Job Summary

The Panther Academic Center for Excellence (PACE) supports student learning and degree completion by providing services that advance student academic goal setting, skill development, and transition to the college environment.  The mission of PACE is to positively impact student success, and in-turn retention and progression, by providing academic assistance and support to students and faculty at LaGrange College.  PACE works with academic affairs, enrollment management, student engagement, and athletics to identify ways to support student academic development.

Under the direct supervision of the VPEMSE, the Director will provide general leadership for the unit, overseeing its mission as well as pending growth.  The Director is responsible for the coordination of services provided by the Moshell Tutoring Center and the Writing Center, collaborating with faculty assigned to coordinate those areas. The Director is directly responsible for the coordination of Testing Services, Supplemental Instruction, Academic Coaching, and oversees all peer training programs associated with SI, Academic Coaching, Tutoring, and the Writing Center.

The Director communicates regularly with various PACE stakeholders, including the co-coordinators and teaching assistants of first year experience courses, faculty involved with Center activities, academic coaches, faculty and staff involved with tutoring activities, faculty and staff involved with assessment activities, faculty and staff involved with academic testing accommodations, faculty and staff involved with student success activities, students utilizing the Center services, and others as necessary.

Job Duties (but not limited to):

In addition to providing general administrative support for the PACE Office, the PACE Office Coordinator manages the following functions:

General

• Develop and maintain a supportive and collaborative environment within the Center and among campus partners to promote success.
• Work with campus leadership and campus partners to develop a comprehensive at-risk identification strategy and appropriate intervention methods to promote student learning, retention, progression, and graduation.
• Provide oversight for the PACE budget.

Academic Learning Disability Testing Services

• Coordinates with disability services and faculty to identify students needing accommodations based on governing law and mandates.
• Facilitates the system of working with faculty and students to schedule extended or private testing.
• Oversees test proctoring administered in the PACE.

Student Success Task Force

• The PACE Office Coordinator is a key member of the college’s student success task force which is the primary body responsible for overseeing institutional retention and persistence initiatives.
• Oversees the collection of predictive data related to student persistence and develops summary reports for various stakeholders to inform program development, outreach, and intervention.
• Serves as point of contact for students and faculty/staff regarding attrition risk factors.
• Identifies at-risk students and coordinates outreach and support with college stakeholders.
• Coordinate efforts with the Student Success Task Force to provide timely interventions for students identified as at-risk.
• Coordinate with the Director of Student Financial Services or their designee to work with students approaching financial aid probation and failure to meet satisfactory academic progress guidelines.

Academic Support and Coaching

• Work with academic coaches, faculty, and library staff to develop a comprehensive list of academic support resources available to students.
• Conduct training sessions for Supplemental Instruction leaders, peer mentors and coaches.
• Work in collaboration with Asst. Directors in the Writing Center and Tutoring Center to support training of student leaders.
• Collect assessments from academic support services administered through PACE and coordinate with the Writing and Tutoring Centers to collect data on student satisfaction and outcomes.
• Schedule PACE facilities for study halls, tutoring session, and/or supplemental instruction when requested and oversee set up as well as other logistical needs
• Be available to answer questions regarding PACE resources available to faculty, staff, and coaches
• Provide each SI leader with a minimum of 3 observations each semester to provide feedback and professional development. 
• Act as a source of student support information for students, parents, faculty, and academic offices. 
• Maintain the scheduling of appointments for academic coaches.

Faculty Development

• Schedule PACE facilities for faculty development workshops when requested and oversee set up as well as other logistical needs
• Be available to answer questions regarding PACE resources available to faculty

First-Year Common Learning Course (Cornerstone) Support

• Schedule PACE facilities for Cornerstone workshops, tutoring session, and/or peer sessions when requested and oversee set up as well as other logistical needs
• Be available to answer questions regarding PACE resources available to Cornerstone faculty and students

Out-of-Class Academic Development / Supplemental Instruction

• Schedule PACE facilities for study halls, tutoring session, and/or supplemental instruction when requested and oversee set up as well as other logistical needs
• Be available to answer questions regarding PACE resources available to faculty, staff, and coaches

Outreach and Assessment Activities

• Creates and enacts strategies to promote and publicize services to all student, faculty, and staff populations
• Collects and assesses data on PACE usage and efficacy – writes reports analyzing usage trends
• Participate in the development of grant proposals supporting student success
• Coordinate with the office of institutional effectiveness, when requested, to perform or report assessment activities
• Communicates with faculty to coordinate assessment activities as needed

Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree and four (4) years of professional career experience in an academic institution - or – a Master’s degree and three (3) years’ experience in an academic institution.  Master’s degree in college student affairs, higher education, counseling, or an academic discipline associate with the common core is  strongly preferred.  Experience in an academic support office (advising, mentoring, tutoring) is preferred.  Ability to work nights/weekends on a periodic basis.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Must be proficient with word processing, database, spreadsheet, e-mail, and presentation software programs.  Knowledge of or ability to learn student information systems (Banner).
• Knowledge of FERPA regulations for handling confidential and/or student records.
• The Director must maintain confidentiality of student records and will ensure that activities in the Center adhere to academic and student policy guidelines.
• Maintain a clean and organized reception area with a welcoming atmosphere for students, staff, or faculty.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills with demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with community organizations, public/private agencies, faculty, staff, and students.
• Commitment to the mission of church affiliated liberal arts institutions like LaGrange College.
• Demonstrated sensitivity to issues of diversity, inclusion, and social justice in the collegiate setting.
• Proven record of being able to utilize effective time management, organization, prioritization, and attention to detail while performing multiple duties, often under stress.