Adjunct Careers at Rasmussen University

Focused on progress and devoted to the goals of Rasmussen University, our team of dynamic academic professionals are inspired when coming to work everyday. In order to function cohesively and grow as an institution, adjunct faculty members follow a basic set of responsibilities:

• Report to an Academic Dean or Dean of Nursing for Nursing faculty
• Teach courses in a variety of modalities while promoting and supporting the vision and mission of Rasmussen University
• Adjuncts can teach up to three working units per quarter (approximately 12–15 contact hours)

Not only do we want our students to succeed, but also our faculty. All faculty are expected to focus on the following areas:

• Teaching Effectiveness: professionalism, use of technology and content expertise
• In-Service Training and Professional Development: community service, training programs and overall career goals

Providing the best education for our students is our top priority. Teaming up with adjunct faculty who prioritize these same expectations in their teaching practices not only helps the University and fellow faculty, but every student with the dream of higher education.

1. Professionalism
   • Models professional behavior and communication for students
   • Exhibits appropriate behavior, language, demeanor and dress at all times
   • Collaborates with student support personnel providing academic and professional guidance for students
2. Use of Technology
   • Researches and utilizes digital content in courses to connect students to more resources
   • Adheres to Adjunct Faculty Expectations established by the University
   • Utilizes online grade books and communication techniques to further engage students in their own learning; uses online database tools for communicating with campus personnel and documenting necessary information
3. Content Expertise
   • Facilitates highly effective and engaging learning environments in various teaching modalities including residential, online, FLEX and FLAT, meeting the diverse needs of learners
   • Creates and maintains course materials in compliance with University and regulatory requirements
   • Assess student learning, provide feedback and support and refer students for additional support when necessary

Community Service and In-Service Training

Community is important both in and out of the office. Adjunct faculty members get the opportunity to participate in community service, including our annual Community Service Day, where employees and students come together to volunteer in their local communities. Adjunct faculty will also be a part of the University In-Service Training Programs and meetings to stay current on all topics related to the University.

Professional Development

The work our employees produce is important to our organization, but we also prioritize short- and long-term career goals of our employees, as well as improving current job performance.

Adjunct faculty members will:

• Participate in professional organizations and professional development activities, including webinars, seminars and conferences in field of study
• Actively participate in advisory boards, student organizations and system committees
• Develop, review and adhere to academic policies and procedures for the University
• Create, implement and evaluate annual professional development plan

Prospective adjunct faculty members should meet the required qualifications and most of the preferred qualifications stated in the job posting, including:

• Teaching experience preferred: a minimum of three years of experience in the field of study
• Self-motivated, flexible and able to work in a teach environment with minimal supervision
• Strong interpersonal skills to interact with students, leadership and peers
• Excellent written communication and strong verbal communication skills in the English language
• Online adjuncts will need regular access to a computer with the following system requirements:
  • Windows XP or greater
  • Microsoft Office 2010
  • An internet connection

Master's Degree

A Master’s degree in your field of study is required for employment.

Rasmussen University follows the requirements set by the Department of Education, accrediting agencies and the states in which the campuses operate.

Certifications and Licensures

• Must be able to provide professional licenses/certifications required for specialized schools (i.e., Health Sciences, Nursing) before teaching
• Must be able to provide professional licenses/certifications and official transcripts for each degree earned from an accredited institution before teaching

At Rasmussen University, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to supporting and encouraging diversity in the workplace. We welcome our employee’s differences regardless of race, color, creed, religion, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, age, gender identity, disability or veteran status.

Can I be a full-time instructor?

Yes, we are always looking to take our high-performing adjuncts and hire them on as full-time employees. Rasmussen University offers many full-time faculty positions both residentially and online within certain areas. All opportunities are based on the needs of each individual campus.

View Current Openings

How many different schools are there at Rasmussen University?

There are eight schools within Rasmussen University: School of Business, School of Education, School of Technology, School of Design, School of Health Sciences, School of Justice Studies and School of Nursing and School of Human Services.

Do I need to submit transcripts?

Yes, all of our instructors must provide Rasmussen University with official transcripts for every degree earned. All transcripts must be received before you begin teaching. You are responsible for ordering your official transcripts and having them sent to Rasmussen University.

Do I have to do any training before I teach?

Yes, we offer online training and orientation that all new instructors are required to complete prior to teaching.

How long are the terms at Rasmussen University?

Rasmussen University operates on a quarter system. Our standard courses run 11 weeks. Week 12 is designated for professional development. Faculty still need to be available to students during professional development week. We also offer online accelerated degree programs of two six-week sessions during our standard quarter.

How many classes can I teach per quarter?

Instructors are given one course to teach their first quarter. After successful completion, faculty members are eligible to teach up to three courses per quarter.

How do I get scheduled for courses?

Our scheduling is completed based on course enrollment. There is never a guarantee to teach every quarter. The Academic Dean will contact you before the term begins to extend a teaching assignment to you. Courses may be canceled due to lack of student enrollment.

Will I be creating the course I am teaching?

Rasmussen University’s Curriculum and Development team creates the content for all of our courses.

Do I select the textbook?

The textbook and/or digital content for each class has already been selected.

What is the compensation?

Rasmussen University’s adjunct faculty compensation is based on an individual’s educational achievements, teaching experience and campus location.

When do I get paid?

All adjunct instructors are paid on the same cycle as employees. Rasmussen abides by a “semimonthly” payroll schedule (24 payrolls per year, which is two paydays per month). The work week is Saturday through Friday. Paydays are generally the 15th and last business day of the month. If a regularly scheduled payday falls on a holiday or weekend, employees are paid on the last regular workday immediately preceding the holiday or weekend.

What is my employment status at Rasmussen University?

Our adjunct faculty members are considered part-time employees. You will be required to complete new hire paperwork which includes the Form I-9 and proof of eligibility to work in the United States. We also require all employees to successfully pass a background check. All pre-employment paperwork must be completed and cleared prior to teaching your first course.

What platform (course management system) does Rasmussen University use?

Rasmussen University uses two web-based platforms: Angel for our 11-week courses and Engage for our six-week, accelerated degree-program courses.

Do I need any specific software for my computer?

All instructors must have easy accessibility to the internet using Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Office 2007 or higher and be able to download a web-based conferencing tool for faculty meetings. Some courses may require both students and instructors to have specific software.

Do I have to be available at specific times or on specific days?

Most of our standard 11-week courses are asynchronous; instructors able to login and teach according to their schedule. Instructors must be available to log in daily and there may be times when students need to reach out via chat or phone. All online courses require a live synchronous session; frequency of sessions vary based on the course requirements.