Widener University Commonwealth Law School is currently seeking a Director of Academic Success on the Harrisburg campus. Reporting to the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, this role will work with campus partners to improve student academic performance. WLC is a small, close-knit, collegial law school committed, above all, to our students’ success. Our student body is diverse and includes many first-generation college students. This position is on-site and may be eligible for hybrid work one day a week at the discretion of the supervisor.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited to):
Essential duties:
- Redesign and implement the law school’s Academic Success Program, including working closely with faculty and administration to implement a comprehensive plan to maximize student learning and achievement in law school, on exams, and on writing assignments with a particular emphasis on programming for first generation law students and other underrepresented student populations to support their retention and academic success and lead or organize workshops to carry out the plan
- Develop and implement pre-orientation workshops that provide foundational skills to students transitioning to law school
- Teach each semester 1-2 courses (2-4 credits) in the existing curriculum that help students to understand learning techniques and that train students on exam-taking skills and strategies
- Identify those students likely to benefit from academic success programming and invite them to attend and participate in academic success programming
- Collaborate with faculty to identify individual student issues related to academic success and performance on exams and writing assignments
- Collaborate with faculty, the Dean of Students, and the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs to assess and address the current needs for programming and support for all students
- Coordinate the student-based Academic Success Fellows and other peer mentoring programs for first year professors.
Secondary responsibilities:
- Coordinate with the Director of Bar Success on programs for students
- Provide input on curricular initiatives, particularly in the application of student learning science and successful learning methods to the law school curriculum
- Serve as first point-of-contact and work with vendors to evaluate and recommend new academic success technology, learning tools and products, and related materials as presented
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (education/training and experience required):
Required:
- A JD from an ABA-accredited institution
- Minimum of five years of experience practicing law, providing law-related instruction, including workshops, in an academic institution or a law firm, or teaching in higher education. A combination of education and experience may be considered.
- Superior organizational, analytical, interpersonal, and oral and written communication skills.
- Demonstrated willingness to design and implement innovative programs and services.
- Demonstrated track record of program development, enhancement and execution
- Demonstrated ability to work closely and collaboratively with a diverse student body and faculty.
- Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
Preferred:
- Experience supporting college or graduate school students in student success, student affairs or related higher education student-centered experience.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR UNUSUAL HOURS:
- Some evening work will be required to meet the needs of our extended division students
- Position requires ability to move between buildings and floors within campus
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Widener University is committed to fostering an inclusive community in which faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran.
Some positions may be eligible for a hybrid or remote work arrangement that may include a partially or fully remote work location, consistent with Widener’s Flexible Work policy.
Widener University, an independent, metropolitan, doctoral-intensive university, connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention and experiential learning are key components of the Widener Experience. Located in Chester, PA, Widener's main campus is nestled between Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE, with Law Schools located in both Harrisburg and Wilmington. For more information about the university, please visit our website at www.widener.edu.
EOE M/F/V/D
