JOB SUMMARY
The Student-Athlete Success Program (SASP) seeks applicants for the Director position of Football Academic Success Services. The successful candidate will oversee all academic support and enhancement activities for the SASP team which works with student-athletes from the football team. They will provide leadership in the administration of the football academic counseling staff and provide holistic support in individual and small group academic, personal, and professional counseling environments to a highly diverse cohort of students. This position will oversee and provide ongoing academic counseling and monitoring of academic progress as it pertains to the University and NCAA. The successful candidate should have a strong knowledge of NCAA rules as well as the unique challenges student-athletes face. This position is expected to create a positive and supportive environment that supports students toward success in all areas of their lives.
This position is expected to work with the football coaching staff, faculty, and campus partners across the University to support students in their academic and personal goals by promoting student-centered partnerships. There is also a clear expectation that this person has a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in every aspect of their work.
This position will assist students in navigating their transition to the college experience as well as support the exploration of various educational and career goals. This position, working with SASP team members, will also work with students and campus partners to create and implement strategies to increase student retention and academic success. This includes planning and coordinating academic support to maximize students' use of University academic support resources. This position is expected to communicate regularly with coaches, administration, faculty, members of the advising community, and other campus partners to ensure a high level of student support and success.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Oversee all academic support and enhancement activities for the football student-athlete cohort.
- Recognize and comply with relevant rules and regulations of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the University of Connecticut.
- Provide a collaborative environment through leadership and oversight to the academic success team that works with the football student-athlete cohort. Oversee and manage the work of assigned personnel, including assigning and reviewing work, providing guidance and training, and conducting performance evaluations.
- Have a strong knowledge of University and NCAA rules, regulations, and course requirements as they affect student-athlete academic progress and transfer status. Attends regular NCAA training.
- Oversee the coordination and communication of all academic reports, including daily, weekly, and final grade reports, and NCAA eligibility updates.
- Provide individual and small group academic, personal, and professional counseling to a highly diverse cohort of students.
- Participate in regular academic meetings with the Director of the Student-Athlete Success Program, SASP Football Academic Team, and the football staff.
- Assess the academic needs of student-athletes, and coordinate and carry out appropriate strategies and interventions.
- Monitor the academic development of students through progress reports, instructor contact, and official University records to ensure students are progressing toward a degree.
- Works effectively with coaches and faculty to enhance the educational atmosphere that fosters academic success.
- Coordinates and monitors individual and team study hall/tutor attendance and performance with Director and/or Tutor Coordinator. May include working some nights and weekends.
- Works in conjunction with SASP's Tutoring Coordinator and follows appropriate tutorial policies and procedures.
- Makes referrals regarding potential learning deficiencies and disabilities to a learning specialist.
- Establishes and maintains communication with designated academic advisors with various schools/colleges and assists with scheduling and add/drop.
- Works in conjunction with the Orientation Program to ensure compliance with University Orientation Program.
- Demonstrates knowledge of all factors that influence the overall development and academic achievement of student-athletes.
- Meets with prospective student-athletes to provide an overview of the University and the Student-Athlete Success Program.
- Provides Director of SASP, Compliance Office, FAR, and Registrar with necessary and timely academic information as it pertains to NCAA rules, APR, and GSR.
- Participates in University activities, committees, workshops, community outreach, and professional development opportunities.
- Travels (when appropriate) with the team to provide support (some weekends).
- Provides and disseminates information about opportunities to promote student development.
- Performs additional duties as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Master's degree in education or related field.
- At least four years of experience (in the past six years) as an academic support counselor at a Division I academic institution.
- Demonstrate a concrete working knowledge of NCAA eligibility rules and regulations.
- Ability to build rapport with students, coaches, faculty, and university partners.
- Ability and knowledge to support undergraduate students, including first-generation college students from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds, and familiarity with the academic and social issues faced by students.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience in working with football at a Division I level.
- Proven ability to interpret and assess transfer evaluations per NCAA eligibility rules.
- Experience in creating programming which fosters an environment of academic success.
- Ability to create a positive environment that fosters student and staff success.