First-Year Experience Instructors
Position Description
First-Year Experience (FYE) Instructors teach an 8-week transition course: Experiential Learning in College (GST 104). Both faculty and staff are encouraged to apply.
This program allows first-year students to earn credit for gaining academic skills, exploring the campus, and connecting with campus staff and resources. Past students who completed the seminar reported a higher sense of belonging, well-being, and connection to the campus community. They also earned higher GPAs and used campus resources at a higher rate than students who did not participate
First-Year Experience Instructors play an instrumental role in helping new students to navigate resources, learn about success strategies, and become engaged on our campus and in our community. FYE Instructors will:
- Facilitate weekly lessons and activities in GST 104
- Schedule 1:1 check-in meetings with students once during the quarter
- Grade assignments and provide feedback in a timely manner
- Collaborate with peer Success Coaches as they co-facilitate in-class activities
- Advocate, challenge, and inspire first-year students to become engaged academically and socially
- Participate in a summer teaching and learning conference (for new facilitators) and ongoing professional development
Administrative Support + Professional Development
FYE Instructor will receive extensive support from the Experiential Learning team. A course syllabus, weekly facilitation plans, and a Bright Space shell will be provided for use. Each FYE Instructor has the option to recruit a student Success Coach to help facilitate weekly content during seminar meetings. Facilitation supplies and printing will be available in the Experiential Learning Office (145 MCC). Periodic training, check-in meetings, and webinars will be offered for optional professional development.
Qualifications
This is a great opportunity for professionals who are looking to transition to other functional areas or to develop a teaching portfolio.
Required:
- Full-time staff or faculty at SUNY Oswego for at least one year
- Bachelor’s degree in any discipline
- Interest in student success and retention initiatives
- Desire to mentor new students and be a resource during their first semester in college
- Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills
- Supervisor support and a commitment of 5 hours per week in Q1 for class facilitation, 1:1 meetings, and student evaluation
Preferred:
- Master's degree or terminal degree
- Background in student development theory, teaching, organizational communication, counseling, or psychology
- Previous experience teaching or facilitating
Compensation
FYE Instructors will be paid a $1,000 stipend for their service during the fall semester (August - October). Facilitators will also receive additional opportunities for professional development and campus recognition.
Application Instructions
Interested faculty and staff should complete the online application and include an updated resume. Returning facilitators will receive priority consideration and candidates will be selected on a rolling basis through the end of May.