Adjunct/Affiliate Faculty- Computer Science and Data Analytics - College of Adult and Graduate Studies

Job Summary

Colorado Christian University is currently looking for qualified instructors to become online affiliate faculty (course by course contract-based) for graduate and undergraduate courses in computer science and data analytics. Ideal candidates will have areas of research and education in CS in the following areas: operating systems and architecture, physical systems, machine learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence as well as data analytics. Regardless of specific discipline, the successful candidate(s) should also demonstrate an ability to contribute to a curriculum that includes application-oriented coursework grounded in foundational computer science principles. Specialties in cybersecurity will also be considered.The University’s faculty is a group of experienced professionals who are able to integrate their evangelical Christian faith in the classroom and help disciple the next generation of Christian leaders.

College of Adult and Graduate Studies (CAGS) courses are offered in an accelerated format during evenings, on weekends, or in combination of the two. Courses are offered in a variety of durations, including five, seven, and ten weeks. Classes are taught using in-seat and online formats to a predominantly adult audience. About CCU
Colorado Christian University is the premier interdenominational Christian university in Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region, delivering world class education to thousands of students. The fully accredited, nonprofit University is located in Lakewood, Colorado, a suburb of Denver. Colorado Christian University was founded in 1914.  CCU’s motto is--grace and truth. This motto comes from John 1.14: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (ESV) CCU's mission is Christ-centered higher education transforming students to impact the world with grace and truth. Colorado Christian University cultivates knowledge and love of God in a Christ-centered community of learners and scholars, with an enduring commitment to the integration of exemplary academics, spiritual formation, and engagement with the world. We envision graduates who think critically and creatively, lead with high ethical and professional standards, embody the character and compassion of Jesus Christ, treasure the gospel, and who thereby are prepared to impact the world in their callings. CCU embraces an educational model that was present at the foundation of many of the great western and American universities. It is made up of three pillars—competence, character and Christ-centered faith. Secular universities have abandoned two of those pillars. We think this is a major oversight that eventually undermines education. Furthermore, we believe this classical educational model is both life-giving and greatly needed in our time. A leader in higher education, CCU has been consistently ranked in the top 2 percent of colleges and universities nationwide for its core curriculum by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni. CCU has had ten consecutive years of enrollment growth and has been named one of the five fastest-growing master’s granting universities by The Chronicle of Higher Education.CCU offers more than 100 degree program options for traditional and adult students through its two colleges--the College of Undergraduate Studies and College of Adult and Graduate Studies. More than 8,000 students attend the University on the main campus, in regional centers throughout Colorado, and online. What is most appealing about working at CCU? 

• Faith friendly: CCU’s culture is unique to higher education. Where else can you pursue academic excellence yet read the Holy Bible, pray with teammates and students at work, and work to impact our culture in support of Christian values?
• Convictionally Christian: As a university, we have an enduring commitment to Christ, his kingdom and the truth of God’s Word.
• Live out your calling: We are a traditional evangelical university where you can invest your God-given talents and abilities alongside coworkers and teammates, while having a profound influence on students as they deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ.
• Equip students for kingdom work: You can be a part of helping students discover their callings and preparing them for positions of significant leadership in the church, business, government, education, and other professions, as a key part of our University's Strategic Priorities. 

Key Job Duties 

1. Must follow all course policies and meet expectations according to established faculty guidelines, including timely grading of assignments, tests, papers, and final grade submission. Communicate with students in a timely manner. This includes: Contacting students using the Blackboard e-mail system before class starts to welcome them.
2. Using the Blackboard notification system to communicate with students and check it regularly to assist and support students. Participating in the course and in threaded discussions as appropriate. Returning assignments in a timely manner with meaningful and helpful critiques. Using the Blackboard Grade Center for all assignments and returning all graded assignments to maintain a permanent record of student work.
3. Commitment to the integration of Christian faith and learning.
4. Class preparation and continual course maintenance required. Course maintenance includes updating assignment due dates in the calendar function in Blackboard and providing a phone number and e-mail address to students.
5. Faculty have access to their Blackboard course one month before their course is scheduled to begin and are expected to take the time necessary to familiarize themselves with the course objectives, content, text, assignments and delivery format. Technology training is not provided, so faculty must be willing to watch videos provided by the university to learn how to use the learning management system.
6. Grades must be turned in a maximum of 14 days after the last day of class. (Note: final payment will not be made until grades have been turned in.)
7. Provide supplemental material that will enhance the class according to the experience and expertise of the faculty. Adhere to the course and course objectives for basic content.
8. Maintain established office hours (minimum of two hours per week) when contracted for a course and be available for individual student consultations (during evenings and weekends for CAGS students).
9. Participate in the faculty orientation program, bi-annual faculty meetings and other training & forums as required.
10. Communicate promptly with the Program Director, Dean, Regional Center Administrator, Director of Faculty Development, or other designated CAGS staff, if you face any difficulties. Report errors, deficiencies, misrepresentations and make suggestions for improvement in course content to the Program Director, Dean, or Director of Curriculum.

 We’re looking for candidates who have: 

1. Doctorate/ABD preferred for teaching graduate courses or master’s degree in computer science or data analytics plus five to seven years of documented work experience accepted for teaching undergraduate courses.
2. Three to five years of online higher education teaching experience preferred.
3. Willingness to become proficient in Blackboard, Google Hangouts, and other multimedia or software programs. Must be willing and able to use a webcam and microphone for interactions with students and to grade student multimedia projects.
4. Proficiency in appropriate MS Office software required. Be able to use appropriate software and technology in the learning environment.
5. Knowledge of adult learning theory and integration of faith and learning required for CAGS affiliate faculty.
6. Passion for higher education and dedication to student success.

 Nature of Work EnvironmentWhile performing the duties of this job, you may be required to walk, stand, sit, reach with hands and arms, balance, stoop, speak with clarity, and have appropriate vision and hearing capabilities. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. You may be required to work occasional irregular hours, including some nights and weekends. Affiliate Faculty pay is typically $400-$600 per credit hour for undergraduate classes and $1,000 per credit hour for graduate level classes. Details regarding payment for low-enrolled courses are included in course contracts.