Associate Program Chair - Psychology

JOB SUMMARY:

The Associate Program Chair (APC) for Psychology is a full-time position integral to the University’s mission. The APC’s key function is to assist the Program Chair for Psychology (PC) in supporting academic excellence and student success through oversight of Psychology Associate Faculty, course quality, and teaching. The APC is accountable for program student retention and will ensure that AFs are meeting expectations for engagement and that they are in compliance with university and program policies and procedures. The APC will assist in the course and program development under the direction of the PC. The APC will lead in areas agreed upon by the Program Chair, Assistant Dean, and the Dean.  This position is on Post's main campus in Waterbury, CT, and is not a remote opportunity.  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Management

• Ensure instructors are meeting university and program expectations, adhering to academic policies, and creating an engaging environment that promotes student retention in association with the PC, the AF Team Leads, and the Assistant Dean/Dean.
• Provide student engagement and instructor performance reports to the PC and/or Assistant Dean/Dean, as needed.
• Review course evaluation surveys and other feedback for continuous improvement of instructor effectiveness
• Collaborate with Academic Success Counselors (ASCs), advisors, and other departments accountable for student retention and success and help with issues of academic integrity as teachable opportunities.
• Assist with recruiting, training, and mentoring Associate Faculty
• Assist PC in reviewing SafeAssign reports for violations of academic integrity and determining appropriate courses of action based on the Post University Academic Integrity Policy.

Course Quality, Curriculum Development, and Assessment

• Review Psychology courses in the B.A. in Psychology program to ensure that they are relevant, current, and engaging, and align with Post University’s mission and the APA Guidelines for the Undergraduate Psychology Major
• Review course evaluation surveys and other feedback for quality and consistency in assigned courses
• Prepare assigned master courses prior to the start of academic terms, if not completed by the AF  Leads (AFL) for Psychology and Assistant Dean’s Office
• Assist PC with designing, implementing, and reviewing Assessment of Program and General Education Student Learning Outcomes as needed
• Assist PC with course development and redevelopment to improve the student experience and student learning based on outcome assessment results

Teaching

• Teach 8 courses (24 credits) within an academic year, but the teaching load can be reduced through the PC, with approval from the Dean/Assistant Dean depending on the nature of other assigned projects

Additional Responsibilities

• Participate in University Senate governance
• Participate in weekly program meetings, as well as additional assigned meetings and activities
• Assist by co-hosting the annual psychology program advisory board meeting along with the PC
• Assist with accreditation reports and activities as needed
• Assist with review of transfer evaluations of potential new students
• Other duties assigned by the PC and/or Assistant Dean/Dean

Qualifications

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• While a degree in clinical psychology is preferred, applicants with a Master’s degree in another field of psychology, or a closely-related discipline will be considered. 
• At least five years of experience managing field-related programs and supervising staff.
• At least five years of experience teaching in the traditional higher education classroom and online
• Student-focused and positive approach
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office software programs required
• Experience with Blackboard or similar Learning Management Systems
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience developing undergraduate courses
• Experience using assessments to improve teaching or course programs preferred
• Ability to perform scholarly activities appropriate for a teaching institution