POSITION IDENTIFICATION
TITLE Director of the Learning Commons
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 2584
GRADE 46
CLASSIFICATION Exempt
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR Associate Provost for Student Development and Public Affairs
MAJOR ADMINISTRATOR Provost
GENERAL FUNCTION
The Director of the Learning Commons oversees the development, coordination and implementation of programs and services for the general academic development of students at Missouri State University. The Director coordinates with directors of academic support units, academic department heads, Deans, and the Director of the Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning to ensure services are appropriate and contribute to the University student retention and success goals.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A Master's degree is required; a terminal degree is preferred.
Experience: At least five years of work experience is required in a higher education setting, with demonstrated administrative experience with program development or project management. Experience coordinating and marketing education programs is required. Demonstrated collaborative leadership and management skills and the ability to work with academic departments and colleges to implement programs are required. University teaching experience and advising or tutoring experience is preferred.
Skills: Requires excellent oral and written communications skills, interpersonal skills, organizational skills, computer skills (including word processing), decision-making skills, and project management skills.
Effort: Occasionally required to lift and carry materials weighing up to 45 pounds.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Contributes to the achievement of the University's retention goals for students by working with faculty, academic departments, Deans, and the Student Advisory Committee to assist in the determination of the academic support service needs of students, identifying appropriate programs or resources, connecting appropriate programs and resources with students, recommending the development of and implementing programs in response to student academic support service needs, and working with academic departments to implement tutoring program opportunities.
2. Collaborates with appropriate departments on campus to coordinate the delivery of a variety of workshops designed to improve student success skills, such as time management, study skills, writing skills, etc. that impact overall student retention.
3. Coordinates and develops a competent and effective staff of student mentors and tutors by working with academic department heads and deans in recruiting and hiring qualified students, providing orientation and training regarding programs, policies and procedures, making appropriate work assignments, and evaluating performance.
4. Demonstrates sound financial management practices and assures the most effective use of the Learning Commons budget and exercises budget authority.
5. Monitors and coordinates with web developers to ensure the Learning Commons website is effective in reaching students and conveying appropriate information effectively.
6. Manages the electronic tutoring management system by using it to allow faculty to communicate tutoring needs, scheduling and maintaining records of tutors, tutees, and tutoring sessions, and providing information and analysis of information in the database.
7. Serves as a liaison with Library and Computer Services staff regarding physical, learning resources, and computer/technology needs of the Learning Commons.
8. Coordinates with the Director of the Writing Center to develop comprehensive academic support programming which includes consistent hiring and training procedures for student academic support personnel.
9. Represents the Learning Commons in meetings with faculty, staff, students, and other groups outside of the University.
10. Maintains competency and professional currency through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses required by the Associate Provost for Student Development and Public Affairs.
11. Contributes to the overall success of the department by performing these duties in a manner consistent with the mission, goals, and stated values of the department and performing all other essential duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION
The Director of the Learning Commons is supervised by the Associate Provost for Student Development and Public Affairs and supervises graduate assistants and student employees serving as tutors and mentors
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
MARCH 2009
