Peer Supported Learning Coordinator

Job Responsibility:

Peer Supported Learning Coordinator

Employment Group VIUFA Position Number 00393 Division Student Affairs Department Centre for Experiential Learning Campus Nanaimo campus Location Nanaimo, British Columbia Country Canada Appointment Type temporary full-time Workload 35 hours per week. May include some evenings and weekends Pay Level VIUFA F1: $55,341 - $87,952 per annum (prorated if part-time). Starting Salary Technicians are placed on the F1 salary scale based on education, experience and placement criteria as outlined in the Collective Agreement, to an initial maximum of $74,504 per annum . Start: As soon as possible Appointment End Date 02-May-2025 Posting Restrictions Appointment may end early or be extended Applicant Documents CV/Resume, Cover Letter, Qualifications , Referees/References Posted Date 16-May-2024 Closing Date 29-May-2024 Job Reference 2393

Duties:

As a division of Student Affairs, through the Centre for Experiential Learning & Student Engagement, Peer Supported Learning (PSL) provides peer-facilitated support in the university's most challenging courses. As a non-remedial approach available to all students enrolled in selected courses, weekly peer-facilitated study sessions are offered to help students compare notes, develop learning strategies and prepare for exams. These sessions are facilitated by trained undergraduate students known as "PSL Leaders" who have successfully taken the course before and who, in their PSL role re-attend lectures, connect with students and act as a role model. At its core, the PSL model helps students integrate 'what to learn' with 'how to learn'. It has been successfully implemented around the world as an effective retention strategy in a variety of higher education contexts

The Coordinator of the Peer Supported Learning Program plays a crucial role in developing and implementing an exemplary and comprehensive PSL program and ensuring its effectiveness as a retention strategy.

As a member of the Centre for Experiential Learning & Student Engagement team and reporting to the Director Centre for Experiential Learning & Student Engagement, the Coordinator of the Peer Supported Learning Program will:

• Provide leadership in developing and implementing an exemplary and comprehensive Peer Supported Learning program
• Identify weaknesses or issues in the current PSL program and solve or make recommendations for improvement
• Interview, train and meet regularly with PSL Leaders each semester
• Revise PSL Leader training materials and notebooks
• Plan and direct periodic group meetings of institution-wide PSL Leaders
• Supervise PSL sessions and provide feedback to PSL Leaders
• Serve as primary liaison with departmental administrators and faculty members
• Oversee the promotion of the PSL program through information sessions with students, rack cards, posters, and social media
• Gather and analyze all data and feedback associated within the PSL program including attendance, grades, surveys, handouts generated by the PSL Leaders
• Ensure timely distribution and analysis of midterm and end-of-term surveys.
• Assist PSL Leaders in creating session plans and provide ongoing training in learning strategies.
• Support coverage for other roles in the Centre for Experiential Learning & Student Engagement
• Effectively contribute as a member of a dynamic team to enhance department goals and collaborate on initiatives
• Operate within an annual budget as set by the Director for all PSL expenses.

Successful candidates will participate in a wide range of activities, including, student support; institutional, faculty and departmental committee meetings and other initiatives; and professional activities in keeping with their disciplines in and outside the institution.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree from an appropriately accredited institution

• Professional training as a Peer Supported Learning facilitator
• Knowledge of learning strategies and student engagement techniques
• Experience with data analysis and program evaluation
• Ability to work collaboratively with students, faculty, and staff

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in a field relevant to experiential education from an appropriately accredited institution.
• Formal Training in Supplemental Instruction, Learning Communities, and Peer Mentorship
• Experience in peer support programs or educational leadership preferred.
• Working knowledge of the Orbis database system.

VIU is pleased to offer eligible employees a comprehensive benefit plan; ample paid holiday time; professional development opportunities and a desirable pension plan. As part of the VIU campus community, our employees work with supportive colleagues within an encouraging environment and are provided with the tools and training that promote learning and development. The perks of VIU employment are multiple, and include well-being initiatives and services, strategic discounts, and flexible work opportunities.

Note:

• Short-listed candidates must provide original transcripts, or applicable original certifications at time of interview.
• All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
• Vancouver Island University (VIU) is collectively committed to building and sustaining a diverse and inclusive working and learning environment for faculty, staff, and students. In our journey towards greater diversity, we invite applications from members of equity-seeking communities including women, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of all gender identities and sexual orientations who bring value to the VIU community through their lived experiences. We encourage members of all equity-seeking groups to self-identify within their application cover letter. When a candidate voluntarily discloses this information in their cover letter, the information will be used only for the fulfillment of the career opportunity. Disclosure and/or self-identification with an equity-seeking group will not lead to advantageous treatment of a candidate who is not qualified.

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