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First Year Seminar Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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First Year Seminar Instructor information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a First Year Seminar Instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a First Year Seminar Instructor, you need a strong background in teaching or academic advising, often supported by a master’s degree or higher in education or a related field. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS), curriculum development tools, and classroom technology is typically required. Outstanding communication, mentorship, and cultural competency help engage and support diverse first-year students. These skills ensure effective student transition to college life, academic success, and a positive learning environment.

What are some common challenges First Year Seminar Instructors face when working with new college students?

First Year Seminar Instructors often encounter the challenge of helping students adjust to the expectations of college-level coursework and independent learning. Many first-year students may struggle with time management, active participation, and navigating campus resources. Instructors play a crucial role in building a supportive classroom environment, fostering engagement, and connecting students with academic and personal support services. Balancing diverse student needs while promoting critical thinking and collaboration is a key part of the role.

What are First Year Seminar Instructors?

First Year Seminar Instructors are educators who teach introductory courses designed to help new college or university students transition into academic and campus life. These instructors facilitate classes that cover topics such as study skills, time management, campus resources, and personal development. They often serve as mentors, helping first-year students build community, develop academic confidence, and connect with available support services. First Year Seminar Instructors may be faculty members, staff, or specially trained professionals, depending on the institution.

What is the difference between First Year Seminar Instructor vs Academic Advisor?

AspectFirst Year Seminar InstructorAcademic Advisor
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree; often a master's for some institutionsBachelor's degree; often a master's or higher preferred
Work EnvironmentClassroom or seminar setting, engaging first-year studentsOffice setting, providing guidance and support to students
Employer & Industry UsageColleges and universities, focusing on student orientationColleges, universities, and sometimes high schools, focusing on student success

While both roles support student development, a First Year Seminar Instructor primarily leads classroom-based seminars for first-year students, whereas an Academic Advisor offers personalized guidance on academic planning and career paths. The roles differ in work environment and specific responsibilities but share a common goal of student success in higher education.

More about First Year Seminar Instructor jobs
Infographic showing various First Year Seminar Instructor job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.
POOL: First-Year Seminar Instructor

POOL: First-Year Seminar Instructor

Ohio University

Athens, OH • On-site

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Ohio University rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 51 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

382nd of 530 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Posting Details
Applications will be accepted until midnight (Eastern Time Zone) on the 'Posting End Date' shown below.
Position Information
Job Title
POOL: First-Year Seminar Instructor
Applications Accepted From
Public: Open to the Public
Special Instructions to Applicants
Instruction to occur in the Fall semester 2026.
First-Year seminar or academic skills faculty/instructors will be paid throughout the semester according to the rates for part-time and overload teaching for 2025-26 in University College ($1248/credit hour, with additional funds for training attendance and supervision of learning community leaders, when applicable.)
If you are a current employee at Ohio University, please e-mail your interest to Lisa Kamody, kamody@ohio.edu.
Applications to this pool will be considered to fill part-time, non-tenure track, non-benefits eligible instructor positions as student demand dictates on the Athens campus. Position will remain open until filled. Please apply by July 31, 2026.
This position is eligible for the following benefits:
sick leave and retirement.
Posting Number
20163113F
Job Description
First-Year Seminar courses, located within Learning Community Programs, are associated with new, transfer, and transitioning student academic needs.
Learning Community seminars (UC 1900) are designed to assist in the engagement of new students and serve as the central course for the learning community. The purpose of the seminar is to help students make a positive transition into the university by providing them with information regarding disciplinary norms, academic expectations of specific colleges and programs, and research and creative opportunities at Ohio University.
Instructors:
1) serve as a role model, referral, and resource to students;
2) provide contact information to students; communicating availability and encouraging students to contact them for assistance;
3) In case of an emergency or planned absence, make arrangements for a substitute instructor;
4) Utilize Canvas as the course Learning Management System to provide a complete syllabus on the first meeting of class and grade assignments in a timely manner.
5) Submit final grades online by the university deadline.
6) Participate in assessment processes to determine efficacy of the courses and course materials.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree and at least 5 years of higher education experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree, and educational/work experience similar to focus of learning community assigned.
Department
Provost Office
Pay Rate
Total Compensation Estimator (For Full-Time Benefits Eligible Employees)
Discover the full value of joining Ohio University by clicking this link:
https://www.ohio.edu/hr/compensation/total-compensation-estimator
Our Total Compensation Estimator shows your offer package in dollars: salary plus university paid benefits including health coverage, retirement contributions, paid time off, tuition benefits, and more.
See details on what we offer in one place and compare different options for retirement and insurance.
Estimates are informational only; exact coverage is determined by eligibility policies and official plan documents.
User Selection Field
Job Open Date
03/25/2026
Posting Close Date
Applications to this pool will be considered to fill part-time, non-tenure track, non-benefits eligible instructor positions as student demand dictates on the Athens campus. Position will remain open until filled. Please apply by July 31, 2026.
Employment Type
Temporary (for group 3 ONLY)
Job Category
Instructor
Months
seasonal
Planning Unit
Office of the Provost
Work Schedule
Campus
Athens
Applicants may contact this person if they have questions about this position.
Lisa Kamody, kamody@ohio.edu
Non-Discrimination Statement
Ohio University is proud of its rich history and as part of our ongoing efforts to provide and support a transformative learning experience, we affirm our commitment to fostering a welcoming and respectful workforce and community. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration free from discrimination on the basis of age, ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military service or veteran status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, status as a parent or foster parent, or any other bases under the law. Ohio University is an equal access/equal opportunity employer.
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