Adjunct Instructor Communications

SCCC REFERENCE #: 26-57

DATE: June 4, 2026

TITLE: Adjunct Instructor Communications

CAMPUS: Eastern Campus in Riverhead

START DATE: 8/26/2026

TYPE OF APPOINTMENT: Part-Time

RANK: Faculty

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

SUNY Suffolk is searching for in-person Adjunct Instructors in Communication beginning in the Fall 2026 semester, at the Eastern Campus in Riverhead, NY. SUNY Suffolk is a comprehensive community college committed to open access, equity, and student success, and candidates for adjunct faculty positions should be prepared to demonstrate their commitment to these values.

Course Descriptions

COM101 - Introduction to Human Communication

Course Description:

Introduces field of communication studies. Through lecture, discussion, and practice, students study areas such as public speaking, small group problem solving, verbal and nonverbal communication, interpersonal communication, critical listening, and related areas. Note: Fulfills SUNY-GE Communication-Oral and SUNY-GE Humanities. No prerequisite. Offered on: A-E-G / 3 cr. hrs.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of key communication concepts through various channels and contexts.
• Demonstrate ability to function effectively in small group problem solving and decision making situations.
• Prepare outlines, carry out audience analyses and research various types of speeches including informative and persuasive; deliver a minimum of one researched extemporaneous informative or persuasive 4-6 minute speech.
• Demonstrate ability to evaluate speeches critically.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the role and influence of culture in the communication process.

COM102 - Interpersonal Communication

Course Description:

Stresses development of interpersonal skills necessary for building and maintaining productive and positive relationships in a variety of work and social settings. Topics include interpersonal trust, self-disclosure, assertiveness, conflict and conflict management. Students study various theories of interpersonal communication and practice interpersonal skills in class. Note: (1) Fulfills SUNY-GE Communication (Oral). Some programs will require a different course to meet SUNY-GE Communication (Oral). Offered on: A-E-G / 3 cr. hrs.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate a general understanding of concepts which define us as individuals, regulate our communication endeavors, and create and re-create the social realities by which we live.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the unique demands placed upon communicators within a variety of interpersonal communication contexts.
• Demonstrate an ability to evaluate the communicative endeavors of themselves and others within interpersonal settings. Overall, become a more proficient "participant-observer" of the communication process.
• Identify, contemplate, and improve upon whatever interpersonal communication weaknesses the student may possess (e.g., poor listening, apprehension within interpersonal interactions, etc.).
• Demonstrate an understanding of the complexity inherent within human communication processes.

COM105 - Public Speaking

Course Description:

Introduction to essential steps in preparing and presenting speeches. Structured exercises and presentations are used to help students master each phase, including topic selection, audience analysis, research content, organization, style and delivery. Note: Fulfills SUNY-GE Communication-Oral and SUNY-GE Humanities. No prerequisite. Offered on: A-E-G / 3 cr. hrs.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Exhibit comprehension of various public communication concepts through oral and written exercises and through performance on exams and oral presentations.
• Prepare outlines for public speeches.
• Demonstrate an understanding of audience analysis.
• Demonstrate an understanding of how to conduct research related to various types of speeches.
• Demonstrate an ability to evaluate speeches critically.
• Demonstrate an ability to function effectively in creating and delivering a presentation within a small group.
• Understand the use of technology where appropriate to enhance the communication processes involved in public speaking.
• Reduce and manage communication apprehension.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the process of delivering informative, persuasive and specialized speeches.

COM107 - Small Group Communication

Course Description:

Application of communication skills to problem solving in small group context. Emphasis placed on dynamics, interaction, team building and related skills. Recommended for general studies and other non-nursing and health career-oriented students. Note: Fulfills SUNY-GE Humanities and SUNY-GE Communication-Oral. No prerequisite. Offered on: A-E-G / 3 cr. hrs.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Develop an understanding of the theories and principles of group communication that are the basis for a variety of group communication situations.
• Develop problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Understand what important roles you and other members of your group can play in the group communication process.
• Improve conflict management skills.
• Learn how to participate in a group project which involves goal setting, planning, and presenting an organized presentation.

COM131 - Theories of Persuasion

Course Description:

Study of theories used to create verbal and visual strategies designed to influence thinking and behaviors of individuals and groups. Also examines application of these theories to advertising, marketing, community affairs, political campaigns and public relations. Note: Fulfills SUNY-GE Humanities and SUNY-GE Communication (Oral). (2) Some programs will require a different course to meet SUNY-GE Communication (Oral). No prerequisite. Offered on: A-E-G / 3 cr. hrs.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate the use of different theories of attitudinal and behavioral change to specific situations in the lives of students.
• Discern the different persuasive techniques used in specific situations.
• Prepare the students to develop persuasive strategies applicable to the different situations and causes of their choice.
• Analyze persuasion strategies employed in the fields of Advertising, Public Relations, and Marketing.
• Employ rhetorical techniques in presenting a persuasive speech to a live audience. In cases where the speech in front of a live audience is recorded, editing is not permitted.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in Communication Studies or a Master's degree in a closely related field with at least 18 graduate credits in Communication Studies.
• Demonstrated commitment to principles of equity and student success.
• Familiarity with or capable of using the College's LMS (i.e. Brightspace).

Interested candidates should send a current CV to Department Chair Nina Fielding at:

fieldin@sunysuffolk.edu

If you have any question, please do not hesitate to call (631) 548-2518

NON-DISCRIMINATION NOTICE: Suffolk County Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, marital status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, familial status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristics, equal pay compensation-sex, national origin, military or veteran status, domestic violence victim status, criminal conviction or disability in its admissions, programs and activities, or employment. This applies to all employees, students, applicants or other members of the College community (including, but not limited to, vendors and visitors). Grievance procedures are available to interested persons by contacting either of the Civil Rights Compliance Officers/Coordinators listed below. Retaliation against a person who files a complaint, serves as a witness, or assists or participates in the investigation of a complaint in any manner is strictly prohibited.

The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the College's non-discrimination polices:

Civil Rights Compliance Officers

Christina Vargas

Chief Diversity Officer/Title IX Coordinator

Ammerman Campus, NFL Bldg., Suite 230

533 College Road, Selden, New York 11784-2899

vargasc@sunysuffolk.edu

(631) 451-4950

or

Dionne Walker-Belgrave

Affirmative Action Officer/Deputy Title IX Coordinator

Ammerman Campus, NFL Bldg., Suite 230

533 College Road, Selden, New York 11784-2899

walkerd@sunysuffolk.edu

(631) 451-4051

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Inquiries or complaints concerning alleged civil rights violations in the College's education admissions, programs and activities may also be directed to:

Office for Civil Rights (OCR) - Enforcement Office

U.S. Department of Education

32 Old Slip, 26th Floor

New York, NY 10005-2500

Telephone: (646) 428-3800

Fax: (646) 428-3843

TDD: (877) 521-2172

Email: OCR.NewYork@ed.gov

Also see: https://wdcrobcolp01.ed.gov/CFAPPS/OCR/contactus.cfm

Inquiries or complaints concerning discrimination in employment practices may also be directed to:

NYS Division of Human Rights

Long Island (Suffolk)

New York State Office Building

250 Veterans Memorial Highway, Suite 2B-49

Hauppauge, NY 11788

Telephone: (631) 952-6434

TDD: (718) 741-8300

Email: InfoLongIsland@dhr.ny.gov

Also see: https://dhr.ny.gov/how-file-complaint

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

New York District Office

33 Whitehall Street, 5th Floor

New York, NY 10004

Telephone: (800) 669-4000

Fax: (212) 336-3790

TTY: (800) 669-6820

ASL Video Phone: (844) 234-5122

Also see: https://www.eeoc.gov/field/newyork/charge.cfm

Suffolk County Community College is committed to fostering a diverse community of outstanding faculty, staff, and students, as well as ensuring equal opportunity and non-discrimination in employment, education, access to services, programs, and activities, including career and technical education opportunities.

A copy of the postsecondary career and technical education courses offered by the College is available and may be obtained on our website at: www.sunysuffolk.edu/explore-academics/college-catalog or by calling the Office of Admissions at 631-451-4000 to request a mailing.

APPLY TO: Interested applicants should apply online by clicking on the button below: