JOB SUMMARY

Office of First Year Programs & Learning Communities (FYP & LC) seeks candidates for the position of Assistant Director of Academic Support (Senior Student Services Program Administrator) at the UConn Storrs campus. The individual in this position coordinates services for undergraduate students seeking to improve academic performance, provides direct and group services to students regarding academic performance, advises students regarding appropriate educational and career direction, and assists in the realization of a productive UConn experience. Coordinates and implements programs to promote retention. Responsible for various program components, and the supervision of undergraduate staff and student facilitators.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Meet with students in a one-on-one environment to provide strategic academic counseling.
• Develop and execute day-to-day programmatic responsibility for UConn Connects - an academic intervention program for first and second year students on academic probation.
• Supervise Academic Support Program peer educators such as UConn Connects Mentors and Mentor Coaches, Academic Achievement Center Coaches, and additional Student Staff.
• Help students design process systems, i.e., specific strategies, techniques, self-regulation, and metacognitions that will allow them to achieve consistent, excellent academic performance.
• Develops online curriculum units on self-regulatory strategies (e.g., study skills) to be used in FYE and general first-year classes.
• Assists in the recruitment and training of new UConn Connects Mentors- including volunteer faculty, staff, and students who work individually with students on academic probation, or those who want to improve their academic strategies.
• Gathers relevant data, compiles statistical reports, and maintains appropriate computerized files and records.
• Develops specialized programs such as Supplemental Instruction (SI) for gateway courses through the Academic Achievement Center. Integrates with other academic support programs on campus.
• Trains and the peer education/leadership component of FYP & LC including summer and winter intercession training before new semesters start.
• Monitors student progress and works closely with faculty and other University offices to identify and resolve problems.
• Provides advising on issues negatively impacting academic performance, or refers as appropriate and necessary.
• Teaches First Year Experience (FYE) course(s) and supports other FYE instructors by providing class presentations on success strategies.
• Works closely with other University offices to promote consistency and uniformity of judgments regarding such matters as enforcement of academic requirements, academic probation and dismissal, transfer in or out of programs, and other similar issues.
• Identifies issues with policies and regulations and recommends changes. Interprets academic regulations and serves as a resource for students, faculty, parents, and others.
• Responsible for developing and maintaining constructive, professional working relationships with faculty, staff, students, and all levels of University administrators. Serves as a liaison between program and other University offices, external organizations, and the public.
• Works closely with other offices and programs to foster academic success and retention.
• Writes and/or edits informational and publicity materials.
• Required to work occasional weekends or irregular hours.
• Performs related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in counseling or a relevant field.
• Four years of professional experience in counseling, coaching, and/or advising students.
• Demonstrated experience in providing/administering academic support services and activities that support student growth, retention, persistence, and graduation.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the program specialty area appropriate to the department (i.e. academic support and counseling) to be served, and proven ability to apply a range of concepts, techniques, and practices to carry out program objectives.
• Experience working with diverse constituencies.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal skills, counseling skills, and ability to work effectively with administrators, faculty, staff, and students.
• Knowledge of special student populations.
• Demonstrated knowledge utilizing databases and Microsoft products including Excel.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Six years of professional experience in counseling, coaching, and/or advising students.
• Demonstrated knowledge of change theories.
• Demonstrated knowledge of strategies, techniques, and metacognition necessary for intentional academic success.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot problems that interfere with students' academic progress and work effectively to resolve them.
• Experience with proven academic intervention methodologies (i.e. supplemental instruction, peer tutoring).
• Supervisory experience.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, permanent position. The University offers a competitive salary, and outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment. For additional information regarding benefits visit: https://hr.uconn.edu/benefits-beyond-pay/. The target salary is in the low $70,000s. Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA).

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #497921 to upload a resume, cover letter, contact information for three (3) professional references, and a diversity statement. Review of applications will be ongoing and continue until the position is filled.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee's unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.