The Office of Undergraduate Education and Academic Student Services seeks a Faculty Director of Complex Problems and University College. This is a three-year appointment, beginning June 1, 2024, and through May 31, 2027, and is open to full-time faculty members. The position reports to the Dean of Undergraduate Education and Academic Student Services and will work closely with the AU Core and Living-Learning Community (LLC) Teams. While serving as Director, the incumbent will maintain their appointment in their home department and school, following the usual reporting lines.

Complex Problems and University College

An integral part of the AU first-year experience, the Complex Problems seminars use real-world (or “wicked”) problems and enduring questions to introduce students to collegiate-level skills, strategies, and approaches that are described by the program’s learning outcomes. With a 19-student cap, these seminars are opportunities for faculty members to engage with small groups of first-year students, introduce students to the work we do as scholars, and explore areas of interest that transcend any one discipline or profession.

University College, AU’s oldest and largest living-learning community, is a one-year experience for first-year students and is open to all schools and majors who opt to live on campus and who are not already participating in another living-learning community. In the Fall semester, students take a shared Complex Problems seminar with students who live on their residence hall floor. The program combines limitless opportunities in DC with the best elements of college life—meeting new people, living in a residence hall, studying with our top-notch Complex Problems instructors, and finding their passions.

The Director’s Role

As an integral member of the Core leadership team, thus of students' first year experiences, the Complex Problems and University College Faculty Director should anticipate these primary duties:

In this multifaceted role, you will engage in shared leadership by collaborating with the Assistant Directors to advance the mission, vision, and values of Complex Problems and University College. Your responsibilities also encompass providing essential support and guidance to faculty teaching in these programs, acting as a central point of contact for curriculum, instruction, and classroom management. You'll encourage faculty to propose seminars and revisions, and you will work closely with AU Core and program staff to enhance assessment and ensure continuous improvement.

Furthermore, you will play a pivotal role in building a sense of community among Complex Problems faculty and nurturing collaborative and engaged faculty cohorts within University College. Your involvement will extend to partnering in the creation and execution of year-round programs for both Complex Problems and University College, including faculty orientations and student kickoff events.

As part of your leadership duties, you will chair the Complex Problems Faculty Senate Subcommittee, where you will oversee course review, faculty development, and learning assessment, as well as serve as a member of the AU Core Council. Moreover, you will serve as a program ambassador, participating in prospective student marketing and recruitment events, and representing Complex Problems and University College at various University functions. On occasion, you'll have the opportunity to attend and present at national conferences to raise the profile of these programs on a broader scale.

Lastly, you will contribute to the development of leadership within the program by providing guidance and support for Program Leader training and development, assisting program staff with any faculty-related matters.

How to Apply

The Director of Complex Problems and University College must be a full-time faculty member, preferably one who is currently teaching or has taught Complex Problems. The Director should have a record of teaching excellence, as well as an ability to lead faculty in exploring a range of inquiry-based and active learning pedagogies. Experience with program development and assessment is also highly desirable but not essential, as is experience with living-learning communities. Strong communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills with multiple demonstrated cultural competencies (LGBTQ, International, first-generation, socioeconomic class differences, BIPOC students) to serve a diverse student population are required.

Interested candidates are invited to submit their application, including a CV and a one-to-two page statement of interest addressing their qualifications for the role and their vision for the future of Complex Problems and University College, to undergradstudies@american.edu by Wednesday, January 31, 2024.

If you are a dynamic, visionary leader with a passion for academic excellence, we encourage you to apply and be part of a dedicated team committed to making a difference in the lives of our students.