South Russell Hall Faculty-in-Residence Position Available

PURPOSE

The heart of the Baylor experience is developed on campus in the union of shared experiences and relationships. In keeping with the university's strategic plan, Baylor University continues to increase the percentage of undergraduates living on campus and improve the quality of Baylor’s residential communities. Central to this effort is Campus Living & Learning (CL&L)’s goal to further enhance engagement between students and faculty within the residential communities. 

The Faculty-in-Residence (FIR) program is a collaboration between the Office of the Provost and Student Life that strengthens the connection between students’ academic and residential learning experiences. Faculty-In-Residence are faculty members from an array of disciplines who, along with their immediate family members (if applicable), live in designated on-campus residential communities. As such, Faculty-In-Residence work collaboratively with CL&L leadership and residence hall staff to create opportunities for residents to interact with professors outside the classroom, further supporting student learning, engagement, and success.

Campus Living & Learning invites applications from qualified faculty for the South Russell Hall Faculty-in-Residence position, beginning in fall 2027. South Russell Hall is a traditional first-year student community, housing approximately 250 men and women of all academic majors. 

Qualifications AND EXPECTATIONS

• Full-time faculty with tenured, senior lecturer/teaching professor, or clinical associate/clinical professor status.
• Prior experience engaging students outside of the classroom.
• Demonstrated interest in the undergraduate residential educational experience, particularly for first-year students.
• Knowledgeable of general academic requirements, procedures, and campus resources.
• A role model for adhering to all university and Campus Living & Learning policies and procedures. The FIR and their family members and guests are required to adhere to housing policies and procedures as outlined in the Guide to Community Living and the Faculty-in-Residence manual.
• A demonstrated Christian faith.
• Spouses who do not work at Baylor must agree to have a criminal background check completed prior to moving on campus. 

Responsibilities

The responsibilities of the FIR are comprised of two important categories: 

1. Community Involvement and Student Interaction:

   The FIR will be known as an active member of South Russell Hall. In collaboration with hall staff, the FIR will utilize relationship-building skills and community development techniques to get to know residents assigned to the community. 

Specific duties include:

1. Support the mission of Campus Living & Learning and residents in the assigned residential community as they pursue academic success, spiritual formation, and campus involvement. 
2. Initiate and sponsor formal and informal programs within one’s residential community, including discussions, talks, study breaks, or other gatherings where students can interact with faculty, staff, or other guests.
3. Attend and support other programs associated with the residential community.
4. Provide approximately 10 hours per week of student interaction and community involvement. 
5. Promote, enhance, and sustain faculty involvement in the residential community by encouraging greater faculty participation and facilitating meaningful encounters between students and faculty.
6. Participate in Baylor traditions and events, such as Move-In days, Welcome Week activities, Homecoming, Diadeloso, and other residence hall events.

2. Cooperation and Collaboration with Campus Living & Learning:

   Positive relationships, frequent communication between the FIR and hall staff, and close collaboration between academic partners and student leadership are essential to the FIR's success. To achieve this end, the FIR is expected to meet regularly with hall staff and designated CL&L leadership. FIRs are also expected to interact frequently with Community Leaders and student leaders within the community. The FIR will serve as a role model by supporting residence hall and university policies and the staff members responsible for enforcing them, although the role does not include enforcing residential policies. 

Specific duties include:

1. Meet regularly with the Associate Director for Academic Initiatives, the Area Coordinator Hall Director, and the Resident Chaplain, and interact frequently with Community Leaders.
2. Attend at least one hall staff meeting each month.
3. Serve as an active member of the Faculty-in-Residence Council that meets monthly on select Wednesdays from 3:30-5:00 p.m. during the academic year.

4. Participate in an annual FIR Fall Training Day (in mid-August before the start of the academic year) and departmental or divisional meetings/events as requested or as one’s schedule permits.

    

COMPENSATION

This is a ten-month, year-to-year appointment (early August through the end of the academic year in May), subject to annual review. The FIR is provided year-round accommodation in an apartment within South Russell Hall. The FIR apartment will serve as the primary residence; as such, the FIR should reside fully on campus. 

PROGRAM SUPPORT

1. Housing: The 3-bedroom, 1 study (could function as a bedroom), 3-bath apartment (approximately 2,400 sq. ft.) may be partially furnished if requested (basic living room and dining furniture only). Utilities are included. Two reserved parking spots near the apartment are also provided. The position or department does not cover the cost of liability insurance for personal property. As such, renters’ insurance is strongly encouraged.
2. Program Budget: A budget is provided for the academic year for programming purposes to facilitate interaction between residents and faculty. This budget is managed and distributed by CL&L, and the use of the funds must follow all CL&L and Baylor University accounting procedures. 
3. Dining: The FIR is provided with a partial meal plan that includes 170 swipes per semester while classes are in session (excluding summer), along with 17 guest passes per semester to encourage sharing meals with guests.   
4. Pet: A pet is allowed with certain limitations (per Campus Living & Learning pet policy, which is available upon request). Renters’ insurance is required for FIRs with a pet. 

Annual Review Process

The FIR position is a ten-month, year-to-year appointment (August 1-May 31) that will be renewed annually for up to five years, upon mutual agreement. After five years, if mutually agreed, a more extensive review will occur, in which the FIR and Associate Director will work to identify goals that provide an ongoing, year-to-year vision for the FIR.

In consultation with CL&L and hall leadership, the FIR will develop annual goals for his/her residential community. Annually, each FIR will assemble a FIR portfolio that includes the following:

1. A report on progress toward achieving the year’s goals. 
2. A general summary of events planned or hosted, along with activities attended.
3. Any supporting documents or photos (flyers, notes, etc.).
4. Reflection on involvement in the community, contributions to the FIR program, areas of concern, and suggestions for improvement.
5. Goals for next academic year.

In addition, the Associate Director for Academic Initiatives may collect evaluative information from students living in the residential community and the staff (RHD, PD, RC, CLs). The evaluative information and/or FIR portfolio may be reviewed by the Associate Director for Academic Initiatives as part of the reappointment process. If the faculty member chooses not to continue as a FIR for the following academic year, the FIR should inform the Associate Director by October 1st and vacate the FIR apartment by May 31st. 

The duties, title, and position of the Faculty-In-Residence are “at will” and may be expanded, reduced, amended, merged with other duties, or eliminated in whole or in part at any time at the sole discretion of Baylor. Failure of a Faculty-In-Residence to comply with Baylor policies or the Faculty-in-Residence Manual may result in removal from the position with or without notice in Baylor’s sole discretion and may result in other personnel action in accordance with Baylor Personnel Policies, including the Faculty Handbook.

Application process and timeline

A letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and four recommendation letters from the following references: 1) academic department chair, 2) academic dean, and 3) two or three undergraduate students. If desired, recommendation letters from references may also be submitted through email. Letter of interest and recommendations should be addressed to Dr. Terri Garrett, Associate Director for Academic Initiatives, Campus Living & Learning, One Bear Place #97076, or Terri_Garrett@baylor.edu.   

Candidates are highly encouraged to review the Campus Living & Learning website (www.baylor.edu/CLL) as a means of becoming acquainted with on-campus housing. In the letter of interest, please consider addressing the following topics:

1.   What interests you about the Faculty-in-Residence role?

2.   What experiences have you had that have prepared you particularly well for living in a residence hall and engaging first-year students in their living environment? 

3.   What non-classroom activities or interactions have you had with students (e.g., student organization advisor, study abroad, residence hall programming, etc.) that you think have prepared you well for this role? 

4.   What special skills, qualities, or experiences would you bring to the Faculty-in-Residence position?

5.   What ideas or experiences do you hope to provide South Russell Hall residents that will increase interaction with you as FIR or your guests, such as faculty and staff? 

The application deadline is Friday, January 22, 2027. Interviews for selected candidates will occur in early February 2027. Candidates will interview with a selection committee comprised of faculty, staff, and students, with the final appointment made by the Vice President for Student Life and the Executive Vice President and Provost in March 2027.