First-Year Course Coach & Instructor

Position Overview

The Office of Academic Programs unit within Undergraduate Education, a division of Academic Affairs, supports the intellectual engagement and pursuit of learning through courses, resources, and programs that enable students to pursue their potential, navigate the university, establish connections, and maximize experiential learning opportunities so students can fully embrace their educational endeavors and prepare for a meaningful career and life.

The First-Year Course Coach & Instructor plays a key role in advancing student success at the University of Kansas by supporting the delivery of the UNIV first-year curriculum. The first-year curriculum is designed to assist students with navigating the university, connecting with peers, staff, and faculty, exploring experiential learning and co-curricular activities, and establishing healthy financial and wellness habits. This position will serve as the instructor for UNIV 176, a first-year seminar, that assists students in developing academic skills and creating healthy habits while exploring the history of college students and higher education. In addition to teaching, the Course Coach & Instructor will provide individualized guidance, connecting students with campus resources and services to help them thrive. This position works very closely with academic advisors, Hawk Link coordinators, financial aid counselors, Wingspan Center for Writing and Learning staff, and other student and academic support personnel.

Job Description

Teaching (40%)

• Prepare and teach multiple sections of KU orientation, first-year seminars, and/or experiential learning courses in the fall and spring semester.
• Meet regularly with undergraduate teaching assistants/peer academic coaches to coordinate and plan course components.
• Establish consistent grading criteria and communicate/distribute grades in a timely manner.
• Plan out-of-class activities based on the needs and interests of your students.
• Prepare and conduct well-organized presentations, class discussions, and activities on various topics.
• Communicate accurate and timely information to students regarding course activities, academic performance, and available academic and student resources through Canvas, email, class announcements, and other appropriate channels.
• Abide by all curriculum guidelines such as learning outcomes, assessment, out of classroom activities, etc.
• Collaborate with Academic Programs Assistant Director to analyze assessment data, conduct instructor evaluations, and support projects related to UNIV curriculum and first-year students.
  
  
  

Student Support (30%)

• Work collaboratively with faculty and staff to ensure students are growing and persisting; empower and support students to develop and accomplish their personal, academic, and career goals.
• Manage a caseload of students by being accessible and willing to assist with the informational needs of students and help them connect with campus resources.
• Develop a rapport and a safe relationship with students.
• Work with students to develop individualized goals and a plan for success.
• Keep in close communication with students’ support teams (e.g. academic advisors, Hawk Link Coordinators, TRIO/STEM staff).
• Collaborate with other key offices/departments on campus to ensure student awareness & participation in support programs.
• Research best practices related to first-year students, college student transitions, experiential learning, and specific student populations.
  
  
  

Training & Programming (25%)

• Assist in the creation and delivery of training and professional development opportunities for first year and transfer seminar faculty, peer academic coaches, and faculty and graduate teaching assistants teaching introductory and gateway courses.
• Prepare and deliver onboarding materials and workshops for new KU students and parents and guests attending orientation.
• Assist Academic Programs in programming student support workshops in collaboration with campus partners (e.g. Orientation & Transition Programs, Jayhawk Finance, Hawk Link).
  
  
  

Other Duties as Assigned (5%)

• Serve on various committees, as assigned, and works in individual and team settings to accomplish overall program goals.
• Adhere to University of Kansas, Academic Affairs, and State of Kansas policies and procedures.
• Attend professional development activities.
  
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in education, counseling, student affairs, or a related field.
• One (1) year of teaching experience.
• Two (2) years of relevant professional experience in academic or student support services in a related education setting.
• Excellent written communication skills as demonstrated in application materials.
• Experience that required interacting in an effective and appropriate manner with all populations, the University community, students, family members, and the public, as shown in application materials.
  
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• One (1) year college teaching experience.
• Familiarity with first year college orientation or seminars and/or first year college students as evidenced in application materials.
• Experience with professional development training and educational curriculum as shown in application materials.
• Experience in collaborating with colleagues, especially faculty and staff in an educational setting, to achieve goals as demonstrated in application materials.
• Experience with Lawrence campus and related resources as shown in application materials.
  
  
  

Additional Candidate Instructions

In addition to the online application, the following documents are required to be considered for this position:

• Cover letter describing how you meet the required and preferred qualifications.
• Resume.
• List of three (3) professional references.
  
  
  

Only complete applications will be considered.

Application review begins Monday, May 5, 2025 and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants are identified.

Contact Information to Applicants

Rachel Davis

rachelkdavis@ku.edu

Advertised Salary Range

$51,000

Application Review Begins

Monday May 5, 2025

Anticipated Start Date

Sunday June 8, 2025