A cover letter is required for consideration and should be attached as the first page of your resume or curriculum vitae. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position, present a teaching statement/philosophy, and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

The College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA) is the largest of the University of Michigan's 19 schools and colleges, enrolling more than 18,000 students.

The LSA First Fellows Program (LFF) is a new program that supports first-generation sophomores through academic exploration, mentorship, community building, and summer opportunities. Building on LSA's long-standing commitment to first-generation student success, we play a central role in advancing LSA's First-Generation Pathways initiative in partnership with the Dean of LSA. This work aligns key programs- including Kessler Scholars, the First-Generation Commitment, and the development of the LSA First Fellows program- to build a cohesive, scalable model for supporting first-generation students across the college.

The mission of the University of Michigan is to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values, and in developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future.

The LSA First Fellows Program (LFF) invites applications for three lecturer positions for the Winter 2027 term. Successful candidates will teach two to three sections of 20-25 students of an Applied Liberal Arts (ALA) course: LSA First Fellows: Thriving in Your Second Year. This course is required for all First Fellows and plays an essential role in orienting students within the First Fellows Program and supporting their transition to, and flourishing in, their sophomore year at the University of Michigan (UM).

Each section of this 1-credit course meets in person for one hour, one day per week. Teaching times will vary depending on the section to which the instructor is assigned. Classes are generally offered M/T/TH at 9 am and 4 pm, and Fridays at 2 pm.

The seminar is designed to empower second-year, first-generation college students in the College of LSA as they navigate the academic, professional, and personal landscapes of life at UM. All First Fellows are first-generation LSA students in their second year on campus. Enrollment in this course is limited to students accepted into the new LSA First Fellows program, and both enrollment and course completion are required.

Through an intentionally designed curriculum, interactive cohort activities, reflective journaling, and practical skill-building, this course demystifies the "hidden curriculum" of university life. Students will learn specific, relevant information and strategies to facilitate their success during their sophomore year. The LSA First Fellows course also provides a strong community for program participants while equipping them with the navigational capital, self-efficacy, and cohort support needed to thrive throughout their undergraduate journey. The course is designed to teach transferable knowledge and skills that will support students' existing and future coursework. The course invites students to think deeply about what they want from their education, how their academic and professional goals intersect with their personal lives and values, and how their experience as a first-generation student in LSA is an asset to the community.

As an instructor of this course, you'll guide students through reading, reflection, discussion, and writing on these themes, creating space for them to engage with their peers and build meaningful connections within the LSA First-Gen community. The course includes small weekly assignments and activities alongside a cumulative assessment, all designed to help students increase their sense of belonging at UM. Instructors should be comfortable facilitating discussion-based, reflective learning and mentoring second-year students through an exploratory, values-driven curriculum.

In addition to teaching responsibilities, the instructor will hold office hours for students, provide appropriate syllabus and course materials electronically, and handle routine administrative matters.

• A Master's Degree in Higher Education or an associated field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A demonstrated commitment to equity-focused, inclusive, and accessible teaching practices.

• A PhD in Higher Education or an associated field.
• Instructional experience teaching undergraduates.

This is an on-site position that is not eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

This position is for either 22.22% or 33.33% for the Winter Term 2027.  This appointment is scheduled to begin on January 1, 2027, and end on April 30, 2027. The First Fellows program and associated course will be a continued offering; this is a one-semester commitment with the option to renew annually, pending instructional review.

This position is covered under the collective bargaining agreement between the U-M and the Lecturers Employee Organization, AFL-CIO, which contains and settles all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks.  Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Questions about applying for this position can be emailed to: johnav@umich.edu

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. The deadline for applications is Friday, November 06, 2026. The anticipated date by which an offer will be made is no later than Tuesday, December 01, 2026. The appointment opportunity described in this posting is subject to final approval by the academic unit.

The selection criteria used for this search are based on how the applicant's education and experience meet the required minimum qualifications for the position. Excellence in teaching and instruction will be the principal criteria used to select the successful candidate.

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.