Art Design Adjunct

Missouri Western State University
Missouri Western State University

Design

St Joseph, MO, USA

Posted on Aug 1, 2026
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Posting Details

Position Information
Position Title Art Design Adjunct
Department School of Fine Arts
FLSA Exempt
Job Summary
Missouri Western State University invites qualified candidates to apply for adjunct teaching positions for the Fall 2026 semester in our in the School of Fine Arts, located in the College of Liberal Arts. We are seeking applications for qualified, experienced adjunct teaching faculty to teach one section of ART 120: Design Fundamentals, which is a foundational course in Graphic Design and includes the principles of visual structure, composition, color theory, Gestalt principles, and design methodology and processes. This course is offered as an in-person studio section on the Missouri Western State University campus.

Adjuncts are hired to teach on a per course basis and are hired on a contractual, part-time basis and are not on a tenure track. Each academic term may present the need to hire new or additional Adjunct Faculty. This position may require day, evening, face-to-face or online instruction. This position is part-time and as an adjunct will be limited to teaching a maximum of 9 hours.

Under general supervision, Adjuncts will plan and implement curriculum for assigned course(s); effectively communicate class content to students in an online or face-to-face environment; evaluate students’ progress in attaining goals, objectives, and student learning outcomes; assist in retention effort.
Essential Job Duties
  • Adheres to all applicable university academic and employment policies identified in University Policy Guide and academic catalogs.
  • Develops course syllabus for each course assigned. The syllabus will include learning objectives and any required university information. Distribute the syllabus to campus administration and enrolled students.
  • Creates, publishes, and maintains a Course Canvas shell, adhering to the best practices for LMS use.
  • Instructs the depth and scope of class materials as outlined in the syllabus and catalog, relates instruction to course and academic program outcomes as may be defined by course or program assessment plans.
  • Prepare and grade exams based on course objectives and published scheduled exams, and returns all assignments/graded work in a timely manner.
  • Implements evaluation of outcomes assessments and achieves established results while maintaining University standards and student satisfaction.
  • Work creatively in all assigned courses to keep students engaged to assist in increasing student retention.
  • Submit grades at the appropriate time.
  • Be responsive to student inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
  • Performs other duties as assigned by the Department Chair or College Dean.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Teaching experience
  • Content area experience
  • Must be authorized to work in the United States
Preferred Qualifications
  • Master’s degree in subject field
  • Teaching experience in higher education
  • Professional experience in subject area
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Strong foundation in the formal principles of two-dimensional design, including composition, organization, balance, contrast, hierarchy, unity, rhythm, and proportion.
  • Knowledge of design methodology, problem-solving processes, and Gestalt principles.
  • Working knowledge of color theory and its practical application in studio projects.
  • Ability to design and sequence progressive studio assignments that build technical and conceptual skills.
  • Skill in facilitating constructive group critiques focused on the work rather than the individual.
  • Ability to demonstrate and support foundational studio processes and materials.
  • Experience managing a six-studio-hour course structure while balancing demonstrations, work time, and feedback.
  • Ability to evaluate student work consistently against clear criteria related to formal principles, craftsmanship, process, and concept.
  • Capacity to teach foundational design concepts effectively to students with varied levels of prior experience.
Physical Demands Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time.
Additional Demands
In-person studio instruction on the MoWest campus
Hours of Work
Hours determined by class schedule.
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number PT056P
Number of Vacancies 1
Desired Start Date 08/19/2026
Open Date 07/31/2026
Priority Deadline
Open Until Filled Yes
Special Instructions Summary

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

  1. What is your highest level of education attained?

    (Open Ended Question)

  2. Do you have prior experience in Higher Education?
    • Yes
    • No
  3. How many years of teaching experience do you have?

    (Open Ended Question)

Documents Needed To Apply

Required Documents
  1. Resume
  2. Cover Letter
  3. Transcripts (unofficial)
  4. Curriculum Vitae
  5. Professional References (3-5 with contact information)
Optional Documents
  1. Evidence of Teaching Effectiveness(Student Evaluations)
  2. Statement of Teaching Philosophy (One Page)
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