Employment Opportunities

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:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of key communication concepts through various channels and contexts.
2. Demonstrate ability to function effectively in small group problem solving and decision making situations.
3. 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.
4. Demonstrate ability to evaluate speeches critically.
5. 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:

1. 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.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the unique demands placed upon communicators within a variety of interpersonal communication contexts.
3. 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.
4. Identify, contemplate, and improve upon whatever interpersonal communication weaknesses the student may possess (e.g., poor listening, apprehension within interpersonal interactions, etc.).
5. 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:

1. Exhibit comprehension of various public communication concepts through oral and written exercises and through performance on exams and oral presentations.
2. Prepare outlines for public speeches.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of audience analysis.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of how to conduct research related to various types of speeches.
5. Demonstrate an ability to evaluate speeches critically.
6. Demonstrate an ability to function effectively in creating and delivering a presentation within a small group.
7. Understand the use of technology where appropriate to enhance the communication processes involved in public speaking.
8. Reduce and manage communication apprehension.
9. 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:

1. Develop an understanding of the theories and principles of group communication that are the basis for a variety of group communication situations.
2. Develop problem-solving and decision-making skills.
3. Understand what important roles you and other members of your group can play in the group communication process.
4. Improve conflict management skills.
5. 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:

1. Demonstrate the use of different theories of attitudinal and behavioral change to specific situations in the lives of students.
2. Discern the different persuasive techniques used in specific situations.
3. Prepare the students to develop persuasive strategies applicable to the different situations and causes of their choice.
4. Analyze persuasion strategies employed in the fields of Advertising, Public Relations, and Marketing.
5. 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:

• 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