Introduction to Geographic Information Systems - UCLA Extension

UCLA Extension is considered one of the top programs of its kind, offering to

more than 35,000 students per year approximately 4,500 classes and non-degree certificate programs to meet the professional development, continuing education, and personal enrichment needs of the full spectrum of nontraditional students as well as companies and organizations throughout and beyond the Los Angeles region.

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to fundamental principles and concepts behind the use and application of geographic information systems (GIS). Students learn how to think spatially, become familiar with information technology, produce maps, communicate effectively using spatial information and conduct data analysis with GIS. Instruction is technique-oriented, focusing heavily on practical applications of GIS methods and practices using the industry-standard ArcGIS software platform. All course exercises situate GIS within both its practical and economic context. Key concepts and ideas are reinforced through practical assignments and activities involving the use of desktop GIS software.

UCLA Extension's fully online GIS and Geospatial Technology certificate program (hereafter referred to as the "Certificate"), developed and offered collaboratively with the UCLA Department of Geography, is designed to equip working professionals and career changers with hands-on, industry aligned geospatial skills, with a focus upon practical applications and geospatial analysis and visualization techniques commonly used in entry-level GIS positions. Instructors work closely with the Certificate's leadership team of master instructors to translate real world GIS expertise into engaging, applied learning experiences for students from diverse professional backgrounds. Instructors are responsible for day-to-day delivery of course content, communicating with students, holding office hours, and grading student work. Appointments are made on a course by course basis each quarter; instructors may teach multiple sections depending on scheduling, enrollment, and performance.

Instructors are responsible for updating and refining syllabi, reviewing weekly course modules on UCLA Extension's Canvas LMS and reporting any issues to Certificate leadership, grading student work in a timely manner and entering grades and feedback on Canvas, offering timely and substantive feedback on assignments and projects, responding to student inquiries via email, holding office hours by appointment, coordinating content updates with Certificate leadership, providing timely responses to student inquiries sent via Canvas messaging and/or email, and fostering an inclusive, collaborative learning environment for professional learners with diverse backgrounds and varied levels of experience, attend any required meetings with UCLA Extension staff and/or program leadership, and any other miscellaneous duties that the Certificate's leadership deems appropriate and compatible with the role of Instructor.

Employment as a UCLA Extension Instructor is dictated by contract terms

and conditions. Please take the time to read the UCLA Extension Instructor

Employment Policies.

For information on UCLA Extension instructor benefits, please visit Pay,

Benefits, & Privileges

Instructor Resources: https://instructor.uclaextension.edu/

Ph.D. is required prior to the start date of teaching duties.

References are requested from candidates after the interviewing stage, and references are only contacted for finalists via SkillSurvey system.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
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