Introduction to Astronomy, Department of Applied Sciences and Professional Studies - Adjunct Faculty

Adjunct Faculty - Introduction to Astronomy

Department of Applied Sciences and Professional Studies | University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC)

This position is specifically to teach on-site in Pearl City, Hawaii. Local applicants only; UMGC does not sponsor logistical support for this role.

Introduction to Astronomy (ASTR 100)

An examination of the major areas of astronomy. Topics include the solar system, stars and stellar evolution, and galaxies. Current topics in astronomy are also discussed. The objective is to use scientific and quantitative reasoning to make informed decisions about topics related to space science.

At UMGC, we don't just teach; we empower. Founded in 1947, UMGC is an open-access, minority-serving institution serving over 90,000 nontraditional learners worldwide, including a proud, large military-affiliated population. Our students are mature, highly dedicated, and balancing careers, families, and service. As an Adjunct Faculty member, you are the essential partner helping them bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world career success.

Why Teach with Umgc?

• Focus on Students, Not Course Design: All courses follow a standardized, pre-designed, unified course model. Standardized rubrics, OER materials, library resources, and digital textbooks are fully provided at no cost to you. You get to focus 100% of your energy on mentoring, facilitating, and providing high-quality feedback-no unpaid course-building required.
• Ongoing Growth: We invest in you. All newly hired faculty receive comprehensive online orientation, alongside ongoing, cost-free professional development opportunities.

The Rhythm of Your Week (Key Responsibilities)

Adjunct faculty bring our pre-built curriculum to life through real-world expertise and active mentorship.

Classroom Engagement & Presence

• Be Visible: Maintain an active classroom presence at least 5 days per week, introducing yourself with a welcome announcement and driving discussions.
• Bridge Theory & Practice: Enrich the pre-built curriculum with your own professional expertise and real-world examples.
• Build Belonging: Foster an inclusive, culturally responsive environment where adult learners feel supported and motivated.

Responsiveness & Feedback

• Stay consistently engaged with learners throughout the course by responding to inquiries, returning feedback, and posting final grades within the expected timeframe.

Proactive Support & Collaboration

• Monitor Progress: Use available data tools to track student engagement and conduct proactive outreach to at-risk students.
• Team Up: Partner with success coaches, academic staff, and portfolio directors to refer struggling students to UMGC support resources.
• Stay Connected: Participate in UMGC's vibrant faculty community, including the Program Hub and ongoing training.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: A Master's degree in Astronomy, Physics, or a related field from an accredited institution of higher learning
• Experience: Professional experience in Astronomy, Physics, or a related field.
• Legal Status: Applicants must have and be able to maintain their own legal status in the country in which they apply to teach.
• English Language Proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in written and spoken English sufficient to effectively teach course content, communicate with students, and evaluate academic work in English.
• The Mindset: A deeply student-centered approach rooted in empathy, flexibility, professional integrity, and cultural responsiveness.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience teaching adult learners in an online, asynchronous environment.
• Prior postsecondary teaching experience.
• Active engagement in your discipline's professional community.

Materials needed for submission

• Resume/ Curriculum Vitae
• Cover letter highly preferred
• Unofficial Transcripts
• If selected, candidates with international degrees may be required to submit a translation/degree evaluation from a NACES approved vendor

All submissions should include a cover letter and resume.

Workplace Accommodations

The University of Maryland Global Campus Global Campus (UMGC) is committed to creating and maintaining a welcoming and inclusive working environment for people of all abilities. UMGC is dedicated to the principle that no qualified individual with a disability shall, based on disability, be excluded from participation in or be denied the benefits of the services, programs, or activities of the University, or be subjected to discrimination.

Benefits Package Highlights

• Health Coverage: Access to health care, medical with vision, dental, and prescription plans for both individuals and families, effective from the 1st of the month following your hire date. NOTE: Adjuncts are not eligible for the State of Maryland subsidized rates. Adjuncts would be responsible for the total cost if enrolled.
• Insurance Options: Term Life Insurance and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance.
• Supplemental Retirement Plans: include 401(k), 403(b), 457(b), and various Roth options. The university does not provide matching funds.

For additional information please see: SS Adjunct Faculty_2020.pdf (umgc.edu)

Hiring Range by Rank and Degree

• Instructor: No Terminal Degree: Step 1 $806 - Step 11 $1,050 per credit hour
• Assistant Adjunct Professor: No Terminal Degree Step 1 $877 - Step 11 $1,127 per credit hour
• Assistant Adjunct Professor: Terminal Degree Step 1 $1,023 - Step 11 $1,288 per credit hour
• Associate Adjunct Professor: No Terminal Degree Step 1 $947 - Step 11 $1,205 per credit hour
• Associate Adjunct Professor: Terminal Degree Step 1 $1,202 - Step 11 $1,483 per credit hour
• Adjunct Professor: No Terminal Degree Step 1 $1,023 - Step 11 $1,288 per credit hour
• Adjunct Professor: Terminal Degree Step 1 $1,347 - Step 11 $1,645 per credit hour
• Newly hired Adjunct Faculty are generally appointed at Step 1. Advancement through subsequent steps occurs in accordance with UMGC policies and eligibility requirements.