First-Year Experience Coordinator (Education)
Job Summary:
The First-Year Experience Coordinator is a full-time, twelve-month position dedicated to supporting the successful transition, engagement, retention, and academic success of first-year students at Lane College. This position is pivotal in ensuring that all first-time freshmen are fully integrated into the College community and develop the foundational skills and knowledge necessary to thrive at Lane College and beyond.
The Coordinator serves as the primary academic advisor and mentor for first-year students, providing holistic, proactive guidance that supports academic planning, career exploration, and personal growth. The First-Year Experience Coordinator also serves as instructor for the RARE seminar courses offered to freshmen, ensuring that students are engaged in high-impact learning experiences that build college readiness and promote the mission of Lane College.
This position is instrumental in supporting Lane's efforts to increase retention and ensure the successful transition of students through their first thirty credit hours and on to completion of the appropriate course of study. The FYE Coordinator works collaboratively with faculty, staff, and administrators across campus to ensure that students are engaged, connected, and equipped with the resources needed to realize their full power of potential.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Serve as the dedicated academic advisor for first-year students, assisting with course selection, degree planning, and academic progression toward their intended major.
- Instruct sections of General Studies RARE Seminar courses (LCC 112, LCC 120, CPI 101) per academic term, integrating institutional learning outcomes and best practices in student success pedagogy.
- Develop and coordinate first-year programming and initiatives designed to enhance engagement, build community, and address the unique needs of first-year students, including orientation, workshops, and special events.
- Implement proactive advising strategies to monitor academic performance, attendance, and engagement; intervene with timely outreach and personalized support plans.
- Develop and implement individualized academic success plans for students who are at risk of not meeting academic progress standards.
- Integrate career exploration tools (e.g., VitaNavis SuperStrong Assessment) and other developmental resources to assist students in clarifying their academic and professional goals.
- Maintain accurate, FERPA-compliant records of student advisement, progress, and interventions using institutional tracking systems.
- Coordinate with the Office of Admissions and other campus partners to support new student onboarding, summer bridge programs, and the transition from high school to college.
- Collaborate with faculty, student affairs professionals, and support services to create a comprehensive network of support for first-year students.
- Contribute to institutional assessment efforts related to first-year student retention, persistence, and engagement, providing data and reports to inform continuous improvement initiatives.
- Participate in professional development activities to remain current on best practices in first-year experience programming, student engagement, trauma-informed/healing centered practices, and academic advising.
Qualifications:
Education
- Bachelor's degree in education, counseling, student affairs, or a related field required (Master's degree preferred).
Experience
- At least one year of experience in academic advising, student support services, first-year programming within higher education, or related higher education roles.
- Demonstrated understanding of the developmental needs and challenges of first-year students, particularly those from underrepresented or historically marginalized backgrounds.
- Demonstrated commitment to supporting the academic and personal success of underrepresented, first-generation, and/or historically marginalized student populations.
Skills and Abilities
- Motivated, eager to learn and be an agent of change.
- Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
- Effective time management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks independently or as part of a team.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, student-centered environment.
- Ability to facilitate engaging one-on-one and group interactions.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and social media platforms
- Experience with educational technology platforms, student information systems, and case management software preferred.
