Faculty-in-Residence Recruitment and Selection

The Faculty-in-Residence (FiR) Program is a collaboration between the Provost and the Vice President of Student Affairs that strengthens the connection between students’ academic and residential learning experiences. Faculty members from an array of disciplines live on campus and work closely with Residence Life and Student Housing staff members to provide opportunities where residents can interact with professors outside the classroom environment, further supporting student learning, engagement, and success. Review the full Faculty-in-Residence position description.

We currently have two anticipated faculty-in-residence vacancies in Ware Commons and Virginia-Snider Commons for 2025-2026.

Any questions about FiR vacancies can be directed to Dr. Brittany Billar, Director of Academic Initiatives.

Initial Application

• Letter of Interest: The letter should clearly answer the following questions:
  • Why are you interested and choosing to apply for the FIR position?
  • What characteristics and qualities do you possess that will help you achieve success in this role? What do you hope to gain from the role? 
  • How will you infuse intellectual pursuits into your role as FiR? 
  • What previous experience have you had engaging with students outside of the classroom? 
• Approval from your Dean and Chair in a Signed Statement of Support
• Signed Acknowledgement of Residential Policies
• Curriculum Vitae or Resume

Finalist Application Supplement

If you are selected as a finalist, an additional application components will be requested:

• Letter of Recommendation by Dean or Department Chair

Applications are now closed.

Any questions about FiR applications can be directed to Dr. Brittany Billar, Director of Academic Initiatives

The selection process for a successful finalist for the Faculty-in-Residence position will span the spring semester. The selection process is outlined below. More details will be shared with applicants. 

1. Paper Application Review
2. Search Committee Panel Interview
3. Residential Commons Event
4. Provost and VPSA Interview
• Candidate portion
• Candidate and partner portion - if applicable

Finalists will be determined following the Search Committee Interview. Only finalists will move on in the selection process. Finalists who are not selected to fill the immediate openings may be considered as alternates for future vacancies.

The FiR is appointed to an initial 3-year term. FiRs may be re-appointed for one, additional three-year extension based on exemplary performance and with the approval from the Vice President of Student Affairs and Provost. The Vice President of Student Affairs and Provost reserve the right, at their discretion, to terminate immediately any FiR who violates any terms or conditions of their appointment, fails or neglects to perform satisfactorily the responsibilities of the position, or violates any University rules, regulations, policies, or procedures. 

Due to the commitment of the role, FiRs are compensated with: •

• The amenities of an apartment on campus and other living arrangement benefits provided by Resident Life & Student Housing; SMU reserves the right to reassign the FiR, along with the FiR’s family members who occupy the FiR’s apartment, in the event of a campus closing, delay of on-campus academic courses, or other condition beyond the control of SMU, including, but not limited to, shutdown, closing, or delay as a result of infectious disease, such as COVID-19, or other pandemic.
• A meal plan comprised of 20 meals and $100 of flex spending each academic year provided by Residence Life & Student Housing
• Up to $2,500 in relocation costs to move on campus (not to transition off) provided by the Office of the Provost
• Up to $4,500 toward living and dining room furniture supplied by Residence Life & Student Housing (RLSH). Furniture purchased through this fund and otherwise provided by RLSH is owned by SMU and will remain with RLSH at the end of the appointment term.

Additionally, the FiR may choose one of the following benefits packages each academic year during the appointment period:

• $5,000 Compensation (prorated on a monthly basis) OR
• 1 Course Load Reduction/Year negotiated with Department Chair (you may not be compensated for overload teaching for the Fall or Spring semesters if the course reduction is chosen)