Assistant Professor - Physician Assistant Studies

MISSION of the University of Saint Francis:

The University of Saint Francis offers formation of the whole person by providing an encounter with the heart and mind of Jesus Christ so that God, who is Love, may be loved. Through our Catholic identity, Franciscan charism, and liberal arts tradition, we prepare students for personal and professional lives of virtue, service, and joy.

Saint Francis' core values are the standards of behavior for every member of the university. They reflect those of the Sisters of Saint Francis of Perpetual Adoration and bring their charism to the university. 

• Ceaseless Adoration – We adore God and interact with others in a way that honors His Presence. 

• Generous Love – we spend time in community, give of ourselves, and accept help from others. 

• Franciscan Joy – we delight in the simple things and give thanks in all circumstances. 

The University of Saint Francis promotes and celebrates the Catholic identity and Franciscan charism of the institution with an invitation to students, faculty and staff of all faiths. This God-centered and student-focused approach invites all employees to be a part of the formation of the whole person (students and colleagues) in a learning and working environment where character development and faith formation are as essential as academic achievement. Molding well-rounded, faith-filled, ethical leaders is the essence of the university’s approach and all employees are expected to engage in a way that fulfills and furthers the mission.

JOB SUMMARY: 

With Saint Francis' Mission Statement and core values in mind, the Physician Assistant Principal Faculty Member must demonstrate willingness and ability to support and actively contribute to this Catholic and Franciscan mission and these values of the university. This is a full-time, 12-month, non-tenure track or tenure track faculty position. Under the direction of the Physician Assistant Studies Program Director, the full-time Physician Assistant faculty is primarily responsible for teaching.

Major Responsibilities/Activities

The primary responsibility of a faculty member is effective teaching. For details on classroom and clinical responsibilities – See USF Faculty Handbook. Faculty are expected to:

• Provide student instruction in active learning, classroom, and laboratory settings as assigned.
• Teach courses consistent with the catalog description, NCCPA blueprint, and ARC-PA standards.
• Teach assigned classes at the scheduled time and place and meet required contact hours.
• Engage in best-standards while developing and evaluating program curriculum.
• Integrate evidence-based practice.
• Collaborate with colleagues for instructional improvement via professional peer review.
• Maintain effective communication verbally, in writing, and electronically with students, faculty, the program director, clinical agencies, and health care professionals.
• Assist with evaluation of adjunct faculty members.
• Submit reports and requests for information promptly.
• Fulfill the Code of Ethics of the university and for the profession.
• Create an effective learning environment.
• Facilitate critical reflection and support innovation in students.
• Provide timely feedback and fairly evaluate student performance.
• Evaluate student clinical, laboratory and classroom performance and provide individual counsel and guidance as necessary to promote student success.
• Propose plans to improve students’ performance and perform remedial instruction when necessary.
• Maintain appropriate records such as clinical/laboratory evaluations, test scores, anecdotal notes, and attendance on an ongoing basis to document evidence of student progress.

Leadership of Students

• Participate in academic counseling efforts, remedial instruction, student recruitment, and student performance evaluation.
• Work effectively with students and faculty to resolve student issues and concerns.
• Participate in selecting applicants for admission to the PA program.

Programmatic Responsibilities 

• Actively participate in the PA Shared Governance model and program interview days as designated by the Program Director. 
  • Serve on Faculty Executive Council and other teams as assigned.
• Participate in the annual review and revision of the program mission statement, goals, and competencies. 
• Participate in program evaluation and assessment including program accreditation processes.
• Participate in the design, implementation, coordination, and evaluation of the curriculum. 
• Carry out administrative projects/duties as assigned by the Program Director.

Other Responsibilities

• Adhere to teaching, service, scholarship, and other responsibilities identified in the employee handbook.
• Responsibilities may be adjusted for special assignments at the discretion of the Program Director, Assistant Dean of Science and Medical Studies, or the Academic Dean. 

Faculty Responsibilities/Activities 

• • Fulfills full-time contracted teaching load as defined by the faculty handbook.
• Engages in Scholarship as defined by the Boyer Model, including, but not limited to activities identified in the faculty handbook.
• Adheres to all university academic and employment policies identified in the Employee and Faculty handbooks, Saint Francis' Policy Library, and academic catalogs.
• Participates in development, and alumni engagement efforts in coordination with pathway members, Alumni and Enrollment Services, and/or Donor Relations.
• Participates in assessment of the curriculum. 
• Participates in the recruitment of students to the University and its various academic programs in coordination with pathway members and admissions representatives.
• Participates in the advisement and retention of students in cooperation with members of the pathway and the University as a whole.  
• Attends program, division, college, and university meetings as requested.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Program Director, Assistant Dean of Science and Medical Studies, or the Academic Dean. 
• Respects the moral and religious beliefs of the university and students; uses discretion when expressing personal beliefs and views. Faculty are entitled to freedom in the classroom. Academic freedom does not include teaching controversial matter which has no relation to the subject. No faculty member is free to promote or advocate anything in opposition to Catholic faith or morals.
• Actively contributes to the Catholic and Franciscan mission and values of the university.
• Fulfill the Code of Ethics and Conduct of the University. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education 

• Master’s degree in discipline or related field is required.
• Graduate of an accredited Physician Assistant program is required.
• Doctoral degree or equivalent professional degree is preferred.

Experience  

• Prior teaching experience in the clinical or classroom setting preferred.

Knowledge and Skills

• Demonstrates competence in educational principles, instructional methods, evaluation techniques and technology used in higher education classrooms, laboratories and clinical settings. 
• Demonstrates knowledge of the teaching profession and academic specialty including theory and practice, procedures, and regulations.
• Demonstrates proficiency in interpersonal and communication skills (verbal, written and electronic) necessary to interact effectively with students, faculty, professional staff, administration, clinical affiliates, and the community.
• Demonstrates skill in goal setting and team building.
• Demonstrates analytical and organizational skills to plan, implement, and assess educational activities.
• Demonstrates honesty and loyalty to the University and supports its mission and religious affiliation; uses discretion in sharing university information with non-employees. 
• Demonstrates ability to coordinate services to the needs of diverse populations within the time and financial limits of the institution.
• Demonstrates an ability to advise and mentor students in the selection of academic courses, programs and professional careers.
• Demonstrates competence in offering and developing diverse and new courses within one’s area of specialization to meet the academic needs of the student, division and university.
• Must be willing to work irregular, and sometimes long hours, including weekends and university breaks.

Licenses or Certifications

• Current Indiana licensure as a Physician Assistant or eligible for Indiana license is required.
• Current National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) certification is required.

Professional Development

This position is expected to demonstrate a commitment to scholarship, learning and growth by:

• Participating in activities that enhance personal and professional growth.
• Expanding knowledge in one’s academic discipline and specialty, and the teaching of that discipline and specialty on an ongoing basis. 
• Staying abreast of current trends and developments in the profession. 
• Creating appropriate teaching and professional development goals to accomplish annually and assess on a yearly basis.
• Attending in-services as directed to update knowledge and skills.

Service to the University

This position is expected to demonstrate a sense of responsibility for helping the university achieve success through a commitment to the university’s mission, vision, values, and strategic plan by:

• Participating in meetings as requested. 
• Adhering to faculty governance responsibilities as identified in the Employee and Faculty handbooks. 
• Serving as a role model by consistently demonstrating behaviors and attitudes congruent with the University of Saint Francis’ Mission Statement, the Franciscan Values, and the Saint Francis' Core Values; uses discretion in sharing university information with non-employees. 
• Attending university functions.

Service to the Community

This position is expected to enhance the relationship of the University and the broader community through service by:

• Serving as a resource to the community by sharing knowledge, experience, and expertise with colleagues, students and community members.
• Participating in activities to serve and address various needs within our community and society as a whole.

Note: Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.