JOB SUMMARY

The Office of First Year Programs & Learning Communities (FYP & LC) seeks candidates for the position of Assistant Director of Academic Support at the UConn Waterbury campus. Under the direction of the Director of Academic Support at Storrs, the Assistant Director of Academic Support will develop and launch the Academic Achievement Center (AAC) at UConn Waterbury. The individual in this position coordinates services for undergraduate students seeking to improve academic performance, provides direct and group service to students regarding academic performance, assists students in receiving 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

1. Meet with students in a one-on-one environment to provide strategic academic counseling.
2. Develop and execute day-to-day programmatic responsibility for UConn Connects – an academic intervention program for first- and second-year students on academic probation.
3. Supervise Academic Support Program peer educators such as UConn Connects and Master Coaches, Academic Achievement Center coaches, and student staff.
4. Helps students design process systems, i.e. specific strategies, techniques, self-regulation, and metacognitions that will allow them to achieve consistent, excellent academic performance.
5. Develops online curriculum units on self-regulatory strategies (e.g. study skills) to be used in FYE and general first-year classes.
6. Develops and leads outreach and support programs that serve special populations including but not limited to First Generation college students.
7. Assists in the recruitment and training of new UConn Connects mentors– volunteer faculty, staff, and students who work with students on academic probation, or those who want to improve their academic skills.
8. Gathers relevant data, compiles statistical reports, and maintains appropriate computerized files and records.
9. Develops specialized programs for gateway courses through the Academic Achievement Center, and UConn Connects. Integrates with other academic support programs on campus.
10. Trains the peer education/leadership component of First Year Programs and Learning Communities including summer and winter intercession training before new semesters start.
11. Monitors student progress and works closely with faculty and other University offices to identify and resolve problems.
12. Provides advising on issues negatively impacting academic performance or refers as appropriate/necessary.
13. Teaches First Year Experience (FYE) courses and supports other FYE instructors by providing class presentations on success strategies.
14. 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.
15. Identifies issues with policies and regulations and recommends changes. Interprets academic regulations and serves as a resource for students, faculty, parents, and others.
16. Responsible for developing and maintaining constructive, professional working relationships with faculty, staff, students, and all levels of University administrators.
17. Serves as a liaison between the program and other University offices, external organizations, and the public.
18. Works closely with other offices and programs to foster academic success and retention.
19. Writes and/or edits informational and publicity materials.
20. Required to work occasional weekends or irregular hours.
21. Performs related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in counseling or relevant field.
• Five 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.
• Proven ability to apply a range of concepts, techniques, and practices to carry out program objectives.
• Experience working with diverse constituencies.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, counseling skills, and the 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

• 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).

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, permanent appointment. Salary is in the low 60's and includes full benefits. 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 #496894 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on March 29, 2023. 

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.

The University of Connecticut is committed to building and supporting a multicultural and diverse community of students, faculty and staff. The diversity of students, faculty and staff continues to increase, as does the number of honors students, valedictorians and salutatorians who consistently make UConn their top choice. More than 100 research centers and institutes serve the University's teaching, research, diversity, and outreach missions, leading to UConn's ranking as one of the nation's top research universities. UConn's faculty and staff are the critical link to fostering and expanding our vibrant, multicultural and diverse University community. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer, UConn encourages applications from women, veterans, people with disabilities and members of traditionally underrepresented populations.

About University of Connecticut

The University of Connecticut is a national leader among public research universities, with more than 30,000 students seeking answers to critical questions in classrooms, labs, and the community. A culture of innovation drives this pursuit of knowledge throughout the University’s network of campuses. Connecticut’s commitment to higher education helps UConn attract students who thrive in the most competitive environments, as well as globally renowned faculty members. Our school pride is fueled by a history of success that has made us a standout in Division I athletics. UConn fosters a diverse and vibrant culture that meets the needs and seizes the opportunities of a dynamic global society.

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