Coordinator, Science Support Programs

Wilfrid Laurier University•Waterloo, ON

5d•CA$47 - CA$50•Hybrid

About The Position

This position has a university-wide mandate and is primarily based at the Waterloo campus, with occasional travel to the Brantford and Milton campuses required. The incumbent provides subject matter expertise, requiring regular interaction and collaboration with faculty, staff, and students at all of Laurier’s campuses. Special attention is given to ensure equitable service delivery across all locations. The Coordinator, Science Support Programs will work with the Manager, Co-Curricular Learning Support to design, implement and maintain academic support programs for science students. The incumbent will act as a resource primarily for students enrolled in 100-level chemistry courses but will also provide academic support for a variety of STEM courses from a wide range of academic departments, both at the undergraduate and graduate level. Support is required to assist in the academic success and persistence of students registered in various science and social science programs. The Coordinator will be involved in the creation of assessment tools to identify specific areas of concern, the development of programming and resources, and in designing and conducting workshops to strengthen prerequisite skills and aid in the transition to university level expectations. The position may also be involved in special projects, including in conjunction with other units within Student Success and Retention, related to the evolving development of its programming.

Requirements

A Master’s degree in Chemistry or related field
A minimum of 3-4 years of work-related experience, which must include experience in a post-secondary education setting providing student support
Knowledge of the secondary level mathematics and science curriculum, as well as associated introductory level university course concepts and applications related to chemistry, calculus, and statistics
Knowledge of common challenges experienced by students in the transition to post-secondary
Pedagogical skill in optimizing the operation and educational value of formal science support programs, and in developing diagnostic and assessment tools
Experience hiring, training, and supervising student employees
Experience developing interactive learning materials and workshops for in-person and online delivery
Experience assisting students in the application of course content and development of problem solving skills
Experience coordinating logistics involving multiple inputs and resources
Experience with course management systems (preferably D2L) and MS Office
Excellent communication, presentation, and technical writing skills
Excellent organizational, time management, and prioritization skills
Sensitivity to issues of equity, diversity, inclusion, and access in a post-secondary environment
Demonstrated team skills with an ability to work independently
Ability to manage crucial conversations with developed conflict management skills

Nice To Haves

a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Education considered an asset
Knowledge of foundational concepts in computer coding and programming structures is an asset
Mental health training is an asset

Responsibilities

Provides content support to students individually and in small groups, in particular covering topics from foundational science and chemistry.
Assists students in developing effective learning strategies and study habits.
Designs and conducts workshops to strengthen student knowledge of key foundational skills from the high school science curriculum.
Develops resources and conducts workshops to refresh and strengthen prerequisite knowledge of introductory course content required for senior undergraduate and graduate courses.
Prepares pre-exam review material for 100-level science courses, in consultation with teaching faculty.
Schedules and provides oversight to peer support sessions, such as drop-in help sessions, homework sessions, and facilitated study groups.
Supports the development and facilitation of contextualized learning support programs and resources designed to integrate within a course to improve student success and persistence.
Collaborates with colleagues and faculty to design and implement approved co-curricular and extra-curricular learning support programs and resources.
Interviews and makes hiring recommendations to build a team of 10 to 15 student employees.
Assists in the training, development, and evaluation of student employees.
Considers class and exam schedules, student learning objectives, and availability and resources to schedule support sessions and student employee shifts.
Ensures consistency in the program delivery of learning support services across campuses.
Creates marketing and communication materials to promote the learning support programs.
Builds and maintains a positive and collaborative working relationship with student staff, professional colleagues, and faculty.
Maintains accurate attendance records for all programming.
Analyzes participation rates and effectiveness of programming, and creates relevant reports.
Maintains a broad knowledge of initiatives and best practices for enhancing student success in both Canadian and international post-secondary environments.
Attends conferences and professional development programs when opportunities exist.
Evaluates texts, software, and other online sources to produce relevant resources for student use.
Liaises with other university units to remain current on academic policies, resources, and student services available, to make informed referrals when appropriate.
Participates in outreach opportunities to promote both co-curricular learning support programs, as well as other Student Success programs, resources, and retention efforts.
Contributes to special projects related to the evolving development of the co-curricular learning support unit.