University of Western States Hiring for Course Writers and Adjuncts, Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine Program at Portland, OR Full Time

Job Description:

1. GENERAL POSITION INFORMATION
Position Name: Course Developer, Instructor
Classification: Part-time, adjunct
FTE: up to 8 credits per term/18 hours per week
Work Hours: All on campus positions, variable
Work Location: Campus-based at 8000 NE Tillamook Street; Portland OR 97213
Department/Division: Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (NMD)
Supervisor: Dean, College of Naturopathic Medicine

2. POSITION SUMMARY

To facilitate the development of a new Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program, University of Western States (UWS) is seeking adjunct faculty members to create course content and serve as instructors in the program.

Instructors in the University of Western States’ doctoral program in naturopathic medicine are responsible for ensuring students meet all learning outcomes and successfully complete their course as outlined in the course description, weekly objectives and syllabus. Instructors are also responsible for ensuring students receive appropriate feedback and assessment of their progress throughout the course. Course creation will involve the development of course content and materials to guide high quality learning experiences for students.

Adjunct positions in course development and instruction start March 1, 2024.

3. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Initial Course Creation
(90%) Create course content and resources including lectures, presentations, assignments, learning activities, assessments and other elements specified.
• Work closely with the program dean to ensure that all course materials meet program standards for quality and rigor.
• Work with Center for Teaching and Learning staff to ensure that all course materials are consistent with best practices and are compatible with the UWS learning management system (LMS) Canvas.
• Work with the program dean to ensure that all course materials and assessments align with course and program learning outcomes.
Identify outside resources to be used for assigned reading/viewing, supporting resources and optional exploration opportunities.

(10%) Contribute material for use in the program’s culminating assessments. Track material covered in NPLEX map.

Course Delivery

(65%) Provide instruction to students in learning environment.
• Create a learning environment with a focus on critical thinking, student inquiry and engagement.
• Create, monitor and contribute to classroom discussion.
• Assess and grade student work.
• Provide detailed feedback to students on their learning and performance on graded activities.
• Respond to student questions and concerns.
• Connect students with resources within and outside the course to facilitate their learning.
Be an engaged, supportive presence in the course.

(10%) Coordinate successful course delivery.
• Provide key course documents (e.g. syllabus, discussion forum guidelines, etc.) according to specified deadlines.
• Manage course settings and functions using the UWS LMS.
• Post final course grades according to specified deadlines.

(15%) Maintain and update course content.
• Revise and replace lectures as new information and evidence become available.
• Use student feedback and performance outcomes to modify the course (coordinated with program director).
• Ensure ongoing alignment of course materials and activities with course- and program-level assessment plan (coordinated with program director).
Ensure that materials, links, etc. are functioning in the course.

(5%) Continuing education and professional development.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of research and clinical practice developments in areas relevant to the course content.

(5%) Attend trainings, faculty meetings and other professional development activities as assigned.

Courses
Course in which course development starts March 1 and are taught in 2024 Summer term include:
o Botanical Pharmacy Lab
o Physical Exam Lab I
o Clinical, Physical, and Laboratory Diagnosis (CPLD) I
o Health Care Systems
o Laboratory Diagnosis Lab I

Courses in which course development starts June 1 and are taught in Fall 2024 term include:
o Botanical Medicine I
o CPLD II
o PE Lab II
o Laboratory Diagnosis Lab II
o Nutrition II
o Public Health I
o Nephrology & Urology
o Clinic Practicum

4. UWS CORE VALUES AND ASSOCIATED COMPETENCIES
The following Core Values are integral to working at UWS. All employees, regardless of their position within the university, are expected uphold the Core Values and demonstrate associated competencies.
Best Practices | We maintain high standards by using and integrating evidence across multiple disciplines. To accomplish this, We:
• Seek out and use relevant data to inform our decision-making.
• Incorporate peer-reviewed research and professional experiences into academic discourse and patient care.
• Promote student learning through excellence in instruction and assessment.
Curiosity | We are innovative, open minded, and forward thinking. To accomplish this, We:
• Approach our work with curiosity, inquisitiveness and willingness to think outside the box.
• Value and consider new ideas and ask, “What if…?”
• Remain open to change in order to advance and improve.
Inclusiveness | We are respectful, mindful, and welcoming of different ways of being, thinking, and doing. To accomplish this, We:
• Actively listen to diverse perspectives and value different viewpoints and experiences.
• Promote the equity of ideas, resources, power, and identity for all.
• Gather information and input from diverse groups to develop a common vision, improve policies and practices, and advance institutional goals.
Professionalism | We are responsible, respectful, and accountable. To accomplish this, We:
• Demonstrate civility in all our interactions, especially when there are disagreements or differing opinions.
• Take ownership of our speech, conduct, demeanor, and deliverables.
• Adhere to established policies, procedures, agreements, and deadlines.
• Act as thoughtful stewards of the university and its resources.
Student-Focus | We work for the common good of students’ academic and professional success. To accomplish this, We:
• Incorporate student feedback to improve academics and university services.
• When making university decisions, we ask: What effect will that have on students?
• Seek to understand the students’ experience through their eyes.
Whole-Person Health | We promote physical, mental and emotional wellness in all facets of the UWS experience. To accomplish this, We:
• Intentionally cultivate environments that support work-life balance.
• Consider personal and community wellness in decision-making.
• Maintain rigorous academic standards while supporting the health and well-being of our students.
• Include a range of health modalities in the classroom and clinic.

5. POSITION QUALIFICATIONS
Education & Training
Required: Doctoral degree in a health science field.

Preferred: Doctoral degree in naturopathic medicine.

Certifications & Licenses
Preferred: ND license
Experience
Required: Health sciences teaching experience at the master’s or doctoral level. Required: Clinical experience for courses related to patient care.
Preferred: Health sciences teaching experience in naturopathic medicine at doctoral level.

Preferred: Clinical experience for courses related to patient care.

Related Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
Required: Intermediate to advanced proficiency with general computing tasks (word processing, presentation software, email, internet searching, research database navigation, etc.).

Experience with one or more of the following educational technologies: learning management systems, online library systems, lecture capture, video conferencing/telepresence tools, electronic assessment systems, lab simulation tools.

Preferred: Experience with one or more of the following systems: Moodle, Panopto, Canvas, Zoom.

Preferred: Best practices in adult learning theory and medical education, with emphasis on critical thinking and evidence-based research.

Other Qualifications
Required: Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Required: Comfortable presenting in recorded and live formats.

Required: Invested in supporting students to maximize their success.

APPLICATION, SCREENING AND HIRING PROCESS:
Screening of applicants will begin immediately; the position will remain open until filled. Please submit a cover letter, a resume, and the names and contact information of three professional references.

University of Western States conducts background checks for the finalist or finalists of staff and faculty positions. The type of background check will vary by position type.

University of Western States is an equal opportunity employer.

To apply, please visit our website at: https://www.uws.edu/about/employment/

You may attach your materials as Word or PDF documents.

University of Western States offers a generous compensation and benefits package, as well as the opportunity to work for a leader in the field of education. To learn more about our competitive benefits and additional rewards, including generous paid time-off, medical and dental insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, retirement plan with employer contribution, multiple flexible spending accounts, tuition reimbursement, click the link below.

https://www.uws.edu/about/employment/

University of Western States is an Equal Opportunity Employer.