New Adjunct - Schnitzer School of Art + Art History + Design - Faculty Pool 2026
Portland State University, College of Urban and Public Affairs, Portland, OR, United States
Position Summary
Portland State University (PSU) is a nationally acclaimed leader in sustainability and community‑based learning. Oregon’s largest and most diverse university, PSU serves just under 30,000 students from 50 states and nearly 100 nations around the world.
The Schnitzer School of Art + Art History + Design offers a dynamic array of programs, including BFA degrees in Art Practice and Graphic Design, BA/BS degrees in Art History, Art & Design, and Cultural History of the Arts. Students begin with CORE, a common entry program that fosters community, interdisciplinary collaboration, and creative exploration across six studios and three toolbox courses.
This posting represents a pool for new potential part‑time instructors to fill course openings in the 2026‑27 academic year. Applicants may apply to teach in Art Practice, Graphic Design, CORE, Art & Design, Art History, or Cultural History of the Arts. New adjunct applicants are those who have never taught within the Schnitzer School or have been absent for more than four terms.
Responsibilities
Instruct students using approved course outcome guides and syllabi developed by college‑wide subject area faculty.
Meet assigned classes and present instruction based on the competencies and performance levels of the course.
Maintain accurate attendance and scholastic records of students.
Respond to student questions in a timely manner and provide appropriate means of instructor‑student communication.
Participate in the university’s assessment process for faculty and courses.
Validate that learning has taken place.
Plan learning activities and use teaching methods designed for a variety of learning styles to help students achieve course outcomes.
Maintain a safe, classroom conducive to learning.
Submit course texts or participate in planning of learning materials such as outlines and syllabi when applicable.
Read email communications from School Director and Area Coordinator and meet response deadlines as required.
Participate in professional development and in‑service activities, as applicable.
Perform additional duties and responsibilities as specified at the time of hire.
Minimum Qualifications
ART PRACTICE and ART in ART & DESIGN – MFA required or substantial teaching and professional experience in the relevant field; knowledge of current technologies related to instructional tasks and an interest in their creative use.
GRAPHIC DESIGN and DESIGN in ART & DESIGN – BA, BS, or comparable experience in Graphic Design or a closely related field.
CORE – MFA required or substantial teaching and professional experience in relevant fields; knowledge of current technologies related to instructional tasks; experience with collaboration and an energetic desire to create innovative curriculum, assignments, events, and programs for first‑year students.
ART HISTORY & CULTURAL HISTORY OF THE ARTS – For 100‑, 200‑ and 300‑level courses: MA in Art History, Museum Studies or related field; for 400‑level courses: Ph.D. in Art History or related field; knowledge of current technologies related to instructional tasks and an interest in their creative use.
All adjunct candidates must reside in either Oregon or Washington for the academic year 2026‑2027.
Preferred Qualifications
ART PRACTICE and ART in ART & DESIGN – Prior college‑level teaching experience.
GRAPHIC DESIGN and DESIGN in ART & DESIGN – MFA in Graphic Design or closely related field; prior college‑level teaching experience.
CORE – Prior college‑level teaching experience; active creative practice, including studio work, performance, and contextual and social practice.
ART HISTORY & CULTURAL HISTORY OF THE ARTS – University‑level teaching experience; Ph.D. in Art History or related field for 300‑level courses.
Key Cultural Competencies
Creates an environment that acknowledges, encourages and celebrates differences.
Functions and communicates effectively and respectfully within contexts of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities, and cultural backgrounds.
Seeks opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement.
Adheres to all PSU policies including those on prohibited discrimination, harassment and professional standards of conduct.
Environmental Stewardship
Contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and actively works toward achieving long‑term sustainability goals.
Required Professional Standards of Conduct
At Portland State University, all employees are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner that maintains a safe, respectful, and productive environment for faculty, students, administrators, and staff. Every member of the PSU community must conduct themselves in accordance with PSU Professional Standards of Conduct available at https://www.pdx.edu/human-resources/professional-standards-conduct-policy.
Compensation
Adjunct faculty are paid per credit hour, per the PSUFA CBA: 2020‑2025 PSUFA Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Application Instructions
Applicants applying to teach in Art Practice, CORE, Art & Design, and Graphic Design should submit the following:
Cover Letter
CV/Resume
Teaching Philosophy
Sample course syllabi and assignments (Upload to “Evidence of Teaching Effectiveness”)
PDF of 10 images of student work with course and assignment information (Upload to “Other 2”)
PDF of 15‑20 images of professional work (Upload to “Other 4”)
Applicants applying to teach in Art History & Cultural History of the Arts should submit:
Cover Letter
CV/Resume
Sample syllabi and assignments (Upload to “Evidence of Teaching Effectiveness”)
Art History applicants may be asked to upload additional materials needed by other program areas. If this happens please upload a page that states “Not Applicable”.
Required Documents
Curriculum Vitae
Cover Letter
Statement of Teaching Philosophy
Evidence of Teaching Effectiveness
Other 2 (describe)
Other 4 (describe)
Optional Documents
Link to professional websites, news articles, etc.
Link to website or design portfolio
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Portland State University (PSU) is a nationally acclaimed leader in sustainability and community‑based learning. Oregon’s largest and most diverse university, PSU serves just under 30,000 students from 50 states and nearly 100 nations around the world.
The Schnitzer School of Art + Art History + Design offers a dynamic array of programs, including BFA degrees in Art Practice and Graphic Design, BA/BS degrees in Art History, Art & Design, and Cultural History of the Arts. Students begin with CORE, a common entry program that fosters community, interdisciplinary collaboration, and creative exploration across six studios and three toolbox courses.
This posting represents a pool for new potential part‑time instructors to fill course openings in the 2026‑27 academic year. Applicants may apply to teach in Art Practice, Graphic Design, CORE, Art & Design, Art History, or Cultural History of the Arts. New adjunct applicants are those who have never taught within the Schnitzer School or have been absent for more than four terms.
Responsibilities
Instruct students using approved course outcome guides and syllabi developed by college‑wide subject area faculty.
Meet assigned classes and present instruction based on the competencies and performance levels of the course.
Maintain accurate attendance and scholastic records of students.
Respond to student questions in a timely manner and provide appropriate means of instructor‑student communication.
Participate in the university’s assessment process for faculty and courses.
Validate that learning has taken place.
Plan learning activities and use teaching methods designed for a variety of learning styles to help students achieve course outcomes.
Maintain a safe, classroom conducive to learning.
Submit course texts or participate in planning of learning materials such as outlines and syllabi when applicable.
Read email communications from School Director and Area Coordinator and meet response deadlines as required.
Participate in professional development and in‑service activities, as applicable.
Perform additional duties and responsibilities as specified at the time of hire.
Minimum Qualifications
ART PRACTICE and ART in ART & DESIGN – MFA required or substantial teaching and professional experience in the relevant field; knowledge of current technologies related to instructional tasks and an interest in their creative use.
GRAPHIC DESIGN and DESIGN in ART & DESIGN – BA, BS, or comparable experience in Graphic Design or a closely related field.
CORE – MFA required or substantial teaching and professional experience in relevant fields; knowledge of current technologies related to instructional tasks; experience with collaboration and an energetic desire to create innovative curriculum, assignments, events, and programs for first‑year students.
ART HISTORY & CULTURAL HISTORY OF THE ARTS – For 100‑, 200‑ and 300‑level courses: MA in Art History, Museum Studies or related field; for 400‑level courses: Ph.D. in Art History or related field; knowledge of current technologies related to instructional tasks and an interest in their creative use.
All adjunct candidates must reside in either Oregon or Washington for the academic year 2026‑2027.
Preferred Qualifications
ART PRACTICE and ART in ART & DESIGN – Prior college‑level teaching experience.
GRAPHIC DESIGN and DESIGN in ART & DESIGN – MFA in Graphic Design or closely related field; prior college‑level teaching experience.
CORE – Prior college‑level teaching experience; active creative practice, including studio work, performance, and contextual and social practice.
ART HISTORY & CULTURAL HISTORY OF THE ARTS – University‑level teaching experience; Ph.D. in Art History or related field for 300‑level courses.
Key Cultural Competencies
Creates an environment that acknowledges, encourages and celebrates differences.
Functions and communicates effectively and respectfully within contexts of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities, and cultural backgrounds.
Seeks opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement.
Adheres to all PSU policies including those on prohibited discrimination, harassment and professional standards of conduct.
Environmental Stewardship
Contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and actively works toward achieving long‑term sustainability goals.
Required Professional Standards of Conduct
At Portland State University, all employees are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner that maintains a safe, respectful, and productive environment for faculty, students, administrators, and staff. Every member of the PSU community must conduct themselves in accordance with PSU Professional Standards of Conduct available at https://www.pdx.edu/human-resources/professional-standards-conduct-policy.
Compensation
Adjunct faculty are paid per credit hour, per the PSUFA CBA: 2020‑2025 PSUFA Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Application Instructions
Applicants applying to teach in Art Practice, CORE, Art & Design, and Graphic Design should submit the following:
Cover Letter
CV/Resume
Teaching Philosophy
Sample course syllabi and assignments (Upload to “Evidence of Teaching Effectiveness”)
PDF of 10 images of student work with course and assignment information (Upload to “Other 2”)
PDF of 15‑20 images of professional work (Upload to “Other 4”)
Applicants applying to teach in Art History & Cultural History of the Arts should submit:
Cover Letter
CV/Resume
Sample syllabi and assignments (Upload to “Evidence of Teaching Effectiveness”)
Art History applicants may be asked to upload additional materials needed by other program areas. If this happens please upload a page that states “Not Applicable”.
Required Documents
Curriculum Vitae
Cover Letter
Statement of Teaching Philosophy
Evidence of Teaching Effectiveness
Other 2 (describe)
Other 4 (describe)
Optional Documents
Link to professional websites, news articles, etc.
Link to website or design portfolio
#J-18808-Ljbffr