YourPace Part-Time Faculty: Media and Cultural Studies

The University of Maine at Presque Isle (UMPI) invites applications for a part-time, remote Adjunct Faculty position in the Media and Cultural Studies concentration within the English and Media Studies Bachelor of Arts program, offered through the YourPace competency-based education (CBE) model. This fully online, asynchronous, 8-week program focuses on guiding students as they critically analyze media forms, cultural practices, and social environments through flexible, outcomes-driven coursework. Courses may include Media, Culture, and Society; Media and the Environment; The Poetics and Politics of Space; and Documentary Film History and Theory. Faculty will support students in developing critical media analysis, visual and textual interpretation, and cultural literacy within a self-paced, student-centered learning model.

Adjunct faculty may serve as Instructors of Record and/or contribute to course development. Teaching assignments occur six times per year with multiple start dates, and faculty report to the Chair of Arts & Humanities and the Director of CBE Education.

UMPI is a public institution accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). YourPace is a flexible, subscription-based CBE program designed for adult learners. All courses are fully online and asynchronous. Adjunct faculty are compensated according to applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements/MOUs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver engaging, student-centered instruction in a fully online, asynchronous environment
• Facilitate student mastery of competencies in critical media analysis, cultural interpretation, and research-based inquiry
• Provide timely, substantive feedback on assessments and projects (within 72 hours)
• Guide students in analyzing media, culture, and social contexts, including issues of power, identity, representation, and environment
• Support student progress in the CBE framework and maintain regular communication via email, Zoom, or phone
• Utilize learning management systems and instructional technology effectively
• Participate in required training related to CBE pedagogy

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Media Studies, Cultural Studies, Communication, English, Writing Studies, Humanities, Environmental Studies, Cultural Geography, Film or Visual Studies, or a closely related field; OR a master’s degree in another discipline with at least 18 graduate credits in a relevant area
• Demonstrated ability to teach media and cultural studies topics at the college level or equivalent professional experience
• Familiarity with critical approaches to media and culture, including analysis of power, identity, representation, and social and environmental contexts
• Experience using learning management systems and instructional technology
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse student population
• Commitment to competency-based education, including supporting self-paced learning and mastery of clearly defined outcomes

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD in English, Media Studies, Cultural Studies, or a related field
• College-level teaching experience in media studies, cultural studies, English, writing studies, humanities, or related fields, particularly in interdisciplinary or general education contexts
• Experience teaching in CBE, online, hybrid, or nontraditional formats serving adult or returning learners
• Evidence of teaching effectiveness (student evaluations, peer observations, teaching portfolio)
• A record of scholarly, creative, or professional work related to media, film, cultural analysis, environmental media, or spatial/urban cultural studies
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusive and equity-minded pedagogy supporting students from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences
• Experience teaching courses across a broad range of Media and Cultural Studies and/or Environmental Studies topics

Technology Requirements: YourPace Adjunct Faculty are required to have the appropriate technology to teach in a fully online environment. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Computer (laptop) with appropriate amounts of processing speed
• High-speed internet connection
• Webcam
• Microphone

How to Apply

Click “Apply Now” below or visit the UMPI Careers Page at http://umpi.careers.maine.edu/.  

You will be required to create an application profile and application. 

In addition, for your application to be considered complete, you must submit (upload):  

• Cover letter (include your experience, interests, and suitability for the position with specific reference to the qualifications outlined above; including an indication of which subject(s) you believe you could teach)
• Curriculum vitae (preferred) or résumé
• Transcript for highest degree earned
• (Optional) Student course evaluations and reflection to demonstrate how these assessments improved your teaching practices

Important items to know about the recruitment process: 

• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and candidates will be hired as programmatic needs arise.  (Unless otherwise notified, applications will remain on file until May 30, 2026. If no communication regarding application status has been received by that date, the application will be considered inactive.)
• Candidates selected to proceed to the final stages of the search process will be requested to provide a list of references. 
• A background screening will be conducted on candidates who move forward in the selection process. 
• The University is not able to consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship support.

About the University

For more than a century, the University of Maine at Presque Isle (UMPI) has empowered learners through personalized, flexible, and career-focused education. Serving approximately 3,000 online and on-campus students, UMPI is committed to access, innovation, and applied learning, preparing students from Maine, the nation, and the world for meaningful careers and positive community impact.

Situated on 150 acres in northern Maine, UMPI is dedicated to being the region’s premier learning institution and a driver of cultural and economic development in Aroostook County and across the state. The university serves as a regional educational and cultural hub, hosting academic programs, lectures, performances, exhibits, and community events.

Learn more about UMPI at https://www.umpi.edu/. 

Applicants interested in learning more about the quality of life and opportunities in Aroostook County are encouraged to explore the region’s offerings here.

Equal Opportunity Statement-The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability (physical or mental), genetic information, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at www.maine.edu/title-ix/.

Clery Act- The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, such as the University, prepare, publish and distribute an Annual Security Report, (ASR) and provide notice of the availability of the ASR to all prospective employees. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University’s crime statistics for the past three calendar years; and disclosures regarding the University’s current campus security policies. You may view the University’s Annual Security Report. If you have any questions, contact Safety and Security 111 Campus Center 181 Main St., Presque Isle, ME 04769 Phone: (207) 768-9580.