Visiting Assistant Professor - American Government & Politics - #251062 and #000825

Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes 'Best Employers' lists each year. Including:
* 2024 - Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
* 2023 - Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
* 2022 - Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes 'America's Best Employers by State' list.
Western Carolina University is the UNC system's westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.
Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans - eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.
Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.
WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences - many of which are offered free of charge.

The primary location of this position is the Cullowhee, NC campus. Two positions are available.

The Department of Political Science and Public Affairs at Western Carolina University is searching for a visiting assistant professor with a specialization in American politics (subfield open) to join our growing and accomplished faculty.

This is a fixed-term nine-month position with the potential for summer teaching. The anticipated start date is August 2025. The successful candidate will contribute to the Political Science program by teaching six courses per academic year on our Cullowhee, NC campus, including sections of our "Introduction to American Government" course, a core course for our political science major and a key component in the University's general education program. Upper-level courses within the candidate's specialization may also be part of the teaching load.

WCU embraces its role as a regionally engaged university and is designated by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching as a community engaged university. Preference will be given to candidates who can demonstrate a commitment to public engagement through their teaching, service, and scholarship.

Minimum qualifications include candidates that are advanced ABD with a minimum of 18 graduate credit hours in Political Science from an accredited university.

Preferred qualifications include a PhD in Political Science from an accredited institution, prior teaching experience at the university level, and a promising research agenda in American government or politics.

In order to be considered, applicants must apply online. Hard copy materials will not be considered for review. The position is open until filled and the search committee will begin reviewing applications on or about February 28, 2025.

Required documents: 1. cover letter of interest; 2. Curriculum Vita; 3. unofficial transcripts; 4. a list of three professional references

For more information, please contact Dr. Heather Rimes at hnrimes@email.wcu.edu

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.

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All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.

Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.

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