EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, STUDENT ACADEMIC SERVICES

The Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters at Florida Atlantic University invites applications for the position of Executive Director for Student Academic Services. For more information and to apply, please visit - www.fau.edu/jobs and go to Apply Now Req#09825.

The University:

Florida Atlantic University, established in 1961, officially opened its doors in 1964 as the fifth public university in Florida. Today, the University serves more than 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students across six campuses located along the southeast Florida coast and is ranked as a top public university by U.S. News and World Report.

The College:

The Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters is recognized for the outstanding educational experience it offers students in the Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Architecture and Public Administration. Our community regards the College as a regional hub of creativity showcased by its performing and visual arts. The college is home to award-winning authors, fellows of distinguished scholarly societies, Fulbright scholars, and critically acclaimed artists, all of whom work closely with students on collaborative research and artistic projects. The dedicated faculty of distinguished scholars, researchers, and artists across 18 academic programs offer 26 bachelor’s degrees, 17 minors, 12 certificate programs and 20 graduate degrees – including a PhD in Comparative Studies, a PhD in Public Administration, and an Architecture professional degree program  – that combine the best of a traditional and liberal arts education with cutting-edge instruction in emerging fields.

The Role:

Reporting to Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies, the Executive Director for Student Academic Services (SAS) will supervise and manage the 14 academic advisors and SAS staff in the college and provide leadership and advocacy for the continuing development, implementation, and assessment of college advising initiatives. The Executive Director will work closely with unit chairs and directors for all initiatives related to academic advising and its role in student success, retention, and progression. The Executive Director will collaborate with university student success partners in University Advising Services, admissions, orientation, and other college advising directors. The Executive Director will offer expertise and guidance for advising based on the literature, research, and NACADA best practices and actively participate in NACADA and other advising/higher education professional associations.

Responsibilities:

Provide leadership for Student Academic Services:

• Manage Student Academic Services and staff.
• Advocate for Student Academic Services.
• Meet regularly with Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies.
• Oversee undergraduate advising, degree applications and certification processes.
• Determine course equivalencies for transfer students and course degree applicability for financial aid.
• Advise in complex cases, student grievances, and assist with general advising during peak periods.
• Authorize petitions, grade changes, and re-instatements to College.
• Serve on University-wide committees and act as college representative at university functions.
• Facilitate university requests for data and reports Liaison with university offices, College departments and ombudsman.
• Work closely with unit chairs and directors for all initiatives related to academic advising and its role in student success, retention, and progression.
• Collaborate with university student success partners in University Advising Services, admissions, orientation, and other college advising directors.
• Offer expertise and guidance for advising based on the literature, research, and NACADA best practices and actively participate in NACADA and other advising/higher education professional associations.

Assess the effectiveness of the existing organizational structure and revise as necessary:

• Identify and implement a clear organization model for advising rooted in advising as teaching and learning.
• Utilize a framework to establish an advising model based on the vision, mission, and goal statements for academic advising.
• Establish the educational role of academic advising in a diverse world as defined through NACADA’s Concept of Advising.
• Develop an effective assessment plan for advising.
• Establish a protocol for effective and consistent advising sessions.
• Explore required advising each term of attendance for all students in the college.
• Review and revise existing advising syllabus.
• Review and revise existing advisor / student ratios.
• Establish a definition, role, and professional development processes for advisors in the college.

Other responsibilities:

• Lead Freshman and transfer orientation sessions.
• Authorize course overloads, late registrations, and transient student requests.
• Serve as Administrator for Starfish software program.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in appropriate area.
• Seven years of undergraduate advising and unit leadership experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Earned doctorate.
• Leadership skills that exemplify collaboration, communication, action, and advocacy.
• Knowledge of the advising profession: literature, research, best practices.
• Skilled in assessment of programs such as advising.
• Ability to work across cultures and support diversity.
• Ability to manage multiple programs and initiatives at the same time.
• Ability to work with all levels of leadership, faculty, and staff.

For more information and to apply, visit www.fau.edu/jobs and go to Apply Now (REQ09825).

Florida Atlantic University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action/equal access institution and all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veterans status or other protected status. Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodation, please call 561-297-3057. 711.

FAU is committed to the principles of engaged teaching, research and service.  All persons aspiring to achieve excellence in the practice of these principles are encouraged to apply.