Assistant Professor of Dance (Tenure-Track)

The Theatre and Dance Department in the College of Liberal Arts at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, California, seeks applicants for a full-time, academic-year, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Dance to begin September 14, 2023. A terminal degree (MFA, PhD) with demonstrable experience in university level teaching and practice; writing ability required. The program specializes in Liberal Arts-based dance education with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations. Teaching specialization in jazz, ballet, and/or additional dance genres including but not limited to hip hop, tap, ballroom, West African, and world dance.

Teaching duties will include General Education lecture courses such as Dance Appreciation and/or Cultural Influences on Dance in America and may also include dance pedagogy, composition, contemporary, modern, street, ballroom, and other world dance classes, as well as the possibility of directing Cal Poly’s Orchesis Dance Company.

Preferred qualifications include: experience in dance concert production and direction; willingness to participate in interdisciplinary programs overlapping with the Performing Arts and other polytechnic disciplines; willingness to develop new courses within the Dance Program, including GE (general education); potential to develop external funding in discipline related areas; additional expertise in dance and culture, dance science and/or dance technology, and demonstrated ability to choreograph for diverse skill levels.

The College of Liberal Arts (CLA) sees diversity as central to its mission and is committed to fostering an equitable and inclusive environment within the college and university. We value our diversity of complex and intersecting identities, while striving to maintain an environment that is socially just, equitable, respectful, and inclusive. The successful applicant should be able to clearly demonstrate how they have infused these values and student learning objectives into their work. They should be prepared to present clear examples of how they would infuse these areas into their work as a faculty member.

Cal Poly is primarily a teaching university. Our faculty are expected to balance teaching with an active program of research/professional development and participation in service activities at the department and college/university level. The typical teaching load is 12 units (three courses) per quarter, with a reduction in course load in each of the first two years to help establish an active program of research and professional development. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. Initial appointment is for two years, subject to renewal.

At California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, we believe that cultivating an environment that embraces and promotes diversity is fundamental to the success of our students, our employees and our community. Bringing people together from different backgrounds and experiences fosters the innovative and creative thinking that exemplifies Cal Poly’s values of free inquiry and reflection on impacts of cultural context, mutual respect, civic engagement, and social and environmental responsibility. Cal Poly’s commitment to DEI informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring and retention. California Polytechnic State University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.

Required Qualifications

• MFA in Dance or Ph.D. in Dance Studies, earned or nearing completion.
• Evidence of potential for creative and/or scholarly achievement in choreography, production, and/or dance education.
• Ability to teach courses in classical dance genres and world dance forms.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in college or university-level teaching.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in dance concert production and direction.
• Willingness to teach courses in dance science and/or dance technology and production.
• Willingness to participate in interdisciplinary programs overlapping with Performing Arts and other polytechnic disciplines, including course development and possible program curriculum development.
• Willingness to develop new courses within the Dance Program, including GE (general education).
• Potential for grant development in areas related to expertise.

Special Conditions

The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. Note: Cal Poly cannot deny an applicant a position solely or in part due to a criminal conviction history until it has performed an individualized assessment and linked the relevant conviction history with specific job duties in the position being sought.

Please note: Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Cal Poly has designated as sensitive. Sensitive positions are those requiring heightened scrutiny of individuals holding the position based on potential for harm to children, concerns for the safety and security of people, animals, or property, or heightened risk of financial loss to Cal Poly or individuals in the university community.

For health and well-being, Cal Poly is a smoke & tobacco-free campus. The university is committed to promoting a healthy environment for all members of our community.

The CSU requires faculty, staff, and students who are accessing campus facilities to be immunized against COVID-19 or declare a medical or religious exemption from doing so.  Any candidates advanced in a search process should be prepared to comply with this requirement The systemwide policy can be found at CSU Vaccination Policy and any questions you have may be submitted to academicpersonnel@calpoly.edu.

In accordance with the California State University (CSU) Out-of-State Employment Policy, the CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California and prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU related work outside of California.

Department Information

Currently the Theatre and Dance Department in the College of Liberal Arts, has 5 tenured or tenure-track professors, and 10+ lecturers most of whom teach consistently in the Theatre and Dance Programs throughout the academic year. The department serves approximately 60 theatre majors, 35 theatre minors, 35 dance minors, as well as students throughout the university in General Education offerings. The department’s website is https://theatredance.calpoly.edu/

How to Apply
To apply, please visit http://jobs.calpoly.edu/, complete a required online faculty application and apply to Requisition #520509. Please upload the following required materials as part of the electronic application:

1)     Cover letter: address how your experience and expertise might shape the curriculum and enhance student learning in a primarily practice-based undergraduate program.

2)     Current curriculum vita

3)     Transcript copy

4)     Statement of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: describe past experience and contributions to DEI efforts, and describe how you will demonstrate a commitment in these areas in teaching, research, and/or service at Cal Poly

5)     Teaching portfolio: provide evidence of teaching effectiveness including student evaluations and course syllabi as related the advertised position

6)     Example of scholarship or creative work

Please be prepared to provide three professional references with names and email addresses when completing the application. Cal Poly will directly solicit letters from the individuals listed by applicants. Official sealed transcript showing highest degree earned will be required prior to appointment. This position is open until filled.

Projected Start Date: 09-14-2023

Review Begin Date: 11-28-2022. Applicants with complete files by the Review Begin Date will be given full consideration.