What are the responsibilities and job description for the First Year Experience Program Instructor position at Kentucky State University?
TITLE: First-Year Experience Program Instructor
DEPARTMENT: Academic Affairs
REPORTS TO: Assistant Vice Provost of Teaching and Learning and Faculty Engagement
CLASSIFICATION: Faculty – 9M
EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD
SCHEDULED WORK HOURS: 40 hours per week
LOCATION: On-Site Main Campus
EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time
EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt
JOB SUMMARY:
The First-Year Experience Instructor provides high-quality instruction and academic support for Kentucky State University's First-Year Experience (FYE) program. The position teaches first-year seminar courses designed to assist students in successfully transitioning to the academic, social, and personal expectations of higher education while promoting student persistence, engagement, and academic achievement.
The Instructor collaborates with faculty and staff across the University to deliver an engaging curriculum that develops college success skills, critical thinking, effective communication, academic planning, and responsible decision-making. This position requires a consistent on-campus presence to provide instruction, student support, office hours, and participation in University activities.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Teach First-Year Experience courses using instructional methods that promote student engagement and academic success.
- Prepare and deliver course materials, syllabi, assignments, assessments, and instructional activities consistent with University curriculum requirements.
- Maintain regular office hours and provide academic guidance and support to students.
- Evaluate student performance and submit grades in accordance with University policies and established deadlines.
- Assist students in developing effective study skills, time management, goal setting, critical thinking, communication, and college success strategies.
- Promote student awareness of available academic and student support resources and make referrals as appropriate.
- Collaborate with faculty and staff to support student success initiatives and improve the first-year experience.
- Participate in curriculum development, assessment activities, and continuous improvement of the First-Year Experience program.
- Assist with orientation programs, welcome activities, and other initiatives supporting first-year student transition and success.
- Collect and maintain appropriate student participation and assessment data.
- Participate in departmental meetings, professional development activities, and University committees as assigned.
- Maintain accurate academic records in accordance with University policies and applicable federal regulations.
- Support student retention and persistence initiatives through proactive engagement and communication.
- Maintain professional relationships with students, faculty, and staff.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
- Knowledge of effective teaching methods and instructional practices in higher education.
- Knowledge of student success strategies, first-year transition principles, and academic support services.
- Knowledge of learning management systems and instructional technology.
- Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
- Ability to develop engaging instructional materials and learning activities.
- Ability to establish positive working relationships with students, faculty, and staff.
- Strong organizational, planning, and time management skills.
- Ability to analyze student performance and provide constructive academic feedback.
- Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues across the University.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and other instructional technologies.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:
- This position does have supervisory responsibility.
OTHER DUTIES:
- Completes other duties as assigned by the divisional chairperson.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master's degree from an accredited institution is required.
- Teaching experience in higher education or experience providing academic support, student success programming, advising, or related educational services is preferred.
- Experience working with first-year college students is preferred.
- Experience using instructional technology and learning management systems is preferred.
Licensing and Certifications: NA
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Work is primarily performed in classrooms, offices, and other campus facilities.
- Regular interaction with students, faculty, and staff is required.
- Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support orientation programs, student success initiatives, or University events.
- Ability to move throughout campus to attend meetings and instructional activities.
- Work requires regular use of computers and standard office equipment.
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa
Internal candidates are encouraged to apply.
KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer
The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.