Assistant Director of Peer Education

Working Title:

Assistant Director of Peer Education

Position Number:

FA329

FLSA:

Exempt

Appointment Type:

Full Time

Sensitive Position:

No

Sensitive Position Statement:

A sensitive position requires a fingerprint-based criminal history check. This is NOT a sensitive position.

Campus Security Authority:

Yes

Campus Security Authority Statement:

This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority. A Campus Security Authority (or CSA) is defined as an official of the institution with significant responsibility for student and campus activities. A CSA is required to immediately report any crime that is reported to them to the University Police who will then review, evaluate, and investigate the reported crime. Annual training is required by the Department of Education for all personnel who have been designated as a Campus Security Authority.

Designated Personnel:

Yes

Designated Personnel Statement:

This position is a designated position meaning this position could potentially be required to work (depending on the event) during an emergency closing.

Statement of Economic Interest:

No

Statement of Economic Interest Statement:

This position does NOT require a Statement of Personal Economic Interest.

Restricted Position:

No

Restricted Position Statement:

A restricted position would be subject to availability of funding. This is NOT a restricted position.

Chief Objective of Position:

Reporting to the Director of Student Success Services, the Assistant Director of Peer Education provides support for a full range of peer education and special programs provided by the Center for Student Success. This position is responsible for developing, implementing and assessing peer-led education support systems such as Peer Mentoring, Peer Tutoring, Group and Test Review Sessions, support for Study Groups, and embedded tutoring programs. The Assistant Director coordinates peer educator certification efforts for the international College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA). This position designs, develops, assesses, administers, and maintains student support programs designed to strengthen the academic skills and holistic development of Christopher Newport University students.

Work Tasks:

Peer Educator Programs

• Oversees all peer education programs sponsored by the Center for Student Success, including but not limited to tutoring and mentoring.
• Oversight includes drafting proposals and applications to maintain and/or advance the level of certification through the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA).
• Hires, trains, supervises, observes and evaluates peer tutors and mentors.
• Assesses the peer education programs to determine overall effectiveness, makes recommendations to the Director for improvements, efficiencies, and overall program effectiveness.
• Ensures that adequate tutoring and mentoring staff have been secured and trained to meet the needs of students at the beginning of each regular semester.
• Conducts targeted outreach efforts to connect students with tutoring and mentoring services and academic resources pertinent to their success in the coursework and makes recommendations for improvement.

Peer Tutoring

• Collaborates with academic department chairs and deans to identify courses expected to need tutoring.
• Communicates with faculty to obtain recommendations for student tutors.
• Collaborates with the University Registrar to identify courses with high D/F/W/I rates to inform the need for tutors.
• Collaborates with academic department chairs to determine the needs for embedded tutoring programs for certain gateway courses which have historically impeded degree progression.

Peer Mentoring

• Collaborates with Faculty Director of Academic Success, academic department chairs, special program or population directors (such as Community Captains or student athletes) and Office of the Registrar to identify peer mentoring needs.
• Coordinates with the Center for Career Planning to identify and hire students to serve as peer mentors.

CRLA

• Maintains credentials for our CRLA certified peer mentor and peer tutor programs.
• Responsible for yearly submission of CRLA compliance reports for continued certification and development of additional programs and guidelines to meet requirements to apply for and receive next level(s) of CRLA certification.
• Leads the development and facilitation of a CRLA peer educator workshop series designed to train potential peer mentors and tutors.
• Keeps necessary logs for maintaining or advancing CRLA certification for all peer educator programs.
• Collaborates with the Faculty Director of the Alice F. Randall Writing Center to explore options for achieving international certification from the College Reading and Learning Association for peer writing consultants and peer writing associates.

Student Coaching and Development

• Maintains a caseload of undergraduate students, conducting individual meetings and creating personal action plans for student success at the University.
• Collaborates with the CSS staff members and the Director to develop and facilitate workshops designed for Christopher Newport students as a whole.

Special Programs

• Development of curriculum and programs to support student retention and completion by eliminating barriers to persistence and graduation.
• Specific programs include summer transition programs, such as Launch, and support programs for underrepresented groups, such as first-generation college students.
• Develops an assessment plan to determine overall effectiveness of the program.
• Reviews programs at least annually, but in some cases each semester, to determine viability.
• Makes recommendations for improvement to the Director.

Recruitment and Outreach

• Routinely participates and represents the Center in prospective student recruitment events, pipeline programs, new student orientation sessions, Community Captains Programs, staff meetings, and student community engagement events.

Classroom Instruction

• On an as-needed basis, assists with the instructional component of college transition courses, such as COLL 140: The Transitional Learner and COLL 150: The Intentional Learner, within the parameters determined by the Senior Director, the Associate Vice President or the Vice President. NOTE: Candidates must have earned a Masters Degree in a related field to be eligible to teach.
• Assists with the development of the curriculum for COLL 140: The Transitional Learner to meet the needs for transitioning new students to the university environment. Will also design an assessment plan to determine overall impact on student retention and degree completion.
• Makes recommendations for improvement to the Director.

Reports

• Compiles and analyzes data to evaluate and assess areas of responsibility and makes recommendations to the Director and Senior Director.
• Assists with data collection, analysis, and writing and editing reports as needed.

Other Duties

• Follows workplace safety regulations and adheres to applicable standards, processes, and programs established for your position.
• Immediately reports unsafe work conditions and work-related incidents to your supervisor, and participates in accident investigation requests.
• Reports work-related incidents within 24 hours according to the procedures established by the university, state and federal guidelines.
• Promotes a safe and healthy work environment by ensuring the implementation of safety regulations and applicable standards, processes, and programs established for employees under your supervision.
• Ensures employees under supervision are trained in safety standards and procedures for their positions.
• This position is designated as a responsible employee who has the authority to redress sexual violence, who has the duty to report incidents of sexual violence or other student misconduct, or who a student could reasonably believe has this authority or duty.
• Develops and maintains very positive and professional customer service and/or relations within the office/department and with all constituencies to include students, faculty, staff, guests, and employees. Demonstrates a positive and professional attitude and treats everyone with dignity and respect. Fully supports the Students First value at CNU and routinely goes the extra mile in providing service.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities (KSA's) related to position:

• Ability to work effectively with a wide range of people, such as students, faculty, staff, administrators, alumni and parents/guardians;
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and handle confidential information with discretion according to the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA);
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with competing deadlines and achieve needed outcomes;
• An understanding of academic policy, and a thorough knowledge of and/or ability to interpret institutional rules and regulations;
• Excellent communication skills both oral and written;
• Strong computer skills;
• Strong knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet operations, and the ability to integrate software into program development and implementation;
• Strong presentation skills with the ability to connect with the target audience of traditional college students.

Required Education:

Masters Degree; or a Bachelors Degree and experience that equates to an advanced degree.

Additional Consideration - Education:

Masters degree in Higher Education, Curriculum and Instruction, College Student Development, Psychology, Counseling, or other related field

Experience Required:

• Experience designing and developing instructional programs;
• Experience working with complex policies and procedures.

Additional Consideration - Experience:

• Experience working with college students.
• Specific university experience in academic or student life administration in a college or university;
• Experience in a University learning or academic advising center;
• Public speaking and presentation experience;
• Experience with student programming;
• Experience working with the Handshake platform;
• Experience working with CRLA certified programs;
• Experience designing, developing and implementing events, programs and activities to support undergraduate college student success; and
• Experience teaching or assisting with teaching student development strategies and skills to undergraduate college students.

Salary Information:

Starting at $56,800, Commensurate with Education and Experience

CNU Information:

Christopher Newport University is anchored in excellence, and that is reflected in our ranking as the #1 regional public university in Virginia and #3 among regional public universities in the South. We are an inclusive and kind community, founded on our shared values of honor, scholarship, service and leadership. We offer an outstanding liberal arts education provided by dedicated, gifted teacher-scholars who are supported by a compassionate team of faculty and staff. Our 4,500 undergraduate and graduate students pursue more than 90 areas of study, as they live and learn on a largely residential campus. CNUs on-campus performing and visual arts centers offer Broadway shows, world-class performances, engaging exhibitions, transformative lectures and classes, and more. Our athletics program is the winningest at any level in Virginia.

Christopher Newport University is in the heart of Newport News, a vibrant city with breathtaking scenery and unique experiences. The city and region offer affordable neighborhoods, local and name-brand shops, diverse dining options, local parks and water access, and fun recreational opportunities. Whatever your interests and goals, you belong at CNU For further details and information about Christopher Newport, visit cnu.edu.

Posting Number:

AP390P

Number of Vacancies:

1

Posting Date:

02/17/2025

Review Begin Date:

03/04/2025

Application Instructions:

Interested parties are requested to submit a cover letter; current resume; and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three professional references at the time of application.

This position will be posted until filled, however for priority consideration, please apply by March 4th, 2025.

Search finalists are required to complete a CNU sponsored background check.

Christopher Newport University (CNU) will make a reasonable effort to accommodate persons with disabilities in the application and/or interview process. Persons with disabilities who require accommodation should contact the CNU Human Resources Office by calling (757) 594-7145.

Quick Link for Internal Postings:

https://jobs.cnu.edu/postings/18795

EEO/Diversity Statement(s):

Christopher Newport University, an EO Employer, is fully Committed to Access and Opportunity. Notice of Non-Discrimination & Title IX Policy Statement

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