Faculty-in-Residence Position

PURPOSE

The heart of the Baylor experience is developed on-campus in the union of shared experiences and relationships. In keeping with Pro Futuris, Baylor University seeks to continue to increase the percentage of undergraduates living on campus and improve the quality of Baylor’s residential communities. Central to this effort is Campus Living & Learning (CL&L)'s goals to further enhance engagement between students and faculty.

The Faculty-in-Residence (FIR) program at Baylor University exists to foster and shape the social, cultural, educational, and spiritual life within Baylor’s residential communities. As such, Faculty-In-Residence (FIR) are faculty members who live in designated on-campus residential communities. Faculty-In-Residence work collaboratively with CL&L leadership and residence hall staff (professional Residence Hall Director, Resident Chaplain (Truett Seminary graduate student, and student Community Leaders) to create diverse residential environments that support learning and faith development through the cultivation of relationally driven communities.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Community Involvement and Student Interaction: The FIR will be known as an active member of their assigned residential community. In collaboration with hall staff, the FIR will develop a specific plan for serving as a resource for students living within the community. The FIR will utilize community development techniques, relationship building skills, and a positive attitude to get to know the residents of the assigned residential community.
2. Cooperation and Collaboration with Campus Living & Learning: Positive relationships, frequent communication among the FIR and the hall staff, and close collaboration between academic partners and student leadership are essential for the success of the FIR. To achieve these ends, the FIR is expected to meet regularly (weekly either formally or informally) with the Residence Hall Director and Resident Chaplain. FIRs are also expected to interact frequently with Community Leaders. Although the role does not include enforcement of residential policies, the FIR will serve as a role model by supporting residence hall policies and the staff members who are responsible for enforcing them.

 

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPECTATIONS

• Faculty with tenured, senior lecturer, or clinical status. Tenure-track faculty may apply if they are close to tenure (applications, however, must include letters of support from one’s department chair and dean).
• Prior experience engaging students outside of the classroom.
• Demonstrated interest in the undergraduate residential educational experience, particularly for first-year students.
• Knowledgeable of general academic requirements, procedures, and campus resources.
• A role model for adhering to all university and Campus Living & Learning policies and procedures. The FIR and their family members and guests are required to adhere to housing policies and procedures as outlined in the Guide to Community Living and the Faculty-in-Residence Manual.
• A demonstrated Christian faith.
• Spouses who do not work at Baylor must agree to have a criminal background check completed prior to moving on campus.

  COMPENSATION

  This is a ten-month, year-to-year appointment (August-May) with an annual report and evaluation each summer. The FIR is provided year-round accommodation in an apartment within the assigned residence hall. Utilities, local telephone service, basic internet and cable TV service, and FIR parking in close proximity of the assigned residence will be provided for the faculty member (and spouse, if applicable). The FIR apartment serves as the primary residence, and as such, the FIR should fully reside on campus. A budget of $2,000 is provided for the academic year for programming purposes in order to facilitate interaction between residents and faculty. A partial meal plan is provided for the FIR which includes 11 meals per week while classes are in session, along with 17 guest passes to encourage sharing meals with students and guests. A dog (under 40 pounds) is allowed within the Campus Living & Learning pet policy. No cats are allowed.

   

  FACULTY-IN-RESIDENCE COUNCIL

  The council consists of the faculty-in-residence and faculty stewards appointed to each Baylor residence hall. The Council of Faculty-in-Residence collaborates to assess and develop faculty leadership and engagement in the residential life of the university, both for faculty-in- residence and for faculty in partnering roles; integral to these meetings are discussions focused on faculty involvement in the long-term vision for living and learning at Baylor. The council works as a resource for faculty and may also make recommendations to Campus Living and Learning and or the Faculty Senate in the areas related to the role of faculty in residential life.

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  See more about the role in these feature articles:

  Baylor Proud 2019 - Click Here

  Baylor Arts & Sciences Fall 2017 - Click Here

  Faculty-In-Residence Program Benefits Students - Click Here

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  History

  Baylor’s first Faculty-in-Residence was President Burleson and started in 1856.
  
  Independence Texas. An octagon house stood on the grounds of Baylor University on Windmill Hill. The Life and Writings of Rufus C. Burleson states: Burleson built a 3-story octagon boarding house in 1856 for the students. It was also his residence and known as Burleson's Domicile or the Round House. The 12-room house (another source says 25 room) was President Burleson's home as well as a male dormitory, and continued to serve as the Baylor president's home and dormitory until 1861. Rev Wm Carey Crane, who became President of Baylor University in 1863, found the octagon and other buildings occupied by civil war soldiers.