Director sought for Essential Studies Position: Director of Essential Studies Note: This is a position description for the 2008-09 academic year; the job description may change in future years in response to needs of the new ES program. The Director of Essential Studies will coordinate and lead the new Essential Studies Program at UND. This is a half-time position with administrative support. The Director will report to the Provost, or Provost designee and will work closely with the Senate General Education Requirements Committee (GERC). The Director’s responsibilities will include: Leadership & Advocacy -- Serve as campus leader and key-point person for the ES Program, particularly in communicating the importance of the ES Program, its intentions and its requirements. -- Maintain currency of ES Program with national trends and research in general education, changes in state higher education policies, etc. -- Serve as ES liaison to university units including OID, Student Affairs, Registrar’s Office and Enrollment Services. -- Serve as ex-officio member on the Senate GERC and Assessment Committees. Implementation and Coordination of ES program -- Work with deans to ensure that adequate number of ES courses will be offered each semester, on campus and on-line, in relation to the ES goals and requirements. -- Work with faculty, chairs and deans to promote the development of ES courses in areas of shortage, and in the creation of innovative and interdisciplinary ES courses. -- Facilitate the implementation of the new ES Program and address issues that may arise in coordination with departments, colleges, and other university units. Assessment of ES Program -- Collect, analyze and report annually to the Provost and GERC on the status of the ES program and its effectiveness in enhancing student learning. -- Coordinate full ES program review on a 5-year basis. Promotion of Essential Studies -- Constitute and coordinate an ES “faculty interest” group which will meet at least once each semester to discuss issues specific to the ES program and broader issues in general education. -- Ensure the ES Program website is maintained and current -- Develop a Recognition & Rewards program for ES Faculty Faculty Development -- Establish and conduct orientation for new ES faculty in conjunction with OID. -- Working with OID, provide Faculty Development opportunities on ES related topics. Qualifications -- The successful candidate will possess: Status as a tenured faculty member A commitment to the ES program A commitment to increased student learning, especially related to the ES goals Familiarity with General Education (e.g. best practices, assessment, national trends) Ability to provide leadership Strong ability to liaison with university units and administrators Strong communication skills, both oral and written Successful experience working with multiple constituencies (e.g. faculty and administrative groups) Strong organizational skills To Apply -- Please submit the following by May 16, 2008: Letter of Interest addressing the above qualifications CV Names and contact information for three references Application materials should be submitted to: Martha Potvin, Dean, College of Arts and Sciences Montgomery Hall 125 290 Centennial Drive, Stop 8038 UND