Summary/Objective

This position provides a holistic perspective in assisting first year students by incorporating their academic, social, cultural and psychological adjustment to university life. This position instructs four sections of American University Experience I (AUx1) (1.5 credits each) in the fall semester and four sections of American University Experience II (AUx2) (1.5 credits each) in the spring semester. This position concurrently provides year-long professional academic advising and support to undergraduate students enrolled in their assigned sections of AUx1 during the students’ first academic year. The caseload for the AUx Instructor and Advisor is determined by enrollments in their sections of AUx1 courses. This position works under general supervision and is expected to exercise professional judgment in all aspects of the position and has broad decision-making authority subject to review by the Assistant Director, First Year Advising and the Director, First Year Advising.

Essential Functions

1. Instruct AUx Classes: Instruct four 75-minute classes of approximately 19 students each week in the Fall and Spring semesters. Synthesize and analyze assigned articles and online content; compile supplementary readings and research to inform classroom instruction. Prepare weekly lesson plans including dialogue facilitation and active learning components adhering and not altering the standardized curriculum, AUx program policies, and grading rubrics. Hold office hours (approximately 5 hours each week) with students to assist students in understanding course content, discuss assignments, course materials, and individual student concerns. Meet individually with two-four Peer Facilitators each week per semester to discuss teaching plans and activities as well as individual student concerns. Evaluate student performance and provide meaningful and useful feedback to students regarding their performance on written assignments through a Learning Management System. Assess students on participation and classroom activities/discussion.

2. Academic Advising: Advise and counsel approximately 85 undergraduate students utilizing knowledge of each students’ background and strengths obtained from individual weekly interactions, reading their reflective writings, and observation of their performance in class discussions and related activities. Support and teach students to develop competencies in decision-making; conflict resolution; time management; stress management and goal setting. Assist students with academic and social adjustment issues, making appropriate referrals to campus partners. Communicate and coordinate with faculty regarding students in academic distress; and with other University departments that support students. These include but are not limited to those units that support: living learning communities, athletes, international students, first generation students, students of color, students with learning disabilities, honor students, and other unique populations of students; make appropriate referrals to other University student services; monitor and evaluate each student’s academic progress throughout their first academic year; assist students with understanding degree requirements, University policies, academic regulations, and selection and registration of courses; maintain accurate record of advising meetings for student files; make recommendations to VPUG regarding exceptions to academic regulations, academic warnings, probations, and dismissals; provide recommendations and solutions to streamline advising processes that improve students’ academic experience and address their developmental needs.

3. Recruitment, Orientation and Co-Curricular Programs: Assist new first year students with their selection and registration of courses; plan and participate in on-campus recruitment and conversion events, including presentations for both students and parents; create and conduct academic workshops for new students. Works collaboratively with the AUx Instructor & Advisor team, the AUx1 and AUx2 Working Groups, academic units, and other campus partners to identify and develop experiential education programs and other special initiatives that enhance the professional, intellectual, career, leadership, and personal development of undergraduate students.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• Full time
• Sr. Coordinator/Analyst B
• Exempt
• Currently allowing for full telework (Subject to change due to COVID-19 circumstances)
• Position works Monday through Friday. Standard business hours are 9:00am – 5:00pm, but exact schedule may vary each semester (fall and spring) based on time courses meet.

Salary Range

• $51,000 – $58,000 annually

Required Education and Experience

• Master’s degree
• 1-3 years of relevant experience
• Minimum of three years’ experience providing advising or student services support in higher education
• Must be able to obtain and maintain an adjunct faculty appointment.
• Teaching or small group facilitation experience with undergraduate students and strong student support focus.
• Strong interpersonal communication, critical thinking, and problem solving skills with multiple demonstrated cultural competencies (LGBTQ, International, first-generation, socioeconomic class differences, BIPoC) to serve a diverse student population.
• Attention to detail along with initiative, drive, flexibility, and ability to excel in a multicultural environment.
• Demonstrated public speaking ability and excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Seeks out, values, and utilizes diverse knowledge and experiences
• Working in an environment striving to incorporate anti-racist practices
• Experience teaching and advising undergraduate students, particularly first-year students.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• Multiple openings are offered for this position
• Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.

Benefits

• Click here to learn about American University’s unique benefit options