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Academic Skills Consultant Responsibilities and Qualifications

The hiring of Academic Skills Consultants is contingent on program funding, supply and demand, faculty/staff recommendations, and the applicant's willingness to fulfill the responsibilities outlined below. An applicant’s signature on the Employment Application indicates his/her agreement to carry out these responsibilities, and noncompliance with any of these may result in termination of employment.

Academic Skills Consultant Responsibilities

Participate in ASC Training and Assessment

  • Participate in weekly, one-hour ASC training meetings.
  • Observe at least two learning skills workshops on different topics.
  • Review workshop and ASC materials stored in Canvas.
  • Complete a self-assessment at the end of each semester.

Lead Group Workshops

  • Conduct interactive learning skills workshops for classes and student groups, using techniques learned in ASC training and materials provided by the WaLC.
  • Monitor the WaLC's shared calendar and your catamount email for information about upcoming workshops.
  • Meet with your co-facilitator to prepare for workshops.
  • Collect workshop materials from the WaLC prior to each workshop.
  • Report to the workshop location at least 10 minutes prior to the start of the workshop.
  • Encouragestudent participation during the workshop and avoid lecturing information.
  • Administer workshop evaluations to all participants.
  • Communicate with supervisor for planning and/or debriefing.

Facilitate Individual Academic Skills Consultations

  • Review materials provided in ASC training and organize appropriate materials to share with the student.
  • Encourage the student to do most of the talking and writing during the consultation.
  • Help students identify resources and develop problem-solving strategies they can apply to other learning situations.

Demonstrate Professional and Ethical Behavior

  • Promote and represent the services of the Writing and Learning Commons and the Mathematics Tutoring Center at University functions such as Orientation and Open House.
  • Behave professionally and responsibly and uphold the WaLC’s Code of Conduct.
  • Establish appropriate boundaries with the students you serve. Notify your supervisor immediately if you are unable to do so.
  • ASCs are not expected to complete students’ work for them, to suggest grades for assignments discussed in consultations, or to engage in negative talk about instructors’ teaching methods, grading policies, assignments, or personalities.
  • Report for workshops and consultations on time and avoid any unnecessary cancelations. Notify the WaLC (828-227-2274) immediately if you will be late or unable to keep a scheduled consultation with a student. Notify your supervisor immediately if you are unable to present a workshop to which you have been assigned.
  • Respond within 12 hours to calls from the WaLC Executive Team and within 24 hours to emails from the WaLC.
  • Provide at least two weeks' notice if you intend to terminate your employment with the WaLC.
  • Show consideration for the WaLC's resources and materials: return workshop materials to the center; clean up your area at the conclusion of each consultation; wipe down whiteboards and tables and throw away trash.

Fulfill Administrative Responsibilities

  • Record your hours on your timesheet every week and submit your timesheet every other week.
  • Check your catamount email regularly for appointment confirmations and updates from the WaLC.
  • Use Navigate to maintain up-to-date contact information (e.g. cell phone and home phone numbers); establish and maintain a schedule for Academic Skills Consultations; create accurate records of your actual consultation time (log in for 15 minutes for no-shows).

Academic Skills Consultant Qualifications

To be eligible to work as an Academic Skills Consultant, students must

  • Maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA
  • Be willing to remain in the position for at least 2 years
  • Provide at least two recommendation forms
  • Possess excellent communication skills
  • Demonstrate interest in for helping students to improve their learning skills
  • Verify eligibility for on-campus student employment by reviewing the requirements listed on the work-study and/or non work-study student employment websites
  • Preference may be given to applicants with training and/or experience in education, communication, public relations, or public speaking

 

Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, and veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Additionally, the University promotes the realization of equal employment opportunity for minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and veterans through its affirmative action program.
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