Faculty Engagement Resources

First-Year Experience Facilitators

Position Description

First-Year Experience (FYE) Facilitators assist with a structured 8-week transition experience called "Laker Launch." This program allows first-year students to earn credit for gaining academic skills, exploring the campus, and connecting with campus staff and resources. Students begin their Laker Launch experience the moment they arrive on campus for move-in/welcome week, and continue by participating in a weekly seminar led by peer Success Coaches and staff facilitators: GST 104 Experiential Learning in College. 

Historically, students who participated in the seminar reported a higher sense of belonging, well-being, and connection to the campus community. They also have higher GPAs and use campus resources at a higher rate than students who did not participate

First-Year Experience Facilitators 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 Facilitators serve as a support to an assigned peer Success Coach and a small cohort of first-semester students during the fall semester. FYE Facilitators will:

• Complete a summer training workshop with other FYE Facilitators
• Meet with an assigned group of first-year students during opening weekend
• Observe, mentor and provide feedback to 1-2 peer Success Coaches as they facilitate weekly lessons in GST 104 
• Meet 1:1 with assigned Success Coaches and first-year students as needed
• Advocate, challenge, and inspire first-year students to become engaged academically and socially

Administrative Support + Professional Development
FYE Facilitators will receive extensive support from First-Year Experience and EXCEL. Each FYE Facilitator will be assigned a student Success Coach to help facilitate weekly content during seminar meetings. A course syllabus, weekly facilitation plans, and a Bright Space shell will be provided for use. Facilitation supplies and printing will be available in the EXCEL/First-Year Experience 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 academic 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 ~2-3 hours per week in Q1 for class facilitation, 1:1 meetings, and student evaluation

Preferred:

• Background in student development theory, organizational communication, counseling, or positive psychology
• Previous experience teaching or facilitating 

Compensation

FYE Facilitators will be paid a $500 stipend for their service during the fall semester (August 17- October 7). They will also receive additional opportunities for professional development and campus recognition (including a glowing note to your supervisor and VP upon completion). 

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 July. 

FYE Facilitator Application