Overview

The Faculty in Residence (FIR) program is sponsored by the Office of Residence Life, and aims to increase meaningful interactions between faculty and students. The FIR position is a live-in position designed to strengthen the connection between students’ curricular and co-curricular activities. In collaboration with Residence Life staff, the FIRs help to create an intentional residential education experience for Emory students. The central mission of Emory’s Division of Campus Life is to cultivate a welcoming and dynamic community that is committed to modeling and teaching holistic wellbeing, ethical leadership, civic engagement, cultural humility, and global citizenship by providing a supportive and responsive foundation for an evolving campus community to develop skills necessary for lifelong success and positive transformation in the world. The FIRs serve to model these ideals by providing programs, dialogues, and initiatives that engage, support, and intellectually challenge students. Research shows that student engagement with faculty has a positive relation to students’ retention, satisfaction, and learning (Astin, 1977; Benjamin & Griffin, 2013; Kuh & Hu, 2001; Mara & Mara, 2010; Pascarella & Terenzini, 2005). Through informal and formal interactions, the FIR program helps students to know faculty on a deeper level, in both academic and social contexts.

Goals

• To increase faculty presence, academic engagement, and role modeling in the residence halls.
• To provide opportunities for faculty and students to interact outside the classroom.
• To create meaningful programs that promote student learning and community building.

Eligibility and Terms of Service

Preference is given to full-time faculty. Each FIR holds an appointment for two (2) years, with an optional third year by mutual agreement. In addition to full-time faculty status, ideal candidates should have an awareness and experience with student learning, residential living, and student leadership. Knowledge of Emory University policies and procedures is helpful. FIRs will work with the FIR Director & Coordinators regarding logistics of move-in. Generally, FIRs move-in mid to late summer.

Benefits

• The benefits package for the FIR position includes the following:
• Furnished, air-conditioned, two-bedroom, on-campus apartment at Clairmont Campus or Woodruff (parking, all utilities, wireless internet services are provided);
• Access to free room reservations for residential spaces.

General Expectations

• Maintain visibility as vital member of the Residence Life community.
• Actively participate in the life of the Emory residential community.
• Promote academic engagement opportunities to residents.
• Actively publicize and host at least one program per month.
• Develop positive relationships with other FIRs.
• Maintain open and active communication with student and Residence Life staff.
• Support and follow university, Residence Life, and Housing Operations policies and procedures.
• Collaborate with Residence Life’s student and professional staff for programming
• Maintain on-campus apartment as primary residence.
• Submit monthly expense and budget report.
• Attend select Residence Life events as academic commitments allow, such as signature Residence Life events, move-in, welcome week, and staff meetings.

Resident Interaction

• Initiate informal and formal communication with students, such as programs, emails, check-ins, meals, or one-on-one conversations.
• Serve as a role model and resource for students.
• Be available, approachable, and accessible to students.
• Cultivate interactions with students that empower students to grow, develop, and refine their values.

Programming

• Plan and implement at least one program per month.
• Though FIR programs are intended for residents of their residence hall, FIRs are encouraged to advertise programming to all Emory students.
• Programs can include, but are not limited to, large group social events, small group discussions, meals, or off- campus field trips.
• Conduct formal and informal assessments to determine progress towards achieving Residence Life’s learning outcome(s).
• FIR Team will provide initial support for effective planning and marketing.

Administrative Tasks

• Meet with the FIR Director monthly to discuss ongoing community issues, brainstorm programming initiatives, and assess progress.
• Initiate regular communication with the FIR Director regarding programming, marketing, budgeting, and facility concerns.
• As academic commitments allow, the FIR will attend Residence Life staff meetings.
• Submit end of year reports and reflection of the year.
• Attend training meetings as requested.
• Work with FIR Director regarding residential concerns including move-in, move-out, facilities issues, policies, and processes.

Programming Funds

• $2,000 per academic year

Training

• FIRs are required to attend one training session date (to be determined in May).

Submitting Your Application

The FIR Search Committee seeks a diverse group of faculty who work collaboratively with our residential staff to create thought provoking, interactive, and educational programs in which students can talk, work, and learn together. If you are interested in joining the FIR program for a two-year commitment, please submit the following to Courtnay Oddman at the contact information below:

• A curriculum vitae or resume
• A cover letter declaring your interest in the program, addressed to the Faculty in Residence Search Committee that include answers to the following three (3) questions:
  • What non-teaching activities or interactions have you had with students (e.g., study abroad, residence hall program, dinners)?
  • Each FIR offers programs around an interdisciplinary theme related to one of five core values of Residence Life and Housing Operations. These five values are social justice, sustainability, responsibility, learning, and connections. If you are interested in starting your own theme, what ideas do you have and what kinds of events could support these themes?
  • How would you implement these and encourage students to attend the events you sponsor? Events can be social, educational, cultural, focused on careers/academics, or other topics.

Please note that: Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. Therefore when you submit your application, please also include at least three times and days that you are available for your interview. This interview will include Campus Life staff, Residence Life staff, current FIR, and/or student representative.

The final deadline for all applications is Friday, March 30^th.

If you have questions about the FIR program, please contact Courtnay Oddman, Faculty in Residence Director at 404-727-2106.

Contact Information:

Courtnay Oddman, M.Ed.
Faculty in Residence Director
Residence Life
Phone: 404-727-2106