DSW Program Adjunct Faculty Mentor

Located in Boston’s historic Fenway area, Simmons University has a strong tradition of empowering women and challenging traditional gender roles. Simmons was founded for equality 125 years ago as one of the first higher education institutions dedicated to helping women become leaders. Today, our university continues to grow and evolve and now offers Boston’s only women’s undergraduate program and graduate programs open to all.

You’re joining our community at an especially exciting time as we continue to innovate for the future. Simmons recently launched a six-school academic structure that leverages our expert faculty and longstanding expertise in professions that make our communities stronger. In addition, we continue to highlight our high-value education proposition that is delivering greater ROI to students and putting them on the fast track to career growth and success. You’ll find that people who work here truly believe in our mission of preparing students to become social justice-oriented leaders who excel in their professions and their communities. This commitment and pride make for a dynamic workplace.

As a university that values diversity, equity, and inclusion, Simmons encourages applications from all under-represented groups. Simmons is committed to creating, developing, promoting, and enhancing inclusive hiring practices–at all levels, for all positions–ensuring diverse talent pools and the delivery of a consistent positive candidate experience. Simmons is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to continuing to develop a more diverse faculty, staff, student body, and curriculum.

Adjunct Faculty Mentors (AFM) provide small group oversight to approximately 15 students in the DSW program. The program uses a life-course model, so that means the AFM will work with the student for the duration of time that the student is matriculated in the DSW program. All students who are interested in participating in the mentoring process will be able to get assigned to a mentor.

The AFM serves as a guide for the DSW student to help them understand:

• performance transitions to achieve doctoral level quality work

• helpful adjustments to think through to become a successful doctoral student, and

• professional development options and considerations

Expectations—the expectations of the Adjunct Faculty Mentor are as follows:

• Sends an introductory email to the student after they receive their student assignments

• Send emails to advisees periodically throughout the term to solicit questions and provide supportive responses

• Meet with mentees 2-3 times a term, either individually or in groups

• Meetings focus on student goal attainment throughout the program, evolution of professional identity, and areas of professional and research interest, and professional career development.

• Provide guidance about concerns or conflicts that might arise with course progression

• Provides oversight to assigned students for the duration of that student matriculation in the program, but can exchange students with another faculty member is personality clashes occur

Adjunct Faculty Mentors are not expected to provide detailed guidance to students regarding their capstone process and project, but they should be familiar with the details provided in the DSW Student Handbook for general questions, and can make a referral of the student to the Student Advisor or to one of the full time faculty for the student to get more specific questions.

Students who require support related to personal issues or that fall outside of the Adjunct Faculty Mentor role are encouraged to seek assistance through the EAP support program called Perspectives, the Writing Center, or the Student Success Representative. The DSW Student Advisor can assist with getting the student appropriately connected.

Qualifications—DSW AFMs must have:

• An MSW degree and also a social work doctorate, or one from a related field

• At least one prior term of experience teaching in the DSW program

The DSW AFM appointment is a non-tenure track role and is not specifically an adjunct teaching position so the duties are not commensurate with an adjunct teaching faculty, and your service shall not be considered part of a probationary period. Should you accept this appointment, it will be without tenure and without eligibility for tenure. This appointment may be renewed, but is not a guarantee of future appointments. Your employment and any payment from Simmons University are contingent upon sufficient enrollment and/or program needs.

It is essential that you communicate with Simmons and your students using your Simmons email account. It is likewise essential that you check your Simmons email account regularly because your Simmons account is the only route by which Simmons communicates important information to all full- and part-time faculty.

Compensation: $35.53 (per student)

In accordance with applicable pay transparency laws effective October 29, 2025, Simmons University is committed to pay equity, transparency and clear communication throughout the hiring process.

This is non-benefits eligible position.

Compensation for adjunct faculty is established at a set rate per course and does not vary based on experience, education, or other factors. Our compensation philosophy is centered around a comprehensive package that includes pay, retirement savings, and other offerings that can be seen here, as well as work-life balance initiatives such as flexible hours and remote work opportunities. We are committed to offering a package that empowers individuals to thrive in their roles, contribute meaningfully, and lead with confidence.