RAMs 101 First-Year Experience Program Coordinator (PT Contractor)

About Framingham State University:

Framingham State University was founded in 1839 for a singular purpose - meeting a public need to promote the public good.  At our founding as the nation's first public normal school, that need was for comprehensively educated public school teachers who would, in turn, promote an educated citizenry.  FSU continues to offer exceptional teacher education programs and, while we are proud of our roots as a teachers' college, we have grown far beyond them.  Public need continues to evolve and FSU right along with it.  Our students and alumni are making waves in the fashion industry, designing nutrition plans for professional athletes, writing for major media and news organizations, and working for Fortune 500 companies right here in Framingham. FSU is unapologetically a public institution offering accessible, affordable educational opportunities that integrate an academically challenging liberal arts education with workforce preparation programs, in a highly personalized teaching environment. Our programs have expanded but our purpose and commitment to public education for the public good remain steadfast. 

At FSU, we are deeply committed to inclusive excellence and strive to promote a culture of antiracism, encouraging a challenging yet collaborative learning environment, and providing culturally relevant education. FSU is designated as an emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities and also belongs to the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Inclusive Excellence community, providing national leadership in science education and exploring strategies that will lead to more inclusive science education. We are honored that our commitment earned FSU six Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Awards from INSIGHT Into Diversity. We encourage applications from those who share our commitment to promoting a diverse, welcoming, and inclusive community.

FSU currently enrolls about 3,000 undergraduate and 1,000 graduate and professional students, offers 39 undergraduate majors, and enrolls 41% BIPOC students in our undergraduate programs.  Ideally situated between Boston and Worcester, FSU and the surrounding area are steeped in history, achievement, and innovation and provide access to urban hotspots, verdant landscapes, natural and cultural amenities, and diverse communities.

Our founding motto, LIVE TO THE TRUTH, was said at the end of each class by beloved first principal, Cyrus Peirce, who sought to discover and teach "truth in theory and principle...truth in spirit and motive...truth in manner and form...truth intellectual and truth moral." Early leaders found this motto "speaks of sincerity of spirit...of intensity of effort, of resolution to succeed, of joy in achievement." LIVE TO THE TRUTH aptly reflects our past and our pledge for the future as it continues to guide our institution in practice and endeavor. If you share in this quest for truth and a commitment to living it fully, make the next chapter of your career the best chapter at Framingham State University.

Learn more about our career opportunities at www.framingham.edu/careers .

Job Description:

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

The RAMs First-Year Experience Program Coordinator works as a member of the Center for Academic Success and Achievement (CASA).  The Program Coordinator assists the Associate Director of Academic Success with the management of the University's RAMs First-year Experience program and other academic success initiatives as needed.  

RAMs courses integrate material related to a successful transition to college with the academic content of the course, resulting in hands-on learning experiences. Each RAMs course has a thought-provoking thematic focus and is taught by a faculty member with expertise in the topic. The seminar style class structure provides an opportunity for students to form a connection with a faculty member during their first semester. These courses are meant to introduce students to the exciting world of academic inquiry while helping them adjust to college through guidance in topics such as study skills as well as an introduction to key terms, processes, and resources on campus. RAMS courses meet 4 hours per week. A student mentor is paired with each course and serves as a resource and guide for the transition to FSU, as well as offering academic assistance to students in the course.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Associate Director of Academic Success

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

This position does not supervise other employees but provides training, coordination, and instruction to Peer Mentors (students) 

EXAMPLES OF SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist the Associate Director of Academic Success with the coordination of the RAMs First-year Experience Program
• Assist with planning and facilitating summer training for mentors
• Collect mentor availability and schedule check-in meetings and study sessions
• Reserve campus space utilizing 25Live for mentor programming
• Plan and facilitate exciting extracurricular events for all RAMs sections
• Promote and facilitate cross-section collaboration and scheduling presentations from various offices around campus
• Maintain a social media presence for the RAMs program
• Disseminate information about campus events to all mentors
• Serve as an academic coach and mentor to students to aid in their development of the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and beliefs they need to succeed in college.
• Accountable for ensuring that affirmative action, equal opportunity, and diversity are integrally tied to all actions and decisions in areas of responsibility

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Majority of work hours take place in an office environment requiring use of computer and telephone. Some evening or weekend work may be required.

Requirements:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's Degree
• Experience as a student leader (tutoring/mentoring, residence life, student activities, etc.)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Enrolled in an Education Master's program
• Experience in hiring, training and supervising employees

Additional Information:

This is a part-time, non-benefited, contract position, not to exceed 18 hours per week. The scheduled hours will be within Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm. The pay rate is $27-30 per hour.

Framingham State University conducts criminal history and sexual offender record checks on recommended finalists prior to final employment for all positions.

Framingham State University is an equal opportunity employer.

Members of underrepresented or minoritized groups, women, veterans, persons with disabilities, and all persons committed to equity, diversity, and inclusive excellence are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application Instructions:

Candidates must apply online by submitting:

• Cover Letter,
• Resume/CV,
• Names and contact information for three (3) professional references (references are not contacted automatically upon submission of application).

Framingham State University only accepts application materials through our online application system. We are unable to accept application materials through mail, email, fax, or hand delivery. If you experience technical issues with the online application process, please submit a helpdesk ticket.

Framingham State University understands that persons with specific disabilities may need assistance with the job application process and/or with the interview process. For confidential assistance, please contact the Human Resources Office at 508-626-4530 or [email protected] .