Program overview:  

The OWS Summer Student Success Program is a comprehensive seven-week residential program designed to transition program participants successfully from high school to college. OWS students are those accepted to GVSU with a high school GPA of 2.0-2.79. Faculty and staff affiliated with the program assist students in developing the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for long-term success at GVSU. The experience includes academic coursework, educational workshops, and co-curricular programs, all designed to foster a strong sense of belonging through relationships and support. In addition to developing a foundation for success, students earn seven-eight academic credits, receive personal advising and registration guidance, and live together in GVSU’s campus housing.  

Duties and Responsibilities 

Position Overview 

The Faculty Liaison for the Oliver Wilson Scholars (OWS) Program plays a pivotal role in advancing the academic and programmatic success of the OWS Summer Student Success Program. In collaboration with the Office of Student Support and Belonging, this role is integral to fostering relationships with faculty and engaging in strategic outreach to faculty throughout the academic year. The Faculty Liaison provides guidance and support to faculty members involved in the OWS Summer Student Success Program, particularly throughout the year. 

Winter Semester Responsibilities   

•  Relationship Building: Develop and nurture strategic partnerships with campus programs that enhance the visibility and engagement of the OWS and Summer Student Success Program. 
• Collaborative Planning: Work in concert with the Assistant Vice President of Student Support and Belonging and academic colleges to strategically determine course offerings for the OWS Summer Student Success Program. 

• Faculty Recruitment: Lead the recruitment and hiring of faculty for the Summer Student Success Program, adhering to GVSU employment policies and procedures. 

• Faculty Onboarding: Design and implement comprehensive onboarding processes for faculty, focusing on best practices for teaching first-year students, emphasizing the specific needs of Oliver Wilson Scholars, and how to effectively deliver condensed summer content. 

• Course Preparation: Serve as a resource for faculty, providing guidance on procedural criteria and addressing questions and concerns related to course preparation. 

• Tutor Coordination: Collaborate with faculty and GVSU partners to recruit and assign tutors for the Summer Student Success Program, ensuring alignment with academic objectives and specific faculty needs. 

• Faculty-Tutor Collaboration: Facilitate connections between faculty and tutors, clearly defining classroom expectations, roles, and responsibilities. 

• Program Planning: Participate in bi-weekly planning meetings for the OWS Summer Student Success Program, contributing to the academic direction of the program. 

Summer Semester Responsibilities 

• Program Training: Assist in the planning and execution of training sessions for all OWS Summer Student Success Program staff and faculty. 

• Syllabus Review: Conduct a thorough review of course syllabi prior to the commencement of classes, ensuring alignment with GVSU policies and academic standards. 

• Faculty Communication: Maintain consistent communication with faculty, engaging twice per week to monitor student progress and address classroom or other needs. 

• Issue Resolution: Act as a key point of contact, alongside OWS Summer Student Success Program staff, for addressing and resolving classroom issues. 

• Student-Faculty Mediation: Collaborate with OWS staff to meet with students or instructors as needed to resolve any issues arising within the academic setting. 

• Mid-Semester Review: Contribute to the planning and facilitation of a mid-semester faculty lunch, providing an opportunity to discuss program progress and address emerging needs. 

• Closing Ceremony and Feedback: Play a central role in the planning and execution of the OWS Summer Student Success Program closing ceremony, working closely with faculty to determine student awards. Additionally, assist in the organization and facilitation of a wrap-up/feedback meeting with faculty at the program’s conclusion. 

Required Qualifications 

• Successful track record of teaching first-year students at Grand Valley State University, preferably in a discipline aligned with program course offerings.
• Evidence of ability to support and mentor students facing academic challenges and/or the transition to college learning.
• Experience mentoring faculty and/or leading faculty professional development.
• Strong communication skills and ability to build collaborative relationships across campus.

Supervision and Reporting 

• The faculty liaison will report directly to the Assistant Vice President for Student Support and Belonging. 

Compensation  

• $10,500 with $5,250 being paid from 1/5/25 - 4/26/25 and $5,250 being paid from 4/27/25-8/2/25

• Summer semester dining card (breakfast, lunch, dinner) 

Application Process 

• Please submit letter of interest and C.V. to Jessica Jennrich at jennricj@gvsu by October 18th, 2024