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Assistant Professor

Apply now Job no: 497550
Work type: Faculty - Temporary & Continuing
Location: Big Rapids, MI 49307
Categories: Faculty

Position Title:	Assistant Professor
Location:	Big Rapids (Main Campus)
Department:	34800 - Criminal Justice
Advertised Salary:	$70,000 - $75,000; Salary commensurate with education, experiences and other requirements.
Benefits:	Comprehensive benefits package (health care, vacation, etc.). Please see the following link for a list of benefits offered with this position. Faculty Health Benefit Plans
FLSA:	Exempt
Temporary/Continuing:	Continuing
Part-Time/Full-Time:	Full-Time
Union Group:	Ferris Faculty Association (MEA-NEA)
Term of Position:	9 Month
At Will/Just Cause:	Just Cause
Summary of Position:	This is a full-time tenure track faculty position with the primary responsibility of teaching law courses in the School of Criminal Justice (SOCJ) in person on the main campus in Big Rapids. The candidate must also be willing to teach online courses in an online format when needed. Courses will include Criminal Law and Procedure, Corrections Law as specified by the Michigan Officers Training Council (MCOTC), and Legal Issues in Criminal Justice. The candidate may also be required to teach Michigan Criminal Law and Procedure within the SOCJ Law Enforcement Academy in accordance with the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES). Courses are to be taught in person on one of Ferris State University's campuses or approved FSU sites. The candidate selected for the position must reside in Michigan after acceptance of employment and will perform duties at a Ferris site. The anticipated start date of this position is August of 2026 at the earliest and January of 2027 at the latest.
Position Type:	Faculty - Temporary & Continuing
Required Education:	Must possess a Juris Doctorate from an ABA accredited law school
Required Work Experience:	Must have at least five years’ experience in U.S. Criminal Law with experience in district, circuit, and family law courts.
Required Licenses and Certifications:	Be an active member, in good standing, of the Michigan Bar.
Physical Demands:	Office Environment Bending Carrying Inclement Weather Moving Reaching Sitting Twisting Standing
Additional Education/Experiences to be Considered:	Master’s or Ph.D. in Criminal Justice or related field. Federal law experience and teaching in higher education is desired. At least ten years of work experience in the U.S. Criminal Justice field. Knowledge of and ability to use a variety of approaches to instruction, use of technology in teaching, and familiarity with Canvas preferred.
Essential Duties/Responsibilities:	Teach law courses in the School of Criminal Justice (SOCJ) in person on the Big Rapids campus. Teach a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester. Teach full-time during the 9-month academic year. Recruitment of students (including Dawg Days, Admitted Student Days, visits to high schools or career tech centers, and other University-outreach events) will occur throughout the academic year and include some Saturdays. Serve as an academic advisor for criminal justice students, including regularly scheduled advising dates and times. Assist with student registration, verify consortium forms, and review graduation audit requirements. Serve on program committees and represent the program(s) on College and University committees. Candidate is expected to teach at both the Big Rapids and Grand Rapids campuses. Teach and coordinate elective courses in areas of expertise. Collaborate in design and implementation of additional undergraduate and graduate degrees. Maintain records and conduct assessments, advising, and all other administrative features of the position in accordance with policies and procedures developed by the university, college, school, department, and/or program. Perform duties in accordance with established University policies. Enthusiastically support student success through active involvement with individual students, student organizations, and student competitions, both within and outside of the classroom. Assist with program development and support the recruitment of new students. For example, attend career and college fairs and open houses; visit local middle and high schools to inform students and counselors of careers within the criminal justice system. Participate as a liaison with industry to promote the School of Criminal Justice. Support, promote, and develop university student enrollment and retention initiatives. Participate in university committees, support and attend student events, and other traditional functions that have academic significance, such as graduation exercises. Present recommendations for curriculum development/changes and other activities deemed necessary for continued program viability. Staying current with the latest industry practices and procedures, and up to date with training. This position reports to the Department Chair or Director and the Dean. Candidates must be able to work closely with other faculty members supporting curricula development and department goals. They must be student-centered focusing on the development of learning and assessment. Faculty members also have professional responsibilities which may include advising students, orientation and registration of students, participation in University committees, keeping regular posted office hours (which are scheduled at times convenient for students), and participation in traditional functions which have academic significance (ex. reporting initial student participation data and submitting final grades on time). Faculty members may be required to teach in an on-line environment. Cultivates an environment of belonging that values, respects, supports, and celebrates individual similarities and differences, allowing students, faculty, and staff to thrive authentically. Ferris State University's philosophy places excellence in teaching as the first priority while encouraging involvement in scholarly activity. Work with colleagues to develop new curricular initiatives. Faculty members also have professional responsibilities which may include advising students, orientation and registration of students, participation in university committees, keeping regular posted office hours (which are scheduled at times convenient for students), and participation in traditional functions which have academic significance (ex. reporting initial student participation data and submitting final grades on time). Faculty members may be required to teach off-campus or in an on-line environment. Any other duties assigned within the position classification area.
Marginal Duties/Responsibilities:
Skills and Abilities:	Must be physically able to perform the duties of the position Ability to interact and advise students effectively. Demonstrated successful experience working directly with people from diverse backgrounds, including cultural, educational, socioeconomic and life experiences.
Required Documents:	Cover Letter Resume Unofficial Transcript 1 Certification/License
Optional Documents:
Special Instructions to Applicants:	Unofficial Transcript 1 (REQUIRED): Applicants must attach a copy of an unofficial transcript of Juris Doctorate Transcript must include: Institution name, applicant name, date degree attained, degree awarded. Finalist will be required to submit an official transcript. Michigan Bar certification showing active membership in good standing.
Initial Application Review Date:	March 16, 2026
Open Until Position is Filled?:	Yes
Posting Close Date:
EEO Statement:	Ferris State University, an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, is committed to enhancing equity, inclusion, and diversity within its community. Ferris offers employment opportunities to qualified candidates seeking careers in a student-focused environment that values opportunity, collaboration, diversity and educational excellence. Learn more about the Ferris Mission and community at ferris.edu. The University actively seeks applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups. For more information on the University’s Policy on Non-Discrimination, visit: Ferris Non-Discrimination Statement.
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Advertised: 16 Jan 2026 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close:

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Assistant Professor

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