty Director; and shared community gathering space.
The Faculty Director’s primary responsibility is to provide vision and leadership for the continued development and operation of Humanities House, supporting the overall mission:
- Increasing awareness and knowledge about the humanities among all members of the University community by:
> Promoting interdisciplinary study. > Promoting intercultural competencies and sensitivities.
- Recruiting high-ability students who have demonstrated interest in the humanities and interdisciplinary studies.
- Providing support and coordination of activities (programs, speakers, cultural events) that are planned by multiple offices across campus, but often are disadvantaged by a lack of coordination.
- Providing a “home” for students interested in the humanities in which intellectual engagement will become a way of life.
- Establishing the means of assessment for the goals above.
The search for the Faculty Director of Humanities House is internal to the University of Connecticut. Requirements for the position include status as a tenured or tenure-track full-time faculty member; commitment to undergraduate education and advising; interdisciplinary research and teaching interests; administrative skills, including budgeting; the ability to market and recruit; excellent communication skills, including the ability to strategically network; and, above all, the enthusiasm needed to build a high-quality program. The Faculty Director will work closely with the Office of First Year Programs & Learning Communities (primarily), Residential Life, and other offices and committees concerned with strengthening the humanities at UConn.
Compensation
- Faculty Director: 1 month salary
- Release time/other matters negotiated between Vice Provost and your Dean or Department Head
- Graduate Student support available
Applications received by April 1, 2014 will be given first consideration, but the position will remain open until filled. Email a letter of application, current CV, and contact information for three personal references to: Melissa Foreman, Assistant Director, First Year Programs & Learning Communities, including “Humanities House Faculty Director Search” in the subject line (Melissa.Foreman@uconn.edu). Or, mail materials to: Melissa Foreman; First Year Programs & Learning Communities; Center for Undergraduate Education; 368 Fairfield Way, Unit 4232; Storrs, CT 06269-2232.
For more information, contact: Melissa Foreman at melissa.foreman@uconn.edu