Job Details

MAPS Academic Coach - 005174
Go to our website »

Position Number: 6051498
Location: Cullowhee, NC
Position Type: Academic Advising

MAPS Academic Coach - 005174

Western Carolina University

Department: Student Support Services

About WCU: Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes Best Employers lists each year. Including: 2024 - Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes Americas Best Midsize Employers list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries. 2023 - Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes Americas Best Midsize Employers list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries. 2022 - Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes Americas Best Employers by State list.Western Carolina University is the UNC systems westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans - eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences - many of which are offered free of charge.

Position Summary: The primary location of this position is the main Cullowhee, NC campus.

The Office of Student Retention implements targeted interventions to support at-risk students. Mentoring and Persistence to Success (MAPS) is a key initiative within the Office of Student Retention to support traditionally underserved students including those who are first-generation, or low-income, and students who have aged out of foster care, are emancipated, orphaned, or homeless. The MAPS Academic Coach provides holistic support services to MAPS students.

Responsibilities include:

Provide academic and professional development coaching to a caseload of MAPS eligible students to contribute to students' success
Educate students on how to improve academic skills (e.g., time management, study skills, test taking strategies, etc.)
Create programming for students such as First-Gen Celebration Day, National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, and other collaborations with various campus partners
Serve as advisor for MAPS student organizations
Support all aspects of recruiting students to participate in the MAPS program (e.g., participation in admissions/orientation events, social media management, website management, etc.)
Serve on the First-Gen Advisory Board and facilitate first-gen advocacy training at WCU
Teach the Learning Contract course (LC 101), by coaching students in academic warning to develop academic and self-management skills for success
Support students in the Summer Bridge Programs

The MAPS Academic Coach contributes to retention initiatives to increase semester-to-semester enrollment, decrease time to graduation, and advance rate of degree completion for traditionally underserved populations. The MAPS Academic Coach contributes to these efforts through their comprehensive knowledge of the academic and support programs of the University and a thorough understanding of student development theories in practice. The MAPS Academic Coach will have the opportunity to teach a First Year Experience course (USI 130) during the Summer Bridge Program and/or during the Fall semester.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required for this position:

Minimum Qualifications: A Masters Degree in a related field. Two years of demonstrated experience in education supporting students, including student advising, teaching, or student support services. Demonstrated previous experience supporting diverse student populations such as students who are first-generation, low-income, or students who have aged out of foster care, are emancipated, orphaned, or homeless.

Preferred Qualifications: Strong skills in communication, organization, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple projects Experience improving students academic skills through individual coaching or classroom teaching Knowledge of educational challenges experienced by at-risk, first-generation, or low-income college students Effective case load management Effective event/activity planning, implementation, and assessment practices Strong commitment to student success

Position Type: Permanent Full-Time

Special Instructions to Applicants: Application materials must be submitted online. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire. Please include a cover letter, current resume and a list of three professional references with complete contact information. For questions or additional information, please contact Anita Puerto at acpuerto@email.wcu.edu or 828-227-7171.

AA/EOE
Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; religion; sex; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Additionally, the University promotes the realization of equal employment opportunity for minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and veterans through its affirmative action program. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.

University Safety
The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.

To apply, please visit: https://jobs.wcu.edu/postings/30224