Academic Coach

Academic Coach

Join our vibrant community of dedicated faculty and staff who work to create a transformative educational experience rooted in faith, reason, and justice.

Eastern University is a nationally-recognized Christian university enrolling approximately 9,000 students in a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, professional, and seminary programs. The university's main campus is located in St. Davids, PA, with many programs also offered online. Eastern's core values of Faith, Reason, and Justice are woven into all of its educational offerings. Through dynamic programs, a vibrant campus community, and meaningful service learning opportunities, Eastern University is committed to providing students with transformative, accessible, and affordable education.

Position Description

The Academic Coach provides mentoring, supportive counseling, academic coaching, and advising to students participating in Act 101 (The Pennsylvania Higher Education Equal Opportunity Program), participates in the academic and holistic support program offered to EQUIP academic bridge program students, and offers academic coaching to the general student population.

Position Responsibilities

The responsibilities include:

1. Acts as a mentor, advisor, and role model to Act 101 students.
2. Meets with Act 101 students on a regular basis to monitor academic progress and personal adjustment, develop plans for success, and provide direct support (e.g., academic coaching).
3. Works with the Assistant Director for Opportunity Programs to identify Act 10-eligible students and engages students in the program.
4. Maintains accurate and timely records of student program participation agreements, contacts and other program activities, ensuring that PHEAA guidelines regarding documentation are followed.
5. Assists academically under-prepared or underperforming in creating and following programs for improvement.
6. During the summer EQUIP pre-college summer academic bridge program, teaches one course (typically College Survival Skills) and assists with other student support and administrative activities.
7. Participates in the recruitment, selection, and training of Peer Counselors for the EQUIP summer academic bridge program. Assists with supervision when requested by the Assistant Director for Opportunity Programs.
8. Conducts workshops for Act 101 students and/or collaborates with other University staff to offer workshops and other enrichment activities for Act 101 and EQUIP students.
9. Publicizes Act 101 program activities to students in a timely and effective manner.
10. Maintains accurate records of programming expenses.
11. Assists with other aspects of Act 101 program administration as identified by the Assistant Director for Opportunity Programs.

Status: Full-time, staff, 40 hours per week, 12 months per year.

Qualifications

The qualifications include:

• Master's degree in education, student affairs, counseling or a related field and a minimum of one year's experience in academic support, counseling, and/or advising in an institution of higher education are strongly preferred.
• Candidates with a bachelor's degree and significant relevant experience may be considered.
• Experience working with students from educationally disadvantaged, low income, and urban backgrounds is preferred.
• Proven written and oral communication skills, excellent interpersonal skills, and organization and attention to detail are essential.
• Must be available to work some evenings and weekends and the entire duration of the EQUIP summer program (typically 4-5 weeks late June through early August).
• Must be able to climb three flights of stairs several times a day.

About Eastern University

Eastern University is a Christian university of the arts and sciences that integrates faith, reason and justice for students in its undergraduate, graduate, seminary, urban, professional and international programs. Applicants should have a Christian commitment compatible with its mission and be willing to support the mission and vision of the university. The university complies with federal and state guidelines of nondiscrimination in employment; members of protected classes encouraged to apply.

Standard University employees are required to complete the background clearance process. Employment is contingent upon the successful results of an employment background screening. The employment background screening may include but is not limited to your consumer credit history (for positions that work with the university finances or alumni funds only), verification of education and professional credentials, criminal history, driving history, residency, immigration status, performance, references, and other qualities pertinent to your qualifications for the following position.

Youth Clearances are required for positions with direct contact with children and essential personnel positions. Employees working with or around minor age children are required to complete the youth clearance process which includes the following four child protection clearances:

1) Affidavit;

2) FBI Criminal Record Check;

3) Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Child Abuse History Clearance and;

4) Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check.

In accordance with state laws, Act 73 of 2007, Act 153 of 2014, Act 168 (relating to the Child Protective Services Law), school employees of Eastern University who will have "direct contact with children" must complete the background check process prior to employment. Results must be submitted within ten days of receipt.

This description is intended to describe the general level and nature of work performed by the person/people assigned to this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities of the person/people so assigned.

For all positions: Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Eastern University is committed to the principles of equal opportunity as defined under federal and state law, and does not discriminate unlawfully on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, color, creed, disability, national/ethnic origin, age, disabled veteran/Vietnam-era, Genetic Information and Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), or veteran status in its admission policy, program, or activities, educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic and other University-administered programs, or employment practices and programs.

Benefits

We offer a complete benefits package to full-time faculty and staff including healthcare coverage, retirement plan contributions, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, long-term and short-term disability, tuition remission and tuition exchange participation as well as an extensive holiday, summer hours and paid time off leave schedule. Part-time Regular staff who are scheduled 30-36 hours per week over the course of a year, receive a full benefit package based on their part-time scheduled hours. Healthcare coverage is based on the ACA medical coverage guidelines. Affiliate faculty receive a benefit package as outlined with their covenant. Adjunct faculty may be eligible for medical coverage under the ACA after an annual one year lookback review. Part-time staff who are scheduled to work less than 30 hours per week schedule are eligible for employer contribution towards the retirement plan after one year of employment. Eligibility rules apply. Adjunct faculty may make employee deferral contributions towards the retirement plan. Part-Time Graduate Assistant Coaches are eligible for participation in the Tuition Remission Coaches Program. Temporary, Contractors and Seasonal Employees: Individuals in this status are scheduled on an as-needed-basis and are not eligible for participation in the University's benefits programs. Detailed information regarding our benefits program and eligibility is provided once hired or you can contact Human Resources with any questions.