POSITION IDENTIFICATION
TITLE Associate Provost for Public Affairs and Assessment
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 1023
GRADE Unclassified
CLASSIFICATION Exempt
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR Provost
GENERAL FUNCTION
The Associate Provost for Public Affairs and Assessment is part of the leadership team for Academic Affairs and is responsible and accountable for planning, coordination, and collaboration of activities in Academic Affairs that promote the integration of the public affairs mission and assessment of student learning across the University. Academic Affairs student success initiatives include support and services for service-learning, academic community engagement, academic integrity, public affairs support, University accreditation, and assessment of student learning. The public affairs mission promotes community engagement, cultural competence, and ethical leadership and is accomplished through collaborative efforts of faculty, staff, and administrators in both curricular and co-curricular efforts. The Associate Provost for Public Affairs and Assessment works with all units on campus, both academic and non-academic, and community partners and representatives when appropriate. The Associate Provost for Public Affairs and Assessment serves as the liaison to the Higher Learning Commission for accreditation purposes.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A terminal degree is required; the position, with an incumbent possessing a record of success in teaching, research, and service, is eligible for tenure.
Experience: Administrative and leadership experience in formal assessment processes is required.
Skills: The ability to develop and implement a vision for public affairs and assessment of student learning is required. The ability to work effectively and collegially with University administrators, faculty, staff, and students is required. Outstanding verbal and written communication skills are required. Effective interpersonal skills and sensitivity to issues affecting a wide range of constituencies are required. A record of commitment to the values and initiatives of assessment, accreditation, community engagement, cultural competence, ethical leadership, and high-quality education is required. The ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds is required. An understanding of federal and state legislation and compliance issues that affect the delivery of quality education services to students is preferred.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Helps to ensure the achievement of the mission of the University by assisting the Provost, colleges, and academic departments.
2. Participates in the leadership team in policy development, process, and decisions relating to undergraduate education.
3. Works with academic units and offices to coordinate assessment of student learning and Higher Learning Commission accreditation.
4. Provides leadership and planning for initiatives designed to improve assessment of student learning and the integration of the public affairs mission into the life of the University.
5. Provides oversight of the Academic Integrity, Assessment, Citizenship and Service-Learning, the Center for Community Engagement, the Office of Public Affairs Support, an academic center, and the faculty writing program.
6. Provides support and consultation with the Council on General Education and Interdisciplinary Programs.
7. Fosters collaboration and coordination among academic units.
8. Assists in efforts to secure funding through grants and in other ways supports development for community-based initiatives.
9. Oversees the composition and coordination of assessment of student learning outcomes and assists in the evaluation of academic programs in academic departments and colleges, integrates assessment activities and results with accreditation processes, disseminates obtained information among University constituents and stakeholders, and sponsors instructional support activities.
10. Supports systematic planning and change within the broad University community by administering a comprehensive, continual, and multi-dimensional assessment program of student learning outcomes and evaluation of academic programs, collaborating with campus units to integrate assessment and evaluation efforts across campus, and integrating assessment activities and results with accreditation processes.
11. Supports the University’s mission in public affairs and the development of educated persons by collecting, organizing, and analyzing internal and external data sources and disseminating the information among University constituents and stakeholders.
12. Provides professional leadership of the assessment process by communicating the purposes of student outcomes assessment, assisting departments and colleges in the development and delineation of assessment plans, assisting in the selection of appropriate measures and methods for assessing student learning outcomes, and analyzing and communicating the results of assessments conducted.
13. Assists with, supports, and coordinates the reporting of assessment activities and the evaluation of majors and programs and represents the University and its assessment and evaluation processes to external agencies.
14. In coordination with faculty, develops and supports the assessment plan for Missouri State’s general education program.
15. Coordinates the work of the University’s Assessment Council and work related to Higher Learning Commission accreditation.
16. Ensures that accreditation requirements, including compliance with accrediting standards, are incorporated, among other institutional goals and objectives, into the planning and evaluation process of the University and academic units.
17. Oversees the administration of University-wide surveys, such as NSSE and BCSSE.
18. Promotes a positive image and maintains effective relationships for the Office of the Provost by representing the Provost at various meetings, communicating with University administrators, faculty, staff, and students in matters related to assessment, accreditation, undergraduate education, public affairs, and leading or serving on selected University committees and task forces.
19. Facilitates a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.
20. Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses as directed.
21. Ensures that miscellaneous assignments related to academic affairs are completed in the best interest of the University by accepting and accomplishing tasks delegated by the Provost.
SUPERVISION
The Associate Provost for Student Success is supervised by the Provost and supervises professional and support staff.
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
MARCH 2021