Visiting Faculty in Sociology (2026)
Grand Valley State University
Allendale Charter Twp, MI, USA
USD 50k-50k / year
Posted on Apr 11, 2026
Summary: The Sociology Department at Grand Valley State University invites applications for a Visiting Professor of Sociology to begin in August 2024. The appointment is for one academic year, renewable for up to three years. Visiting professors teach 4 courses each semester in Fall and Winter, mostly Introduction to Sociology and/or Social Problems.
Required Qualifications and Education:
- Master’s degree in Sociology or a related field.
- Individuals from all backgrounds, including from underrepresented groups, are encouraged to apply. Successful candidates must be able to effectively engage with students, colleagues, and community members with a broad range of backgrounds and experiences
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, such as the ability to interact with others with respect and empathy.
Preferred Qualifications and Education:
- PhD or ABD in Sociology or a related field.
- Experience teaching at the undergraduate level.
Responsibilities: Teach four sections of Introduction to Sociology and/or Social Problems each semester, typically with two preps in each of Fall and Winter. Visiting professors do not have service or scholarship obligations.
Salary/Benefits: The salary is $50,000. The university offers an excellent comprehensive package that includes health plans, life insurance, tuition waiver, adoption resources, wellness coaching, and free access to campus fitness facilities, effective on date of hire. Family and childcare options on and off-campus are also available.
Department/College: The Sociology Department at Grand Valley State University is the home to a major (BA/BS) in Sociology, a minor in Sociology, and a minor in Aging and Adult Life. The department has 16 full-time faculty members. Department offices are located on the Allendale campus, where nearly all the department’s courses are taught. (www.gvsu.edu/sociology/)
College: The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) is the largest college at GVSU, offering over 50 bachelor’s degrees and a growing number of advanced degrees in the natural and mathematical sciences, the fine arts and humanities, and the social sciences. CLAS is a student-centered and diverse learning community that engages in critical inquiry, extending knowledge to enrich and enliven individual and public life. Our faculty are active teacher-scholars committed to equitable, inclusive, career-connected, and community-engaged liberal arts and sciences education. There are many opportunities for collaboration within CLAS and across a broad group of partners on and off campus. We are interested in attracting a cohort of new faculty committed to these core values as we seek to foster a community where members from all backgrounds can live, learn, and thrive together.
University: Grand Valley State University (GVSU) is a public comprehensive institution located in West Michigan with campuses in Allendale, downtown Grand Rapids, and Holland, plus centers in Detroit, Muskegon and Traverse City. The University attracts approximately 22,000 undergraduate and graduate students with high quality programs and state-of-the-art facilities, and has been nationally recognized for innovativeness and its contribution to students’ social mobility. The greater Grand Rapids metropolitan area has a population of around one million people, is affordable, and offers rich cultural amenities. Grand Valley is located within easy driving distance of Chicago, Detroit, Lake Michigan beaches, and many other superb summer and winter recreational venues. Information can be found at Community Resources - Human Resources - Grand Valley State University (gvsu.edu). Grand Valley is highly rated for safety, sustainability, and veteran and LGBTQ friendliness, and is committed to supporting employees and their families in work-life balance. The university seeks to create an inclusive and diverse environment for faculty and students while promoting enrichment of society through excellent teaching, active scholarship, and service.
How to Apply: A complete application must include: (1) a cover letter addressing qualifications and your motivation to teach at GVSU, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) contact information of three professional references, and (4) graduate transcripts (unofficial issued to students are acceptable to apply). Apply online at GVSU Careers. The online application will allow applicants to attach these documents electronically, in the same file location. Applicants selected for interviews will be required to submit official transcripts prior to the interview.
Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.
If you need technical assistance, email Human Resources at hro@gvsu.edu. Email questions about the position to Jeff Rothstein, Sociology Department Chair: rothstej@gvsu.edu.
Application Deadline: The review process will begin on May 4, 2026 and continue until the position is filled. The posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University thereafter.
Allendale, Michigan 49401 - (616) 331-5000
For more information about Grand Valley, see our website at www.gvsu.edu
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended by the ADA Amendment Act (2008), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. GVSU will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. See www.gvsu.edu/equalopportunity/. TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or 1-800-833-7833 (out of State).
Grand Valley State University is an Antidiscrimination/Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes providing equal opportunity for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. University policy extends protections to additional identities.
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