This 12-month position will function as a class dean/professional advisor, supporting and guiding the development of all first-year students relating to the academic, social, and personal matters that can impact academic performance and persistence. Additionally, the first-year class dean will develop collaborative, co-curricular programmatic work for all students. This work will be accomplished through collaboration with other academic deans, faculty, and administrators in both the academic and campus life divisions. This position requires a specialist with a strong academic background in advising and mentoring, as well as a demonstrated track record of successful experience integrating the physical, emotional, and intellectual development and wellbeing of students. Specific areas of experience should include, but are not limited to: advising with attention to the impact of personal concerns on academic performance and adjustment to college life; improving and sustaining academic performance; addressing the evolving developmental opportunities and challenges of emerging adults (i.e. developing and strengthening resiliency and life skills among individual students and student communities); fostering appropriate psychosocial developmental outcomes during the transition from high school into the first year, and then the first year to sophomore year; interpretation, implementation, and enforcement of academic procedures; work closely with the office’s Project Manager and other Advising Office personnel to ensure a welcoming and student-focused environment.
Job Responsibilities
● Collaborate with campus partners across divisions to integrate the physical, emotional, and intellectual development and wellbeing of students.
● Advise students with attention to the impact of personal concerns on academic performance and adjustment to college life; address the evolving developmental opportunities and challenges of emerging adults.
● Explore and assess best practices in proactive and holistic academic advising and support; work effectively within a team to plan and execute academic-related events.
● Onboard & assist with the transition of the incoming first-year class to the College.
● Participate in the first year Orientation weekend events.
● Assign academic advisors to each member of the first-year class and manage advising assignments throughout the academic year.
● Collaborate with the Registrar’s Office to build first year student’s fall semester schedules.
● Attend and support events related to first-year onboarding and yield.
● Cultivate relationships with campus partners such as, the Admissions Office, Parent & Family Relations, Counseling Center, Health Center, Faculty, & Staff to provide support for students of concern.
● Serve as a member of the Student Support & Intervention Team to provide a safe living and learning environment where all members of the Lafayette community can thrive.
● Serve as a case administrator for academic integrity cases, as needed
● Carry out requested changes to enrollment status including Reinstatements, Leaves of Absence, Transfer, Resignation, Suspension, and Required Withdrawal
● Assist the Dean in developing an advising assessment and evaluation plan
● Assist the Dean in creating and maintaining a comprehensive business continuity plan for the Office of Advising & Co-Curricular programs
● Represent the Office of Advising & Co-Curricular programs through various institutional committees
Requirements
Master’s degree in higher education, counseling or a related field; at least 3-5 years of experience in an educational setting; insightful approach to best practices of advising with a record of effective engagement with students; experience in supporting and advocating for diverse communities, including communities historically underrepresented in higher education; significant experience in crisis intervention; ability to work effectively with a range of constituencies and partners including students, staff, faculty and parents; experience or background in academic conduct procedures; strong professional skills including conflict resolution, the ability to collaborate and solve problems independently and within a team; superior judgment; excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills; strong organizational and computer skills to document and maintain electronic student case files.
Desired Qualifications
Case management skills; experience in college support services including academic advising and working with people with disabilities; experience in academic conduct processes; high level of confidentiality, professionalism, and ethical decision-making; experience with program development and implementation, especially around behavioral intervention and/or prevention; and experience within a liberal arts setting.
Application
Please provide a cover letter, resume and contact information for three references. https://apply.interfolio.com/176185
Lafayette is deeply committed to creating a diverse community, one that is responsive inclusive and is supportive of each and all of its faculty, students, and staff. All members of the college community share in the responsibility for creating, maintaining, and developing a learning environment in which difference is valued, equity is sought, and inclusiveness is practiced. All Lafayette operations reflect the college’s commitment to diversity, equity, access, and inclusion (deai) initiatives, and Lafayette welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds.