First Year Experience Faculty

National Park College; Hot Springs (AR); On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

National Park College in Hot Springs, Arkansas, is seeking a First Year Experience Faculty to enhance student transition and engagement during their first year. Responsibilities include teaching the First-Year Experience course, providing academic support, and collaborating with faculty for student success. The ideal candidate should hold a Master’s degree and possess strong mentoring skills, with a focus on fostering an inclusive learning environment.

This role involves 9-month contracts with collaboration across various departments, actively engaging in student support and development strategies that align with the College’s goals.

Qualifications

• Expertise in teaching and mentoring first-year students.
• Understanding of strategies for student success and retention.
• Experience with diverse student populations.

Responsibilities

• Teach the First-Year Experience course each semester.
• Create an inclusive learning environment.
• Monitor and support student progress.
• Collaborate with faculty and staff on student success initiatives.

Skills

Strong communication and student engagement skills

Ability to mentor and support first-year college students

Knowledge of student success strategies and campus resources

Strong organizational, collaboration, and classroom management abilities

Ability to foster student confidence

Education

Master’s degree in higher education administration or related field

Job description

The First Year Experience Faculty plays a key role in supporting student transition, engagement, and persistence during the first year at National Park College. This position is a 9-month contract and will be responsible for teaching the First-Year Experience course and guiding students as they develop the academic, personal, and career skills necessary for success in college and beyond. The First-Year Experience course serves as a foundational component of the College’s student success and retention strategy. This The First Year Experience Faculty also works collaboratively with faculty and student services departments to promote student engagement, resource awareness, and early intervention strategies that support student persistence and completion.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Instruction and Course Delivery

• Teach assigned sections of the First-Year Experience course each semester.
• Prepare lesson plans, instructional materials, and learning activities aligned with the approved FYE curriculum and learning outcomes.
• Facilitate engaging classroom experiences that support student transition to college, including topics such as academic success strategies, career exploration, campus resources, and personal development.
• Utilize the College’s learning management system to deliver course materials, communicate with students, track progress, and maintain grade records.
• Maintain accurate attendance records and comply with institutional policies regarding course documentation and reporting.
• Will perform other duties as assigned.

Student Engagement and Academic Support

• Create an inclusive and supportive learning environment that promotes student participation, confidence, and sense of belonging.
• Maintain regular availability for student consultation and mentoring outside of class time.
• Provide timely feedback on assignments and evaluate student performance through coursework, participation, and assessments.
• Submit grades and course documentation according to institutional policies and deadlines.

Student Success Monitoring and Referral

• Monitor student progress and identify early indicators of academic or personal challenges.
• Provide proactive outreach and support to students who may be experiencing barriers to success.
• Refer students to appropriate campus services including tutoring, advising, financial aid, counseling, and career services.
• Assist students in developing academic and career goals aligned with their program of study.

Collaboration and Campus Integration

• Collaborate with faculty, staff, and student services departments to coordinate student success initiatives and promote awareness of campus resources.
• Participate in faculty meetings, training opportunities, and institutional initiatives related to student success and retention.
• Work closely with the Student Affairs team to support implementation and improvement of the First-Year Experience program and related initiatives.

Program Support and Assessment

• Support ongoing assessment and improvement of the First-Year Experience curriculum and program.
• Assist with data collection efforts related to student engagement, persistence, and course outcomes and report this data to the VP of Academic Affairs.
• Provide feedback on curriculum, instructional strategies, and student engagement practices to enhance program effectiveness.
• Participate in professional development activities related to teaching, student success, and retention best practices.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Strong communication and student engagement skills
• Ability to mentor and support first-year college students
• Knowledge of student success strategies and campus resources
• Strong organizational, collaboration, and classroom management abilities
• Ability to foster student confidence, accountability, academic growth and self-advocacy
• Ability to collaborate

Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in higher education administration, counseling, student affairs, higher education, or a related field required.
• Prior teaching experience in higher education preferred.
• Experience working with first-generation, non-traditional, or community college students preferred.
• Strong understanding of student success strategies and retention practices in higher education.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to support diverse student populations and foster an inclusive learning environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand or sit for long periods of time
• Lifting or carrying materials up to 25 pounds
• Moving between classrooms and other physical campus locations

Applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, transcripts, and three professional references with contact information.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis and will be provided unless doing so would result in undue hardship to NPC.

National Park College does not discriminate in access to employment opportunities or in employment or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.