Part-Time Faculty Sociology & Criminology, Academic Year

The University of Southern Maines Department of Sociology and Criminology invites applications for part-time faculty.

We are seeking student-focused instructors who will be responsible for the full delivery and grading of the course. Responsibilities include teaching assessing student performance and meeting with students as needed. The instructor will be provided with the learning objectives program competencies and suggested topical outline and will be given a previous course syllabus for reference.

Courses to be taught may include but are not limited to:

Race and Punishment (CRM 365) This course examines the historical origins of the practice and politics of punishment in the United States with emphasis on the racial history of the countrys criminal legal system. It explores contemporary patterns practices and policies pertaining to race and punishment in the U.S. in historical context. Particular attention will be given to the dynamics that have driven therise of mass incarceration across the country with a view to the historical evolution of criminal punishment in the U.S. in the context of racial capitalism and the role played by race in this process. The course also examines race in the context of whiteness and white supremacy while considering how racialized punitive practices intersect with class status gender and religion.

Sociology of Race and Ethnicity (SOC 371) - This course explores race and ethnicity in Sociology through the application of both classic and current scholarship to social issues and institutions. We investigate disparate access to modern US society through the lens of race and ethnicity in education health care housing food resources environmental protection and even access to scholarship itself. Particular attention goes to current issues of race and ethnicity in our society. The course emphasizes the students own power to promote stronger more equitable social institutions through learning from models of collaboration inclusion and empowerment.

The Department of Sociology and Criminologyat the University of Southern Maine examines the social forces that shape communities institutions and individual experiences. Through interdisciplinary coursework and research students explore topics such as social inequality criminal justice systems community dynamics and the cultural and structural factors that influence behavior and policy.

The department emphasizes critical thinking applied learning and community engagement preparing students for careers in criminal justice social services public policy research and related fields. Faculty are committed to mentoring students and connecting classroom learning with real-world issues helping graduates develop the analytical and practical skills needed to address complex social challenges.

Part-time faculty members are paid on a credit hour basis based on prior teaching experience as determined by the Part-Time Faculty Association of Maine (PATFA) an affiliate of the national American Federation of Teachers (AFT) union. To view the Credit Hour Rates for AY 2026 please refer to thePATFA Contract.Eligible part-time faculty members may elect certainbenefits provided by the University of Maine additionThe Center for Academic Innovation provides learning design consulting and faculty development opportunities to help faculty to create engaging programs courses and lesson plans grounded in evidence-based best practices for every modality.

The University of Southern Maineis a vibrant academic community located in the greater Portland Maine area including campuses in Portland Gorham Lewiston and online. USM is part of the University of Maine System and offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate programs emphasizing hands-on learning community engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration. With a highly engaged student-centered learning environment USM is a steward of higher education helping drive the economic cultural and civic life in the communities where our campuses are located and is committed to providing expanded access to high-quality education that elevates economic opportunity and contributes significantly to the vitality of a diverse society. To learn more about USM visit About Our University.

The University of Southern Maine fosters a welcoming and supportive campus environment that respects and appreciates varied perspectives enhancing teaching learning personal growth and overall institutional achievement. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds who share our dedication to academic excellence and the enrichment of our community.

We are dedicated to our Service Promise Student Focused Every Day and seek a team member who embraces this commitment and upholds our core values of Respect & Care Integrity Equity and Responsiveness.

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in criminology or a related field.
• Applicants with JDs or PhD students at ABD status will also be considered.
• Previous teaching at the College level is preferred but not required.

How to Apply:

Click on the Apply Now button below or visit ourUSM Careers Page and submit the following:

• Cover letter describing qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae or resume
• Contact information for three professional references.

We will begin reviewing applications immediately.

This position will remain open until filled.

We are not able to consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship support.

Appropriate background screening will be conducted for the successful candidate.

The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law the System does not discriminate on the basis of race color religion sex sexual orientation transgender status gender gender identity or expression ethnicity national origin citizenship status familial status ancestry age disability (physical or mental) genetic information pregnancy or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education programs and activities and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall Room 412 Orono ME 04469-5713 by calling 207.581.1226 or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint please contact theUMS Title IX Coordinator.

Clery Act:

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act or Clery Act mandates that all Title IV institutions such as the University prepare publish and distribute an Annual Security Report (ASR) and provide notice of the availability of the ASR to all prospective employees. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the Universitys crime statistics for the past three calendar years; and disclosures regarding the Universitys current campus security policies.View the Universitys Annual Security Report (PDF). If you wish to have a paper copy of the ASR or need to have a copy of the ASR in an accessible format the University willprovide such a copy upon request. Please contact our Public Safety Office at 207.780.5211.