What are the responsibilities and job description for the MAPS Academic Coach position at Western Carolina University?
The primary location of this position is the main Cullowhee, NC campus.
The Office of Student Retention implements targeted interventions to support at-risk students. Mentoring and Persistence to Success (MAPS) is a key initiative within the Office of Student Retention to support traditionally underserved students including those who are first-generation, or low-income, and students who have aged out of foster care, are emancipated, orphaned, or homeless. The MAPS Academic Coach provides holistic support services to MAPS students.
The Office of Student Retention implements targeted interventions to support at-risk students. Mentoring and Persistence to Success (MAPS) is a key initiative within the Office of Student Retention to support traditionally underserved students including those who are first-generation, or low-income, and students who have aged out of foster care, are emancipated, orphaned, or homeless. The MAPS Academic Coach provides holistic support services to MAPS students.
Responsibilities include:
- Provide academic and professional development coaching to a caseload of MAPS eligible students to contribute to students’ success
- Educate students on how to improve academic skills (e.g., time management, study skills, test taking strategies, etc.)
- Create programming for students such as First-Gen Celebration Day, National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, and other collaborations with various campus partners
- Serve as advisor for MAPS student organizations
- Support all aspects of recruiting students to participate in the MAPS program (e.g., participation in admissions/orientation events, social media management, website management, etc.)
- Serve on the First-Gen Advisory Board and facilitate first-gen advocacy training at WCU
- Teach the Learning Contract course (LC 101), by coaching students in academic warning to develop academic and self-management skills for success
- Support students in the Summer Bridge Programs
The MAPS Academic Coach contributes to retention initiatives to increase semester-to-semester enrollment, decrease time to graduation, and advance rate of degree completion for traditionally underserved populations. The MAPS Academic Coach contributes to these efforts through their comprehensive knowledge of the academic and support programs of the University and a thorough understanding of student development theories in practice. The MAPS Academic Coach will have the opportunity to teach a First Year Experience course (USI 130) during the Summer Bridge Program and/or during the Fall semester.
Minimum Qualifications
- A Master’s Degree in a related field.
- Two years of demonstrated experience in education supporting students, including student advising, teaching, or student support services.
- Demonstrated previous experience supporting diverse student populations such as students who are first-generation, low-income, or students who have aged out of foster care, are emancipated, orphaned, or homeless.
Preferred Qualifications
- Strong skills in communication, organization, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple projects
- Experience improving students’ academic skills through individual coaching or classroom teaching
- Knowledge of educational challenges experienced by at-risk, first-generation, or low-income college students
- Effective case load management
- Effective event/activity planning, implementation, and assessment practices
- Strong commitment to student success
Position Type
Permanent Full-Time
Number of Hours Per Week
40
Number of Months Per Year
12
Posting Text
Open Date
03/04/2025
Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
Application materials must be submitted online. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire.
Please include a cover letter, current resume and a list of three professional references with complete contact information.
For questions or additional information, please contact Anita Puerto at acpuerto@email.wcu.edu or 828-227-7171.
Background/E-Verify
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.
Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.
Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.
Credential Verification
All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.
EOE
Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.
University Safety
The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.
