Faculty members are invited to apply for the new faculty-in-residence program at Bean Hall for fall 2019.

The faculty-in-residence program, co-sponsored by the Division of Undergraduate Education and Student Success and University Housing, helps shape the intellectual life of the residence halls and expand the academic experience beyond the walls of the classroom. It amplifies students’ social and academic transitions to a liberal arts and sciences research university through frequent, intensive, out-of-classroom interactions with faculty members.

“The FIR program offers students an opportunity to get to know, and be known by, faculty early in their undergraduate careers,” said Kevin Hatfield, director of academic residential and research initiatives for University Housing. “The Bean FIR will enjoy a robust collaboration with the academic residential communities housed in Bean Hall and academic partners committed to fostering an engaging first-year experience.”

This will be the third resident faculty position at the UO. There are currently faculty members in the Global Scholars Hall and Kalapuya Ilihi.

Debra Thompson, associate professor of political science, is the faculty member for Kalapuya Ilihi. Known for hosting Sunday morning coffee in the community kitchen, Thompson has enjoyed being able to connect with students beyond the classroom.

“It’s been quite amazing to be the FIR of Kalapuya Ilihi,” Thompson said. “The role is primarily designed to help students succeed, but it also enables faculty to see an entirely different side of the undergraduate experience beyond the classroom. It’s really been a pleasure to get to know students while we’re sitting around drinking coffee on Sunday morning.”

Thompson said her two young children have also enjoyed their time living in Kalapuya Ilihi. The students in the community have been really kind and generous with them, she said.

Faculty members interested in the position can attend a catered reception and open house hosted by the current resident faculty members and residence life staff Wednesday, March 13, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the Kalapuya Ilihi faculty apartment.

For a full position description and application information, visit the human resources website.

Application review begins March 25.

­­—By Jesse Summers, University Communications