Director of Forensics
Assistant Professor
Tenure Track Faculty Search

* Available for Academic Year: 2011/2012.
* Fresno State has been recognized as a Community Engagement University by The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.
* Faculty members gain a clear path to tenure through the University's Probationary Plan Process.
* Salary placement depends upon academic preparation and professional experience. In some circumstances, exceptional faculty may be considered for appointment at a higher rank.
* Instructional Level: Undergraduate and Graduate
* Part of a University-wide Urban Regional Transformation Cohort 2010

Position Characteristics:The successful candidate will direct a competitive policy debate program and teach courses in argumentation, debate, and/or other areas of expertise. The Director's debate responsibilities will include coaching the policy debate team, travel to regional and national tournaments, supervising graduate assistant debate coaches, and administering the debate program. (S)he will also develop and coordinate a public debate program to promote student participation and civic engagement. This position is part of a cohort of new faculty with a broad Urban and Regional Transformation (URT) emphasis, and as such there are unique opportunities for the successful candidate to pursue integrative research efforts, collaborative projects, and shared program/course developments within this cohort, such as mediating public debate on issues related to URT. Specific assignments will depend on department needs. Faculty may be called upon to teach in a distance-learning mode and encouraged to develop web-enhanced and/or web-based instruction. Outcomes assessment and service learning are important components of the university curriculum. Faculty members are also expected to engage in service activities at all levels of the university and provide academic and professional advice to students. The successful candidate will be expected to communicate effectively and work cooperatively with faculty.

Academic Preparation: An earned doctorate (Ph.D.) in Communication or a closely related field, or a J.D., from an accredited institution or equivalent is required. Candidates nearing completion of their doctorate (ABD) may be considered; however, for appointment to the tenure-track position the doctorate must be completed by 8/17/2011.

Teaching Or Other Experience:The successful candidate must have a record of excellence in intercollegiate policy debate as a coach and/or competitor. A record of success as a policy debate coach as well as coursework or experience teaching rhetorical theory and criticism, argumentation, or critical thinking, are preferred. Candidates must demonstrate a potential for scholarly activity at the university level. The successful candidate must have the ability to work effectively with faculty, staff, and students from diverse ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Equal Employment Opportunity:California State University, Fresno is committed to maintaining and implementing employment policies and procedures in compliance with applicable state and federal equal employment opportunity laws and regulations. Executive Order 883 prohibits discrimination and Executive Order 927 prohibits harassment on the basis of protected status: race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex (including gender identity, per HR 2004-12), sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition and covered veteran status. Retaliation against individuals for complaining about proscribed conduct, opposing such conduct, or participating in an investigation or proceeding involving such conduct is prohibited by both executive orders. Further, California State University, Fresno's statement of commitment to equal employment opportunity principles is also found in the various collective bargaining agreements.

Application Instructions:Submit online application at http://jobs.csufresno.edu/ and attach the following materials: (a) Letter of application; (b) Curriculum vitae; (c) Evidence of teaching and coaching effectiveness; (d) Samples of recent scholarly work; (e) Unofficial graduate transcripts; and (f) Names and contact information of three additional references (other than those writing letters of recommendation). Three current letters of recommendation (dated within the last 12 months) should be mailed directly to: Professor Kevin J. Ayotte , Search Committee Chair; Department of Communication; California State University, Fresno; 5201 N. Maple Avenue, M/S SA 46; Fresno, CA 93740-8027. Phone: (559) 278-4086; Email: kjayotte@csufresno.edu

Open Until Filled:To ensure full consideration, applicants should submit all application materials by 12/3/2010. Searches automatically close on 4/30/2011 if not filled