The Faculty in Residence (FIR) program, sponsored by the University of Oklahoma’s Housing and Residence Life, is designed to foster meaningful connections between faculty and students and strengthen the relationship between academic learning and the residential experience. Through this live-in role, Faculty in Residence work collaboratively with Residence Life staff to create an intentional residential education experience centered on belonging, care, and student development.

Aligned with Housing and Residence Life’s commitment to building supportive, engaging communities, Faculty in Residence help create an environment where students feel a sense of belonging, know they are cared for and supported, and have opportunities to learn and grow. Through intentional programs, conversations, mentorship, and everyday interactions, FIRs help students explore new ideas, feel supported, and build meaningful connections within their residential community.

By engaging with students beyond the classroom, Faculty in Residence bridge academic and co-curricular learning while supporting students’ personal, social, and intellectual development. Through these relationships and experiences, FIRs contribute to a residential environment where students feel connected, supported, and empowered to grow throughout their time at the University of Oklahoma.

GOALS:

• Support the academic mission of the University of Oklahoma by connecting classroom learning with the residential experience.
• Increase faculty presence in the residence halls and create opportunities for students and faculty to connect outside the classroom.
• Encourage intellectual curiosity, academic engagement, and personal growth through mentorship, role modeling, and meaningful conversations.
• Create programs and co-curricular experiences that support student learning, build community, and connect students with opportunities on and off campus.
• Build partnerships with faculty across campus to strengthen residential programming and student engagement.
• Foster inclusive residential communities where students feel a sense of belonging, are supported, and have opportunities to thrive.
• Support Residence Life’s Live On Framework by promoting Belonging, Care, and Development and connecting students with resources when needed.
  

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS:

• Attend move-ins, programs, and student functions each semester as appropriate.
• Meet weekly throughout each semester with the Residential Colleges staff team.
• Have regular meals with residents and student leaders in the Residential Colleges Dining Hall.
• Work with Residential College staff to plan and support programs outlined in the Programming section of this document.
• Build relationships with residents and become an active, approachable presence in the community.
• Use campus connections to engage faculty and staff in Residential College programming and other first-year residential communities.
• Support academic initiatives, including the semesterly Faculty Programming Series and Living Learning Communities.
• Serve as a mentor and resource for students without assuming the role of a parent, disciplinarian, or Resident Advisor.
  

 PROGRAMMING:

• Offer at least 3 programs each semester within the Residential Colleges. It is anticipated that the Faculty in Residence will exceed the minimum programming requirements. Events are not limited to but may include co-sponsoring/hosting guest speakers, faculty colleagues, social events, etc.
• Work in tandem with RA staff and Community Council to support other programming events and have presence at events when possible.
  

TERMS OF CONTRACT:

The Faculty in Residence position is a 4-year live-on commitment with no option to renew.

BENEFITS:

The benefits provided with this position are intended to support Faculty in Residence in building relationships with residents, engaging with the residential community, and supporting student learning and development. Faculty in Residence are expected to use these resources to support the goals of the program. Benefits include:

• A furnished three-bedroom apartment with utilities included. Pets are permitted.
• A meal plan for the Faculty in Residence and their spouse/partner, to be used in Residential College dining facilities.
• Two reserved parking spaces for Faculty in Residence.
• Annual Supplemental Pay of $15,000, distributed over 20 biweekly pay periods.
• Moving expense allowance.
  

TAXABILITY OF BENEFITS:

We encourage you to consult your financial adviser before you join the FIR program regarding the taxability of benefits. In addition, Payroll and Employee Services at (405) 325-2961 is an excellent resource regarding specific questions on monthly amounts that may be withdrawn for tax purposes.

Benefit — Taxability

• Meal Plan Provided: Non-Taxable for Participant; Taxable for Other Family Members.
• Furnished Apartment: Non-Taxable
• Parking Permit: Taxable if Purchased by University
• All Utilities Paid: Non-Taxable
• Internet Hookup: Non-Taxable

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:

• All renewable term, tenure-track and tenured faculty, regardless of rank, are eligible to apply. Must be employed as full-time faculty at the University of Oklahoma for at least one full academic year before November 1, 2026.
• Have a minimum of three years of experience teaching and mentoring.
• Possess appropriate credentials and an earned degree from an accredited institution or one recognized by a country’s ministry of education. Faculty must maintain any licenses or certifications required to teach at OU.
• Receive approval from their home department and not be on sabbatical during their time as a Faculty in Residence.
• Demonstrate an interest in connecting with residential first-year students and a commitment to supporting student learning and development beyond the classroom.
• Support the benefits of a living-learning environment and be willing to invest the time and energy needed to support the goals of the Residential College program.
• Have strong communication and relationship-building skills, including the ability to work effectively with diverse groups of students, faculty, and staff, and to be accessible and approachable to students.
• Demonstrate the ability to develop, promote, implement, and assess meaningful programs that support student learning and community building.
• Reside full-time in the provided Faculty in Residence apartment during the academic year, except when away for university breaks or teaching/research responsibilities.
• Fulfill the primary responsibilities of the position during the nine-month academic year. Faculty in Residence retain use of their apartment and campus access year-round, with meal plans and parking permits continuing through the summer when program responsibilities are limited.

Submit CV and Cover Letter

 Application deadline of December 16, 2026