Assistant Professor in Interdisciplinary Studies

Job Summary Central Washington University is recruiting an Assistant Professor in Interdisciplinary StudiesInterdisciplinary Studies to join our College of Arts and Humanities (CAH) team in Ellensburg, Washington.
This role is an important member of our team as they enhance the vision for the University.
The role is a campus-based position, which means you get to see the lives you are impacting.
We're offering a salary, depending on education experience, from $63,000 - $65,000 plus the awesome CWU benefits.
Who we are: We are a team of individuals committed to Changing Students' Lives.
No matter what job, each of us plays a part in supporting and empowering our students to fulfill their dreams.
Working in higher education provides career growth and career choice.
Think of a university campus like a mini city, operating across 380 acres.
You'll find diverse academics, libraries, athletics and sporting events, full service and quick serve dining, conferences and events from small to large, recreation centers, housing, health services, police and public safety for the campus population of ~10,000 students.
Central Washington University has been named a Fulbright U.
S.
Scholar Program Top Producing Institution for the 2022-2023 academic year.
In addition, for the seventh time in eight years, CWU is a recipient of the prestigious Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine.
Come join us on our journey to encourage, inspire, and create spaces where all identities thrive on campus.
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youtube.
com/watch?v=HjdhOegDa9A What we offer: Our investment in you begins the day you join our team, a healthy and successful future for you is important to us.
We offer medical, dental, life and disability insurance, retirement and optional savings plans, tuition assistance for you and your dependents, discounts across town, an employee assistance program for individualized counseling, and a wellness incentive program.
Learn more: CWU Benefits, Perks & Discounts Overview The Role: The CWU College of Art and Humanities is seeking to hire a permanent, full-time, nine-month, tenure-track assistant professor position to support the development and sustainability of the three Interdisciplinary Programs (IDPs): Latino & Latin America Studies (LLAS), American Indian Studies (AIS) and Africana and Black Studies (ABS).
The faculty member will teach in three programs, with majority of the courses in LLAS, utilizing high-impact practices, antiracist pedagogies, and anticolonial curricula.
We especially welcome scholars who specialize in Critical Latinx Indigeneities, Afro Latinx Studies and Critical Race Studies.
This interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary position focuses on the knowledge production and contributions by people of the Chicano, Latin American, Caribbean, Indigenous communities and African diasporas in the United States and globally.
We seek scholars with teaching experience in settler colonialism, racial capitalism, immigration, racialization, and structural and systemic racism.
The position will teach classes for our interdisciplinary programs and will be based in one of the eight departments that make up the college: Art + Design, Communication , English, History, Music, Philosophy/Comparative Religion, Theatre/Film, and World Languages and Cultures.
We welcome applicants whose work could situate them within any of these departments and would contribute to the interdisciplinary programs in the ways described above.
This position is based in Ellensburg, WA, Campus.
It is anticipated that the successful candidate will begin the appointment in September 2024.
Central Washington University (CWU) is committed to building a model learning community of equity and belonging.
CWU nurtures culturally sustaining practices that expand access and success to all students.
We are committed to fostering high impact practices, sustainability, and authentic community partnerships that are grounded in meaningful relationships.
Description of interdisciplinary programs: LLAS program is an interdisciplinary program that brings together different methods of inquiry to better understand the cultures, societies, and environments of Latin America and its diasporas, including the many communities that historically pre-existed the US, people who have immigrated to the US from various parts of Latin America, and their descendants.
The program also explores the importance of Latin America and Latinx communities in a global context.
LLAS provides opportunities for students seeking to deepen connections with their own Latin American and/or Latinx heritage.
LLAS offers interdisciplinary and critical perspectives on colonialism, religion, race and ethnicity, politics, gender and sexuality, indigeneity, environments, language, cultural production, migration, and economics within the region's societies.
Course offerings draw from Africana and Black Studies, Anthropology, Art and Visual Culture, Chicano Studies, Environmental Studies, Gender and Sexuality Studies, History, Ethnic Studies, Literature, and Political Science.
Students learn about a diverse area of the world that includes Mexico, Central America, South America, the Caribbean, and the United States.
Courses in the minor provide students with tools to develop critical thinking about social issues rooted in longstanding and persistent racial and social inequalities.
Established in 2008, ABS program at CWU offers an interdisciplinary approach to the multi-faceted and multi-layered experiences of Afro-descendants in Africa and the African diaspora - including Afro-Latinx in Latin America, the Caribbean, and the United States.
At the forefront of realizing and addressing historical and contemporary issues within these local and global communities, CWU's ABS program brings together scholars from an array of disciplines (law and justice, anthropology, sociology, English, history, political science, theater arts) who are dedicated to developing critical and innovative methods that address people in Africa and the African diaspora in fundamental ways relevant to students' varying career paths.
Within our rapidly globalizing society, the purpose of the Africana and Black Studies Program at Central is to introduce students to the historical and contemporary political, sociocultural, and economic realities within Africa and the African diaspora.
The ABS Program is dedicated to preparing global citizens equipped with intersectional, interdisciplinary, and transnational perspectives that foster a sense of social consciousness, responsibility, and justice.
AIS program provides an interdisciplinary opportunity to learn about American Indian peoples; to facilitate research and creative activities that concern American Indian peoples; and to recognize the diversity represented in the rich heritage of American Indians.
Students with a minor in American Indian studies will use academic and experiential knowledge to appreciate the natural and cultural diversity of American Indian people.
The AIS program is focused on several key objectives that promote awareness and understanding of American Indian societies and cultures.
First, to provide opportunities to study the customs, values, traditions, histories, and contemporary lifeways of American Indian nations and peoples.
Second, to provide students with a critical, holistic, and community-centered background for careers in several disciplines.
Third, to prepare students to effectively serve American Indian tribal and urban communities.
Fourth, to build and support cooperative relationships with tribal communities within and around Washington State and other academic institutions, tribal colleges, and the local central Washington community.
The successful candidate will be housed in one of the departments in College of Art and Humanities (CAH), who sees faculty and student success as inextricably linked, and strives to provide culturally-sustaining, and academically-affirming approaches to supporting and engaging students and faculty.
CAH value diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
Excellence in research, teaching, and service can only be fully realized by faculty, students, and staff who share our commitment to these values.
Therefore, faculty are expected to advise students; contribute to the department/program; engage in scholarship appropriate to their field; and provide service to the University, the community, and their profession.
Faculty will integrate CAH's commitment to diversity and create a learning environment that is welcoming, accessible, and inclusive for all students.
Successful candidates will demonstrate evidence of a commitment to equity and inclusion through their research, teaching, and/or service.
We ask that all applicants submit a two-page Diversity Statement with their application package.
Minimum Qualifications Please address in your cover letter: PhD degree in Cultural Studies, Chicano Studies, Africana & Black Studies, American Indian Studies, Native American Studies or any other relevant discipline.
Demonstrates excellent command of critical pedagogies and ability to engage diverse student populations while teaching sensitive topics in the classroom.
Ability to teach interdisciplinary courses offered through LLAS, ABS and AIS at all levels and variety of modalities.
Demonstrated ability to teach Critical Latinx Indigeneities, Afro Latinx Studies and/or Critical Race Studies Demonstrated ability to teach in settler colonialism, racial capitalism, immigration, racialization, and structural and systemic racism.
Strong track record on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging with in Teaching, Scholarship or Service on Diversity Statement.
Preferred Qualifications Knowledge and experience teaching courses in Latino & Latin America Studies, American Indian Studies and Africana and Black Studies in University level.
Research program that reflects the needs of minority or underserved populations.
Demonstrated commitment to improving access to higher education for students through teaching and/or mentoring activities.
Teaching, research, service, or other experience that has prepared the candidate to contribute to CWU's commitment to the engagement and inclusion of culturally diverse students.
Competencies Accountability/Dependability: Accepts responsibility for quality of own work; acknowledges and corrects mistakes.
Shows up on time, meets standards, deadlines and work schedules.
Judgement: Makes timely, informed decisions.
Analyzes options and determines appropriate course of action.
Teamwork: Promotes cooperation and mutual support to achieve goals.
Encourages participation and mutual support.
Adaptability/Flexibility: Responds positively to changing business needs and responsibilities.
Adapts approach and methods to achieve results; recovers quickly from setbacks and finds alternatives.
Commitment to Diversity: Recognizes the value of diversity and helps create environment that supports and embraces diversity.
Don't meet every single requirement? At CWU we're dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every requirement, we encourage you to apply anyway.
This may be the job for you! Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule Annual Salary: $63,000 - $65,000, based on a full-time nine-month appointment In accordance with RCW 49.
58.
110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position.
Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate's current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.
Appointment: Full-Time, Tenure-Track, 9 Month Appointment.
Additional Summer teaching may be available.
Central Washington University is on the quarter system with appointments from mid-September through mid-June Benefits: CWU offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement and optional savings plans, life and disability insurance.
CWU Benefits, Perks & Discounts Overview Additional Information: For additional information about the University, visit: https://www.
cwu.
edu For additional information about Ellensburg, visit: https://www.
myellensburg.
com OR https://www.
kittitascountychamber.
com How To Apply To apply for this position, you must complete the on-line application and attach: A detailed cover letter clearly demonstrating how your education and experience: (a) meet the required (and, as applicable, preferred) qualifications, and (b) demonstrate the ability to perform the responsibilities as described by the posting; and (c) detail how teaching, service and/or scholarship has supported students from racial, ethnic, and gender backgrounds that are underrepresented in their academic fields (applicants who have not yet had the opportunity for such experience should note how their work will further CWU's commitment to diversity); Curriculum Vitae including work history, education, training and contact information for three professional references; Statement of teaching philosophy; Research statement; Diversity Statement; Writing sample; and Copies of transcripts for the highest degree held.
Screening Begins: January 15, 2024 **NOTE: Although copies of transcripts are acceptable for application purposes, all job offers are contingent upon verification of highest degree.
Priority will be given to applications received by the screening date.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Contact Information Name: Chong Eun Ahn Title: Associate Professor Email: Chong.
Ahn@cwu.
edu Phone: 509-963-1290 Website: cwu.
edu Please contact Human Resources at hr@cwu.
edu or 509-963-1202 if you require technical assistance with the on-line application process.
Conditions of Employment Background Check/Reference Check Process: Prior to employment, final candidate(s) will be required to sign a Sexual Misconduct disclosure in pursuant to RCW 28B.
112.
080 and submit to a background check.
All information obtained through background investigations will be strictly confidential and revealed only to those required to have access.
The conditions of employment with Central Washington University are set forth in the Collective Bargaining Agreement between Central Washington University and United Faculty of Central, University policies and procedures, and applicable state and federal laws.
The Collective Bargaining Agreement may be found here: Faculty Labor Relations & UFC Notice to Prospective Employees: Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Statement Central Washington University is an EEO/AA/Title IX Institution.
Central Washington University's policies and practices affirm and actively promote the rights of all individuals to equal opportunity in education and employment.
Discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, age, marital status, disability, or status as a protected veteran is prohibited.
The university provides an internal procedure for reporting discrimination and affords protection against retaliation for participating in the complaint process.
Central Washington University complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and executive orders including when soliciting bids and in the fulfillment of all contracts with governmental agencies.
Direct related inquiries to Civil Rights Compliance, 202 Barge Hall, Ellensburg, WA 98926-7501; Telephone 509-963-2050; or email crc@cwu.
edu.
DEI Statement Justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion are all core to CWU's mission, vision and values to increase access to higher education for everyone regardless of identity.
At CWU we work to ensure everyone's voice is not only heard but recognized and valued.
We consistently strive to provide a safe, welcoming, and forward-thinking institution for all employees, students, and community members.
Reasonable Accommodations Central Washington University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment.
Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability.
If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact Human Resources at HR@cwu.
edu or call 509-963-1202.
This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability.
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e.
Clery Report) which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, available online here or call CWU Police and Parking Services at 509-963-2959 for a paper copy.