Position

Director of Freshman Seminar, College of Arts & Sciences

Contract Terms

Exempt, 12-month position, renewable annually

Position Summary

Responsible for the Freshman Seminar course (approximately 75 sections with 1,532 students) and spring Freshman Seminar course (approximately 3 sections with 45 students), its supporting faculty/staff instructors, peer advisors and course content. Assist in establishing the University’s student success goals and assessing outcomes. Coordinate the recruitment, selection and training of Freshman Seminar instructors and peer advisors to ensure ongoing value and consistency in program goals.

Essential Functions

1. Communicate effectively with faculty/staff instructors and peer advisors concerning Freshman Seminar course resources, support services, events and activities; Provide appropriate training and development for all members within the program
2. Work closely with the College Deans, Department Chairs, Enrollment Management personnel, Student Affairs personnel and Library personnel and collaborate the planning and evaluation of the program
3. Work with the Enrollment Management team by being a regular member of the Lead's team and enrollment goals and with the First Year Experience committee and programs
4. Coordinate efforts with student orientation programs, general education and major curricula and the co-curricular and provide support materials for related programs
5. Participate in all aspects of communication about the course with parents, incoming students and academic advisors; In addition, participate in new student programs
6. Facilitate curricular changes and modifications
7. Maintain regular summer office hours
8. Coordinate course management software (such as eCompanion, Microsoft Outlook, information management software, etc.)
9. Chair the Freshman Seminar Advisory Board
10. Advocate for Freshman Seminar faculty/staff instructors and program
11. Collaborate with Freshman Seminar administrative staff to implement the Freshman Seminar course
12. Manage personnel issues of all related parties and observe Freshman Seminar classroom practices, as appropriate

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Master's degree
Experience: Faculty teaching background; two or four years of academic advising or related experience; experience in a team-oriented environment
Skills: Strong public relations skills; commitment to academic excellence and student achievement; computer skills; demonstrated leadership skills; an overall track record of professional experience demonstrating success in positions of increasing responsibility

Preferred Qualifications

Education: Terminal degree in field, tenured
Experience: Freshman Seminar or Orientation teaching experience and experience advising students
Skills: Substantial administrative experience; advocate for the freshman year experience; familiarity in developing academic programs

Working Conditions

Office and computer work; Comfortable with public speaking; Occasional night or weekend responsibilities

Supervisory Responsibilities

Support staff, peer advisors, student employees and Freshman Seminar instructors

Typical Physical Demands

Some lifting required

Date Available

Immediately

Application Deadline

November 2, 2009 or until position is filled. Applicant screening will begin on November 2.

Salary

Competitive dependent on qualifications and experience

To Apply

Submit your philosophy of teaching as it pertains to the first year experience, suitability for the position, including a list of your teaching experience, and a vita to mdrake@nwmissouri.edu.