WMU instructor teaching in class

Call for Applicants: FYE 2100 Part-Time Instructor

The Office of Student Transitions is seeking part-time instructors for First-Year Experience (FYE 2100) in fall 2025. Application deadline is March 10, 2025 by 5 p.m.

Before applying, please review the full job description and instructor requirements here. Instructors play a key role in guiding students through this important transition and are expected to facilitate discussions, engage students in meaningful activities, and provide ongoing support throughout the semester.

To apply, complete the Qualtrics form linked here by March 10, 2025 at 5 p.m. The form includes a section to upload your responses to the application questions. Before starting your application, please review the prompts and prepare your answers in advance. 

FYE instructors are WMU faculty and staff who are invested in the success of first-year students. They are hired as part-time instructors to teach FYE 2100, a two-credit hour course designed to help new students make a successful academic and social transition to life at WMU. FYE instructors are instrumental in facilitating first-year students’ paths towards academic success as they learn about the array of resources available at WMU. The course includes exploring diverse perspectives and fostering a sense of belonging, developing personal strengths through the CliftonStrengths assessment, planning for careers and academics, and setting meaningful goals.

FAQs

There are a number of rewarding reasons instructors choose to teach FYE each year, which include:

  • Making a difference by supporting, guiding, and connecting with new students as they learn how to be successful during this significant transition.  
  • Working with a current student co-facilitator one-on-one to further their growth and career readiness. 
  • Getting to know 20 students in a small learning environment.  
  • A $2,530 stipend. Part-time instructors for this course are paid at the rate of $1,265 per credit hour in compliance with PIO contracts, for a total of $2,530 over the course of the semester.  

FYE 2100 instructors are part-time instructors within the Office of Student Transitions. Adhering to the expectations outlined below is critical to supporting the mission of Merze Tate College, which emphasizes student success and retention. 

  • Training and Preparation:
    • Attend all required training sessions.
    • Submit a course syllabus to the Office of Student Transitions before the first day of class.
  • Teaching and Curriculum:
    • Teach at least one section of FYE 2100.
    • Follow the required common course curriculum and design your syllabus to meet established course outcomes and assessments.
  • Supervision and Support of Co-Facilitators:
    • Provide guidance and supervision to student co-facilitators to ensure they fulfill their roles effectively.
    • Support co-facilitators through weekly scheduled meetings, offering feedback, resources, and assistance as needed.
  • Assessment and Reporting:
    • Collect and report assessment data, including but not limited to end-of-semester evaluations for students, co-facilitators, and instructors.
    • Submit all required reports, such as Early Warning, Mid-Term grades, Final Grade reports, and Final Classroom Evaluations.
  • Learning Environment:
    • Foster an inclusive and supportive classroom environment that promotes the growth and development of students of all abilities.
  • If hired, all FYE instructors will submit a signed offer letter, P008 form, and completed syllabus. 
  • Master’s degree in any field or bachelor's degree with 2 years of relevant experience. Preference is given to those with prior teaching experience in higher education. 
  • This position is limited to WMU exempt/salaried staff or temporary non-exempt/hourly employees. Benefits-eligible, non-exempt/hourly employees are not eligible to hold this position due to budget constraints which preclude payment of overtime wages that would be required by wage and hour laws. 
  • Persons holding current graduate assistant positions may not hold additional concurrent part-time teaching appointments. 
  • All classes meet two days per week for an hour and 15 minutes (2.5 hours per week), for 15 weeks. In addition, instructors are expected to meet with their co-facilitator individually for one hour per week. Additional time spent on class varies by instructor and is based on lesson planning, grading, and other class activities.  
  • FYE classes are offered at various times throughout the day to accommodate different schedules. All candidates can indicate preferred dates/time on their applications. If selected to teach, we will do our best to match you with that date/time. 
  • WMU believes that supporting a student holistically is key to a successful transition to college. As such, the FYE course curriculum is based on the eight dimensions of WMU’s Wellness Wheel. All topics, discussions, assignments, and learning activities will align with at least one component of the Wellness Wheel.  
  • All students will receive a CliftonStrengths code and an in-class Strengths presentation.  
  • There are a number of required activities which all classes must complete. Other than those assignments and presentations, instructors have freedom to deliver lessons and materials how they wish. We hope that instructors will share their own interests and expertise with first-year students! 

It is helpful to have your CV/resume and responses to the application questions prepared before beginning this application. All completed applications must include the following:

  • FYE 2100 Part-Time Instructor Application - Qualtrics Form
  • Current CV or Resume
  • Responses to the following prompts (no more than 2 typed pages):

The questions below are designed to help us understand your goals, values, and approach to teaching first-year students. Your responses will also guide our selection process as we work to build a team of instructors committed to the mission of Merze Tate College: fostering student success and retention.

New Applicants - (For those who did not teach FYE 2100 at WMU in 2022, 2023 or 2024)

  • Why are you interested in teaching first-year students, and how do you see yourself contributing to their success and retention at WMU?
  • Student co-facilitators are both mentees and partners in the classroom. How would you balance guiding their professional development while empowering them to take initiative and contribute to the class?

Returning Applicants (For those who taught FYE 2100 in 2022, 2023 or 2024)

  • Based on last year's challenges, what changes do you plan to implement in your teaching approach to enhance student engagement, retention, and success?
  • The student co-facilitator role is central to our program, designed to provide a meaningful learning experience for the co-facilitator while they assist you and mentor incoming students. Reflecting on your experience, how will you further engage, develop, and support your co-facilitator in their role this year?
  • What role do you think a first-year experience course plays in helping students feel like they belong at WMU?



 

  • Monday, March 10: Applications due by 5 p.m.
  • Monday, March 10 - Friday, March 21: Interviews for new instructors
  • By Friday, April 4: Positions offered
  • Saturday, May 3 (Tentative): Required in-person training, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m
    — Receive $250 stipend for participating in full day of training
  • Saturday, August 16 (Tentative): Required in-person training, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, August 21 – Tuesday, 26: Fall Welcome (Co-facilitators meet with groups)
  • Wednesday, August 27: Classes begin

How to Apply

Previous WMU FYE teaching experience does not guarantee employment for the next year. All interested applicants, new and returning, must complete the application and interview processes.

Submit your application by using the Qualtrics form. (We recommend having your documents prepared before beginning the Qualtrics Form application.)

Application deadline: Monday, March 10, 2025 by 5 p.m.
Incomplete applications will not be reviewed for selection.

Complete applications must include the following:

  1. FYE 2100 Part-Time Instructor Application
  2. Current CV or resume
  3. Responses to application questions

New applicants will need to participate in an interview. OST staff will contact you to schedule an interview after your application is submitted. Returning applicants will be considered based on application materials and previous years’ end-of-semester evaluations. All applicants must complete a successful background check (at no expense to you) to be hired. 

What are instructors saying about FYE?

I love being able to teach FYE 2100. I have found these students to be funny, insightful, wonderful humans. They want to make the world a better place and make an impact. I have learned as much from them in my time teaching this course as I hope they have from me. As an instructor, what a powerful experience to have in the life of a student! Today’s students need us (and this class), and I wholeheartedly would recommend teaching this course to anyone who wants to make an impact on these amazing world changers!
—Amanda Lozier, Academic Advisor and FYE 2100 instructor
My experience teaching FYE 2100 at WMU has been world-class. The opportunity to make an impact on first-year students is one that I couldn’t pass up. I enjoyed building lasting relationships with students and meeting colleagues I usually wouldn’t meet, and it helped me develop both personally and professionally. The FYE team is supportive and works to set instructors up for success. And first-year students need what instructors have to offer! We can significantly impact their entire college experience at WMU.
—Mo Brooks, Student Success Navigator and FYE 2100 instructor