Early Bird

Teaching opportunity

Pathways to Possible is seeking a lead faculty member and four instructors to teach summer University Life Course.

By Nahum Kisner and Megan Scherzberg

January 28, 2021

Metropolitan State University of Denver recently received $2.385 million to establish the Pathways to Possible program, a structured educational pathway to motivate and lead students of color, low-income students and rural students from ninth grade through college graduation and into the Colorado workforce, particularly in rural areas. The majority of grant funds are appropriated to pay for student stipends and scholarships as well as compensation for faculty and staff working directly with the program’s students.

Intentional connection to faculty 

Pathways to Possible will create intentional opportunities for program participants to build connection and rapport with MSU Denver faculty. One way to create these opportunities is through a 2-credit University Life Course. The eight-week summer course will explore habits of mind, help students develop a growth mindset and help them gain skills for success and persistence.

The University Life Course is an important foundational component in students getting acclimated to college life. Through the course material and your mentorship, students will build skills and the confidence that will propel them successfully into the fall semester and sustain them throughout their college journey.

Call to action

Pathways to Possible is seeking a lead faculty member and four instructors to teach one to three sections of the University Life Course during the summer term. The position not only offers the opportunity to create deep and meaningful connections with incoming students but provides a profound service to the institution. It may also be a great way to attract students to a course they might not otherwise consider, boosting your course numbers and even possibly gaining new majors in your discipline. Financial compensation is provided. 

Lead-faculty expectations and requirements:

• Lead the development and structure of the 2-credit University Life course.
• Instruct the 2-credit University Life Course and help students successfully transition to MSU Denver and develop academic, personal, financial and career goals.
• Provide support to instructors teaching the University Life Course.
• Collaborate with leadership to assess the impact of the course as it relates to student-success outcomes and provide recommendations.

Eligibility:

• Current MSU Denver faculty member.
• Experience with/understanding of first-year student needs.
• Demonstrated commitment to the values of equity, inclusion and social justice.
• Demonstrated experience collaborating with faculty, staff and the University community to reach common goals.

University Life instructor expectations and requirements:

• Instruct first-year students in the 2-credit University Life Course designed to help them successfully transition to MSU Denver and develop academic, personal, financial and career goals.
• Uphold and follow through on all prescribed elements of the University Life Course.
• Attend instructor trainings. 
• Participate in meetings to assess the impact of the course as it relates to student-success outcomes and provide recommendations.

Eligibility:

• Current MSU Denver faculty or staff.
• Experience with/understanding of first-year student needs.
• Demonstrated commitment to the values of equity, inclusion and social justice.

If you are interested, please speak with your department chair/supervisor and complete the interest survey by Feb. 5.