West Chester University

Position Summary

Join a vibrant equity-minded campus community whose excellence is reflected in its community, cultural engagement, and student success. The Department of Interdisciplinary Studies and Academic Support Program (IDSASP) invites applicants for the position of Academic Success Program Faculty. This is a 9-month, Tenure-Track position at the rank of Assistant Professor level. The position begins in August 2024.

West Chester University (WCU), a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, is a public, comprehensive institution committed to offering high-quality undergraduate education, selected post-baccalaureate and graduate programs, and a variety of educational and cultural resources for its students, alumni, and citizens of southeastern Pennsylvania. The University offers more than 100 graduate and undergraduate programs in the sciences and mathematics, business and public management, arts and humanities, health sciences, education and social work, music, and interdisciplinary studies. We are a community of educators dedicated to developing graduates who succeed personally and professionally and contribute to the common good.

The Department of Interdisciplinary Studies and Academic Support Program, part of the University College, supports all WCU students through academic support services. The Academic Success Program (ASP) is a special admissions program for students who may be underprepared for the rigors of college but show the potential to succeed at West Chester University. ASP supports students by developing their academic skills in reading, writing, and mathematics. In addition, ASP provides academic support through academic advising, tutoring, mentoring, academic monitoring, and counseling.

The ideal candidate will be adept in the concepts of retention, engagement, and student success with the demonstrable skills required to assist students with meeting the demands of postsecondary coursework. In addition, this person will serve as the retention specialist in the Academic Success Program and as such will be responsible for data collection and analysis. This faculty position will provide support to students in their second year through graduation by serving as an additional point of contact. The incumbent will partner with academic departments, faculty advisors, and student success coordinators in all the colleges to serve as an advocate for ASP students. Additionally, this faculty member will provide academic advising for assigned program students. The faculty member may be assigned to work over the summer.

Responsibilities include:

• Participate in student retention initiatives and programs. Collect and analyze data to support and inform student retention decisions and policies
• Work collaboratively with various academic and non-academic offices to support student success
• Provide academic advising to assigned program students
• Serve as an additional student point of contact and mentor
• Engage in scholarly activities such as research, presentations, and publications
• Serve the University and the community through participation in various committees and focus groups
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Doctorate degree in Education, Psychology, or related fields
• Demonstrated experience designing and implementing retention initiatives and programs
• Demonstrated ability to engage students in supportive learning experiences
• Demonstrated ability to effectively deliver instruction
• Experience providing academic support and advising to a diverse population of students; particularly those who may be underprepared for college
• At least 5 years working experience with first-year college students from diverse backgrounds

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience collecting, analyzing, and using student retention data to design academic support systems and initiatives for students; and/or
• Experience working with special student groups, including students with disabilities, first generation, and/or from economically or educationally disadvantaged backgrounds; and/or
• Ability to effectively communicate in writing and verbally, and present dynamically to a variety of constituents. Work effectively and sensitively with diverse groups as it pertains to student success; and/or
• Experience working with special student groups, including students with disabilities, first generation students, and students from economically or educationally disadvantaged backgrounds; and/or
• Demonstrated ability to positively contribute to a dynamic team-oriented environment; and/or
• Knowledge of University policies and procedures, academic requirements, campus resources, student life, and support services

Special Instructions

Apply online at http://agency.governmentjobs.com/wcupa/default.cfm. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Review of applications will begin in May 2024 and continue until the position is filled.

Applicants must successfully complete the application and interview process, teaching demonstration, and research presentation to be considered as a finalist.

Required Documents for Consideration

To be considered as an applicant for this position, please submit the following:

• Cover Letter
• CV
• List of three references (Include name, email address, and phone number.)
• Diversity Statement (See below)

Commitment to Diversity Equity and Inclusion: 

West Chester University has joined EAB’s Moon Shot initiative for Equity in Higher education. This initiative is designed to support faculty, students, and staff who are typically excluded and therefore are underrepresented. As part of your application for a tenure-track faculty position, we request a Diversity Statement. This request highlights our department's commitment to promote diversity and inclusiveness and to cultivate a campus environment that welcomes all. This commitment reflects the Diversity Theme of West Chester University's Strategic Plan and supports initiatives of our Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (WCU Diversity Equity Inclusion). We expect that each applicant's statement will be unique as informed by their own experiences and goals. Some topics you might address in a 1-2-page statement include the following: (1) How have you supported diversity and inclusion in your interactions with others in classroom, clinical or therapy setting, or research environment(s)? (2) What have you done to help students from diverse communities (such as underrepresented minorities, non-traditional, LGBTQ, veteran, rural, and/or first generation) succeed, including any programs for these students that you have participated in? (3) Describe your commitment to working toward achieving equity and enhancing diversity at WCU. How might you contribute to our current diversity initiatives, and do you have any other ideas to help promote equity on our campus?

All offers of employment are subject to and contingent upon satisfactory completion of all preemployment background checks. 

Developing and sustaining a diverse faculty and staff advances WCU’s educational mission and strategic Plan for Excellence. West Chester University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

WCU proudly offers comprehensive employee benefits including health, vision, and dental insurance, generous retirement plans, many wellness programs, a tuition waiver for self and family members, and training, development and advancement opportunities.

• On the first working day, new employees are eligible to enroll in medical, prescription, dental and vision benefit plans. Medical and prescription drug coverage includes PPO health, prescription drug, and hearing coverage.
• Dental and vision coverage is offered at no cost to employees.
• The Healthy U Wellness program rewards participants with reduced health care premiums and provides tools and resources to maintain good health.
• Flexible spending accounts allow employees to withhold income from their paychecks before taxes for reimbursement of approved medical and dependent care expenses.
• A University mission to support employee personal and professional growth.
• PASSHE tuition waiver lowers the cost of college expenses.
• Leave and time-off benefits include generous paid vacation, paid sick time, military leave and paid time off for most major holidays.
• Choice of two group retirement plans with generous employer contributions.
• Voluntary retirement plans offer two additional options to save and invest money for retirement and are available to all employees upon their date of hire.
• Group life insurance is provided at no cost to all permanent employees.
• Voluntary long-term disability insurance (LTD) and voluntary group life and personal accident insurance (VGLIP/AD&D) are available to employees.
• State Employee Assistance Program (SEAP) provides a wide range of free services including counseling, legal, and financial services.

The employee group for this position is Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties (APSCUF).

For additional benefit details please see the PASSHE EMPLOYEE BENEFITS PAGE .

The information is provided for general purposes only. Legal Plan Documents will govern any discrepancies that may arise. Benefits, benefit levels, and eligibility rules are subject to change. The benefits described are available to most employees; however, certain eligibility requirements must be met.