Background:
Founded in 1863, Saint Mary's is a residential campus nestled 20 miles east of San Francisco in the picturesque Moraga Valley. Based in the Catholic, Lasallian and Liberal Arts traditions, Saint Mary's currently enrolls more than 4,000 students from diverse backgrounds in undergraduate and graduate programs. The De La Salle Christian Brothers, the largest teaching order of the Roman Catholic Church, guide the spiritual and academic character of the College.
As a comprehensive and independent institution, Saint Mary's offers undergraduate and graduate programs integrating liberal and professional education. Saint Mary's reputation for excellence, innovation and responsiveness in education stems from its vibrant heritage as a Catholic, Lasallian and Liberal Arts institution. An outstanding, committed faculty and staff that value shared inquiry, integrative learning and student interaction bring these traditions to life in the 21st century. The College is committed to the educational benefits of diversity.
Position Description
The Writing Studies Program seeks an adjunct faculty member to teach:
Writing Studies 201, Writing and Research, in Fall 2026 (August 31, 2026 to December 20, 2026)
2 sections available:
1) Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:25-9:40am
2) Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 12:50-12:55pm
This course will be taught in-person, on campus.
In addition to teaching, instructors in the Writing Studies Program are expected to hold regular office hours (a minimum of three hours a week) in order to provide students with support outside of the classroom. Instructors are also expected to participate in faculty development including workshops, class observations, and syllabus collaboration. Course design must follow the program’s curricular guidelines detailed in the writing studies faculty handbook.
Course Description
In this course, students further develop information evaluation and research practices and the rhetorical and critical thinking skills needed to structure complex arguments. In addition, students practice evaluating sources, exploring arguments through library research, and conducting research. This course prepares students for the Writing in the Disciplines courses in their major and requires the completion of at least 4,000 words of graded formal writing, and an additional 1,000 words of informal writing practice.
Minimum:
Internal applicants (BUFM) must have at least one year of experience teaching first-year writing as the instructor of record at SMC or equivalent courses at an accredited institution.
Outside applicants (non-BUFM) must submit a CV that includes reference to completed graduate coursework in Rhetoric and Writing, course evaluations from a first-year writing course, a sample syllabus of a first-year writing course, and any other evidence of teaching excellence. Applicants may be requested to submit additional materials. Experience must be within the last five years. Applicants must have an MA in Rhetoric and Composition, PhD in English, MFA in Creative Writing, or a similarly-defined field.
Preferred:
PhD in Rhetoric and Composition
Applicants must reside in California.
The salary range for this position is $7,447 -$10,308 dependent on qualifications. The salary range for this position is covered by the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the College and SEIU, Local 1021, available here
In applying for a position, candidates sign a consent authorizing a broader inquiry which may include reference checks, a motor vehicle check, and a third-party background check.
Applicants to all available course sections who are members of the Saint Mary’s College bargaining unit or agency fee payers covered by the agreement with SEIU 1021, who have previously taught the course, or ENGL 5, or who have been determined qualified through the process outlined in Article 10, have only the following application requirements:
- Indicate interest via application to the posting
- Complete the SMC Per Course Adjunct Faculty Questionnaire to identify as a Saint Mary’s College bargaining unit faculty member or agency fee payers covered by the agreement with SEIU 1021
Saint Mary's is an equal employment opportunity employer. We support inclusive excellence and are committed to creating a safe and welcoming community for all.
College policy prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, physical or mental disability, gender stereotyping, and gender identity, taking a protected leave (e.g. family medical or pregnancy leave), or on any other basis protected by applicable laws.
Saint Mary's College annually collects information about campus crimes and other reportable incidents in accordance with the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. To view the Saint Mary's College Report, please go to the Public Safety website at http://www.stmarys-ca.edu/public-safety/annual-security-and-fire-safety-report-0 To request a paper copy please call Public Safety at (925) 631-4284. The report includes the type of crime, venue, and number of occurrences.
