Newman University
Director of First Year Studies and Writing Across the Curriculum
Academic Affairs - Wichita, KS - Full Time
The Director of First Year Studies and the Writing Across the Curriculum program (WAC) will oversee Navigator, a student success curricular program that supports integrated active learning and career preparation as part of a curricular and co-curricular common experience for all NU Students. The Director will also be responsible for the development and implementation of a portfolio-based WAC program. The WAC program will provide campus-wide instructional support to instructors who assign various modes of writing; collaborate with and provide resources for the Gen Ed Core Curriculum committee in the process of developing, implementing, and assessing a Writing-Enriched Curriculum; and incorporate the use of ePortfolios, a future hallmark of the Navigator program. The Director will work in collaboration with faculty and staff, including Admissions, Career Services, the Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning, and University Advancement.
Stewardship Statement:
This position is responsible for cultivating and maintaining the institution's Catholic identity and its mission to empower graduates to transform society. As a member of the Newman community, the staff member will join with the institution's sponsors, the Adorers of the Blood of Christ (ASC Sisters), to witness God's love in Mission to empower others, foster oneness, celebrate life, form right relationships, and walk as compassionate companions. Additionally, this position contributes to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other faiths, cultures, or backgrounds.
Work Performed:
- Full responsibility for the implementation of the Navigator program.
- Navigator program responsibility will include training faculty on curricular activities within the Navigator four-course sequence and ePortfolio pedagogy, in collaboration with the Career Services Director and the Center for Teaching and Learning Director.
- Development and implementation of a WAC program.
- Oversee administrative activities of the Navigator program and WAC, scheduling Navigator courses, updating Canvas and ePortfolios, coordinating with Admissions staff to promote Navigator, and developing and administering an assessment program for Navigator and WAC.
- Complete all University-required trainings.
- Contribute to the overall success of the Navigator program and WAC by performing all other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications/Education/Experience/Skills/Training:
- Master’s degree in Rhetoric and Composition. Ph.D. preferred.
- Demonstrated organizational and administrative skills with an ability to manage, coordinate, monitor, and evaluate efforts to meet administrative, faculty, staff and student needs.
- Must be authorized to work in the United States.
Preferred Qualifications/Education/Experience/Skills/Training:
- Demonstrated knowledge of the alignment of academic, professional, and personal considerations in student achievement.
- Demonstrated research or scholarship in writing program administration or WAC/WID programming.
- Familiarity with current trends and best practices in ePortfolio pedagogy.
- A commitment to teaching undergraduate students.
- A commitment to ongoing professional development in the above-listed areas.
Founded in 1933, Newman University is a liberal arts institution grounded in Catholic values and traditions, yet is respectful of all faiths. At Newman you'll find people, programs, organizations and activities designed to educate the mind and inspire the spirit. Our low instructor-to-student ratio and collaborative faculty contribute to a positive learning environment. We are a sponsored ministry of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ, US Region. We invite you to join us in our work of empowering our graduates to transform society!
Newman University is committed to hiring faculty and staff members that reflect the diversity of our region and to providing equal opportunities to all applicants and employees, according to all applicable equal opportunity and affirmative action laws, directives, and regulations of federal, state, and local governing bodies and agencies. In keeping this commitment, it is the policy of Newman University to base all employment decisions only on valid job requirements without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, genetic information, marital status, familial status, public assistance status, local human rights commission activity, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or status as a qualified protected veteran.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, Newman University will provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with a disability in completing the application form or in the interview process. Please notify the Human Resources Office at (316) 942-4291, ext. 2202 or email [email protected] in advance so necessary arrangements can be made.
