Call for Applications � Persistence Project Faculty Associate for the Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE)

The CTE is seeking applications for a Faculty Associate for the Persistence Project, for the 2027-28 academic year to collaborate with the CTE Administrative and Faculty Directors in supporting faculty who are teaching Persistence Project classes. In particular, the Faculty Associate will encourage and support participation in the Persistence Project, an ongoing initiative to promote belonging in classes, especially classes including first-year students. 

The Faculty Associate position is a two-semester appointment, starting in the fall semester. Faculty Associates will receive a teaching load reduction of one course per semester and a stipend ($2,250/sem.). They will contribute approximately 25% of their time to the role during the appointed semesters and may also contribute time during the preceding spring/summer, depending on CTE need and Associate availability. The CTE will fund an adjunct faculty or overload pay up to the cost of an adjunct faculty to cover the release time for each semester ($2,400/sem.).  It is expected the Faculty Associate will not be on overload and release time simultaneously.

Full-time faculty from all disciplines are eligible to apply. Qualified faculty will be familiar with the CTE mission and will have engaged with the Persistence Project in the past. 

Application Deadline: November 30, 2026


Expectations. 

   Persistence Project Faculty Associate is expected to:

* Support recruitment efforts for the Persistence Project each semester (particularly faculty teaching first-year students), 
* Support faculty teaching Persistence Project classes through one-on-one consultation and maintenance of a Canvas course page for the Persistence Project initiatives
* Help conduct New Faculty Orientation and Pedagogy and Tech Boot Camp during the week prior to the fall semester, including participating in planning meetings during the summer
* Conduct 3-4 programs (workshop, book discussions, brown bags, etc.) throughout the year for Persistence Project instructors. Budget requests may be approved up to $1,000/sem. Following current spending guidelines.
* Participate in Persistence Project and its assessment
* Support regular programming as needed, such as fall speaker events, Faculty in Residence, book discussion groups, brown bags, etc.
* Participate in CTE programming and staff meetings


Qualifications. The Faculty Associate should demonstrate:
* Enthusiasm for promoting faculty excellence in teaching at Xavier
* Openness to and/or experience with inclusive and innovative pedagogy, particularly methods that support student success 
* Past participation in Persistence Project
* Experience leading faculty groups and/or initiatives
About the CTE
The CTE has established itself as an energetic and collaborative place for engaging faculty in significant conversations about teaching. Since its opening in fall 2010, hundreds of faculty have participated in programs including Faculty Learning Communities, Faculty-in-Residence course observations, Teaching Mentoring Pairs, the Persistence Project, Teaching as Research program, workshops, panel discussions, and social events.

CTE Mission
The CTE supports Xavier faculty in creating inclusive, collaborative learning environments that challenge our students intellectually, morally, and spiritually to become engaged scholars and citizens. The Center promotes effective teaching that is reflective, engaging, creative, and informed by both pedagogical and disciplinary knowledge.

In supporting this mission, the CTE:
* Reinforces the culture of teaching and learning as central to Xavier's mission;
* Cultivates environments and relationships to build networks and communities of learning and scholarship;
* Provides programs and resources designed to promote pedagogical methods informed by research on teaching and learning;
* Inspires faculty to reflect on their work as well as to share and learn from the experience, diversity, and expertise of their colleagues.


Application Process � Persistence Project Faculty Associate
To apply, submit the following as an attachment to cte@xavier.edu by November 30, 2026:
1) Application narrative in the format outlined below;
2) Abbreviated curriculum vitae, highlighting one�s engagement with Persistence Project, faculty development and/or the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning;
3) Letter or email from your Department Chair and Dean documenting support for release time

Applicants should cc their Department Chair and Dean on this application. For assistance with application questions, contact Eric Bucher (buchere1@xavier.edu) 

APPLICATION FORMAT
1) List name, rank, department
2) CTE Faculty Associate Position for which you are applying (Persistence Project Faculty Associate)
3) Statement of Qualifications and Interest (no more than 2 pages)
a. Describe your interest in the position, teaching philosophy, and engagement with the CTE
b. Describe your experience and interest in teaching first-year students and/or with the Persistence Project
c. If applicable, describe any relationship between this role and your research agenda