Instructor of Fashion Merchandising and Design

## St. Thomas University - Gus Machado College of Business

**POSITION****PURPOSE**

The Instructor / Professor of Fashion Merchandising will teach undergraduate courses in the Fashion Merchandising & Design program, support student advising and career readiness, contribute to curriculum and assessment work, and strengthen the program through industry engagement, professional practice, and student-centered instruction. The position is intended to support growing enrollment and provide consistent course coverage across fashion merchandising, fashion business, trend forecasting, textiles, promotion, sustainability, product development, and related areas.

**ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES**

• Teach assigned undergraduate Fashion Merchandising and Fashion Merchandising & Design courses in alignment with approved course learning outcomes, program learning outcomes, catalog descriptions, and university academic standards.
• Prepare syllabi, course calendars, lectures, assignments, rubrics, exams/projects, Canvas course shells, and instructional materials that reflect current fashion industry practice.
• Deliver high-quality instruction using applied, student-centered teaching methods, including presentations, critiques, case studies, projects, industry examples, and experiential learning activities.
• Assess student learning, provide timely feedback, submit grades by established deadlines, and maintain accurate academic records in accordance with university policy.
• Advise and mentor students on academic progression, internships, professional development, portfolio/career preparation, and fashion industry pathways.
• Support program assessment, including collection and review of student learning artifacts, SLO/PLO assessment, curriculum mapping, and continuous improvement activities.
• Participate in curriculum development and course revision to keep the program current with industry trends, sustainability, global sourcing, retail technology, consumer behavior, and fashion business practices.
• Contribute to student recruitment and retention through open houses, admitted student events, advising events, student showcases, and other program visibility efforts.
• Build and maintain professional relationships with fashion industry partners, alumni, advisory board members, employers, guest speakers, and internship sites.
• Participate in departmental, college, and university service, including meetings, committees, assessment activities, accreditation/program review support, and program events.
• Maintain scheduled office hours and communicate regularly with students, faculty, program leadership, and college administration.
• Assist with the daily operations of the Retail Innovation Studio, including supervising students and supporting merchandise organization, inventory, and presentation.
• Model professionalism, ethical leadership, inclusive teaching, and commitment to the mission of St. Thomas University.

**RECOMMENDED COURSE COVERAGE**

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| **High-Priority****Course****Areas** | **Examples of Courses** | **Rationale** |

| Fashion Business / Merchandising | Introduction to the Fashion Industry; Fashion Branding; Fashion Merchandising Mathematics; Retail Management | Core area for merchandising instruction and student career preparation. |

| Trend, Textiles & Product Development | Fashion Trend Forecasting; Textiles for Apparel; Product Development | Supports applied knowledge in consumer trends, materials, product planning, and industry workflow. |

| Promotion & Visual Merchandising and Apparel Development | Fashion Promotion & Visual Merchandising; Strategic Brand Management; Fashion Entrepreneurship | Supports business, marketing, visual presentation, event, and brand-building skills. |

| Global / Ethical Fashion | Sustainability & Human Rights in Fashion; International Fashion & Sourcing; Fashion Law | |