Affiliate Faculty

Description

About the Job

Colorado Christian University is a teaching institution that emphasizes exceptional faculty teaching and achievement of student learning outcomes, within the framework of spiritual formation, as the highest priority. Affiliate faculty for the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program are highly qualified professionals with an earned doctorate in counselor education, from a CACREP-accredited program, or have a related doctoral degree and experience as a licensed professional counselor. They are able to integrate their Christian faith in the classroom to disciple the next generation of Christian leaders in the professional counseling profession.

The primary role of the affiliate faculty is teaching which focuses on instruction, assessment of student learning outcomes, and program evaluation. Most courses are offered in an accelerated format with synchronous and asynchronous components. Core courses are taught using blended formats designed for adult learners. The Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is a year-round program.

This is not a full time position.

An Affiliate Faculty position (often called Adjunct Faculty in higher education) with CCU can be for either our College of Adult and Graduate Studies (CAGS) or College of Undergraduate Studies (CUS).

This is an opening for CAGS, which typically offers classes in an online environment using our Learning Management System (Brightspace). Some CAGS classes are in-seat at a center in the state of Colorado; however, the trend in most programs is for the majority of students to attend online. Most classes meet for five weeks, however some classes are offered in 7, 9, and 10 week formats.  

Upon submitting a resume and application, those candidates who are selected for the next steps are offered the opportunity to complete a one-way video interview. This video interview is reviewed by the Human Resources department and then sent to the appropriate dean for further review. Each dean has a review and selection process, which may include in-person interviews or evaluations. All candidates will be notified of the outcome of the hiring process. 

Those who are selected join the CAGS Affiliate Faculty pool and are vetted to teach courses based on their qualifications and relevant experience. Offers for courses are determined based on student enrollment and on how many other faculty are in their respective area of expertise.

Affiliates are expected to learn about CCU and its policies through the University’s Faculty Development team where each Affiliate Faculty member is asked to complete a series of badges to show they have completed the training required to teach at CCU. Affiliates must complete the required badge training to remain in the teaching pool.   

All affiliates are paid on a per-class contract basis and are classified as affiliate employees of CCU; affiliates are not considered regular part-time employees. This does afford each affiliate the option to participate in the 403(b) plan, but affiliate faculty are not eligible for any matching contribution and are not eligible for other CCU benefits. 

Job Location

Fully on-site - must reside and work legally in the U.S. Regular work location: Colorado Springs, Colorado

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 on two principles — grace and truth. CCU’s scriptural foundation comes from John 1:17: For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. (ESV)

CCU's mission is Christ-centered higher education transforming students to impact the world with grace and truth.

A leader in higher education, the University 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 nine 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 200 degree program options for traditional and adult students through its College of Undergraduate Studies and College of Adult and Graduate Studies. More than 9,000 students attend the University on the main campus, in regional centers throughout Colorado, and online.

Scripture states all Christians are called to serve Christ and to minister to others. Because Christians are individuals with different gifts and callings, we serve Christ in a variety of ministry vocations. CCU invites you to explore how you may use your calling and gifts at the University.

What is most appealing about working at CCU?

1. 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?
2. Convictionally Christian: As a university, we have an enduring commitment to Christ, his kingdom and the truth of God’s Word.
3. 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.
4. 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.

We’re looking for candidates who have:

1. A doctorate degree in a counseling related field required.
2. 3-5 years of successful higher education teaching experience preferred.
3. Appropriate certification and/or licensure may be required to teach some courses.
4. Proficiency in technology and are able to use a learning management system (Brightspace). Microsoft Office software use is required.
5. Knowledge of adult learning theory and effective teaching and learning in various formats is preferred. Ability to integrate personal faith in Christ and related topic with classroom learning is required.
6. Engage with students through course resources (i.e., Zoom, faculty videos, online faculty office hours, etc.).
7. A passion for higher education and are dedicated to student success.
8. Outstanding oral and written communication skills.

Key Job Duties

1. Contribute to CCU’s mission: Christ-centered higher education transforming students to impact the world with grace and truth. Affiliate Faculty contribute to the University’s mission by enhancing and advancing exemplary academics, spiritual growth, and engagement with the world.
2. Follow all CCU course policies and meet expectations according to established faculty guidelines and the respective faculty manuals.
3. Communicate with students and ATA’s (as assigned) in a timely manner utilizing learning technology.
4. Commitment to the integration of Christian faith and learning in all courses.
5. Adhere to professional standards as established by state governing bodies and the ACA Code of Ethics.
6. Utilize Brightspace learning platform and other technological resources to enhance the learning experience of students as required. Faculty proactively seek out resources and collaborate with CAGS Faculty Development in learning how to effectively use these instructional assets.
7. Teach and lead course content and course activities, utilizing ATA’s (as assigned).
8. Access Brightspace course shell one month before the course is scheduled to begin. Faculty prepare course per faculty expectations.
9. Complete grading in accordance with provided rubrics, faculty guidelines, and faculty manual.  Submit final grades for assignments and course. Utilize and collaborate with ATA’s (as assigned) for preliminary grading. Grading in accordance with faculty guidelines and CAGS Faculty Manual.  
10. Communicate promptly with appropriate parties, per training, if faced with any difficulties.

Work Environment

While 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. 

Spiritual Requirements

1. Committed follower of Jesus Christ, who believes there is no salvation apart from faith in his atonement on the cross, by grace alone becoming "born again" thus beginning a personal relationship with Christ, the Son of God.
2. Able to effectively communicate personal faith and apply biblical principles and convictions in the workplace. Must have a strong sense of calling to the ministry of Colorado Christian University.
3. Regularly attend and be engaged in meaningful involvement in a Bible-believing evangelical local church. Knowledgeable about the Word of God and passionate about Christian education.
4. Must be a traditional evangelical Christian whose lifestyle is in consonance with sound Christian principles, is compatible with CCU’s Statement of Faith, and is in agreement with the Strategic Priorities promulgated by the University.

Review of applications will continue until the position is filled. Colorado Christian University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status. CCU is committed to an environment free from discrimination and harassment and calls on every member of the university community to be vigilant in deterring and reporting all violations. CCU does reserve the right to exercise preference on the basis of religion in all of its employment practices. All employees who work at CCU must demonstrate a spiritual testimony consistent with our evangelical mission and follow our lifestyle expectations.