Director of Student Support & Academic Accommodations
: Job Details :

The University of Olivet, a liberal arts institution with a historical commitment to inclusion, diversity, and social justice, invites applications for the Director of Student Support and Academic Accommodations. The Director will provide leadership and oversight in the development, coordination, and monitoring of programming related to UO students' academic support needs and will be responsible for coordinating academic accommodations for eligible students. The University of Olivet was founded in 1844 as an institution of higher education open to all regardless of race, gender, or ability to pay. The University's faculty and staff continue its tradition of creating and sustaining a welcoming and inclusive educational environment for students and maintaining its commitment to social justice. The University is one of the most diverse private liberal arts institutions in the state of Michigan and actively seeks diversity in its students, faculty, and staff. The undergraduate student body is a mix of urban and rural students from a range of socioeconomic backgrounds, many of whom are first-generation university attendees. The University's faculty and staff are committed to providing personalized, individualized attention for students who commit themselves to seeking academic and personal success. Consistent with this history, members of historically underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.Required/Desired Education and ExperienceThe requirements listed below are representative of the education and experience required or preferred for an individual to perform the essential responsibilities satisfactorily:Minimum Qualifications

Master's degree;

Three or more years of experience in directing accommodation services in higher education;

Experience and knowledge of guidelines and requirements pertaining to academic accommodations in higher education compliance;

Experience with retention initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications

Terminal degree

Supervision of direct reports.

Grant writing and administration to support student success.

CompensationThis is a full-time, 12-month, exempt position with a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package, including generous paid holiday and leave time. Tuition programs available.Application ProcessReview of applications will begin immediately. Click this link to go to the Career Center, select this position, and then click on the Apply button. From there, follow the instructions to complete a profile and upload a cover letter, resume, and information for three references. Additional Position details follow.POSITION SUMMARYThe position requires outreach and collaboration across campus to develop and sustain programming to support UO students academically, provide necessary accommodations and to assess these activities. Direct Reports include Promoting Engagement, Empowerment, and Respect (PEER) Leaders, Peer Tutors, and Navigators.This position will facilitate student support initiatives related to:

Ensuring compliance with federal, state, and institutional policies through providing academic accommodations and services.

Resolving institutional barriers to simplify university access and improve academic success measures

Sustaining a peer tutoring program that improves student efficacy

Incorporating proactive, data-informed academic support tools

Fostering a 'success-oriented' mindset by fostering student self-efficacy related to academic achievement and coordinating innovative programming

As a member of the Student Development Team, under the supervision of the Associate Provost for Student Development, the Director will work collaboratively to ensure the strategic priorities are intentionally supported and assessed. The Student Development Team will implement and sustain a wide range of data-driven, forward-thinking programming focused on clearly defined and well-coordinated strategies and assessment of student development at The University of Olivet. Success in this role will include but is not limited to improved enrollment, improved retention, persistence, and graduation rates for all students and targeted subgroups that historically underperform in these measures. The Director will effectively engage and work with faculty and staff to foster the successful implementation of new initiatives and programs.PERFORMANCE OUTCOMES:The success of the Director will be demonstrated by the existence of the following:

Campus-wide employee engagement in the university's efforts to increase student success measures, including, but not limited to, improved retention, persistence, and graduation rates, particularly of students in targeted subgroups of students that have historically underperformed in these measures

Effectively complete responsibilities associated with providing academic accommodations ensuring appropriate services and supports are provided to eligible students.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Ensures the overall development of each student as a person within the context of the university's vision of Education for Individual and Social Responsibility with an emphasis on active engagement in academic support services.

Promotes diversity and the understanding and respect for all peoples and cultures.

Responsible for the oversight, leadership, and strategic vision of Accommodation Services.

Serves as a secondary academic advisor for students with disabilities, disorders, and/or impairments.

Assists students in navigating available campus support, including the Health & Wellness Center, Student Engagement, Student Services, etc.

Conducts initial intake/interview meetings with students/families to review any documentation related to a student's diagnosis to begin preliminary determination of accommodation(s).

Manages and maintains student records related to academic accommodations.

Ensures all processes and procedures supporting academic accommodations are followed and comply with local, state, and federal regulations.

Organizes and supports accommodation services provided by the institution.

Meets with students on an on-going basis to ensure accommodations are providing the necessary support needed to be academically successful.

Responds to prospective students and families who inquire about disability, disorder, or and/or impairment support services at The University of Olivet.

Collaborates with stakeholders to obtain grants to more effectively students with unique needs on campus.

Manages student support programs, such as Peer Tutoring and PEER Leader programs, including the hiring, training, and ongoing supervision, and evaluation of student employees.

Collaborates with the Student Development Team to implement meaningful, engaging activities and events prioritizing retention and academic support.

Maintains current knowledge of instructional methods and new technologies pertinent to assigned programs; learns and applies emerging technologies and advances (e.g., computer software applications) as necessary to perform duties in an efficient, organized, and timely manner.

Provides direction for the development of new programs, including contribution to the development or redesign of existing programs related to student support and academic accommodations.

Collaborates with stakeholders to obtain grants to launch and sustain academic support initiatives.

Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The candidate must have a demonstrated ability to work effectively, both independently and in a diverse team environment;

Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills, as well as strong planning and organizational ability;

Knowledge of established and emerging trends, standards, research-based best practices, procedures, and techniques in the field and knowledge of the theories and principles of higher education, undergraduate education, accommodations, student development, retention, and student learning;

Strong management, organization, supervision, and teambuilding skills;

Ability to prioritize and implement program activities in an efficient manner and handle multiple projects, shifting priorities, and deadline pressures;

Ability to analyze and synthesize quantitative and qualitative data for the purposes of implementing innovative practices and strategies around retention and student success.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENTThe physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities, disorders, and impairments to perform the essential functions.

The employee must be able to perform duties dependably and effectively in a diverse, challenging and occasionally stressful environment.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to:

• stay in a stationary position for long periods and operate a keyboard or type;
• use common business office machines such as a copier and telephone;
• handle materials weighing less than 20 lbs;
• traverse campus;
• communicate effectively with diverse constituencies; and,
• operate a computer.

The noise level in the work environment is usually mild to moderate.