Bard College at Simon's Rock

Associate Dean of Studies for Bard Academy and First Year Students

Employer Website: http://apply.interfolio.com/123658
Bard Academy and Bard College at Simon’s Rock invites applications for a dynamic individual who will join our academic administrative team as the Associate Dean for Bard Academy and First Year Students, beginning July 2023.

Our Institution: Founded in 1860, Bard College is an international network of highly innovative and admired educational institutions grounded in the liberal arts and sciences. A division of Bard located in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, Bard College at Simon’s Rock is the only four-year college in the U.S. specifically designed for motivated adolescents to fully realize their academic potential by beginning college immediately after the 10th or 11th grade. BA and AA degrees are granted in over 35 areas of study. Simon’s Rock attracts a diverse student population of approximately 400 students, drawn nationally and internationally, with a significant population of students identifying as LGBTQIA+.

For over 50 years, Simon’s Rock has practiced the simple yet radical idea that many students are ready for college before the age of 18, an idea that launched the Early College movement in the United States and beyond. In 2015, Simon’s Rock launched Bard Academy, a two-year high school program for boarding and day students, with courses designed and taught by college professors and leading to entry into college after the tenth grade. In doing so, Simon’s Rock has connected high school and college in one cohesive, coherent six-year arc. In 2019, Simon’s Rock established the Early College Research Institute (ECRI), a locus for research into “what’s next” in Early College. In 2023, Simon’s Rock launched the Bard Queer Leadership Project, a B.A. degree program designed for, and by, LGBTQIA+ college students, aiming to elevate LGBTQIA+ college graduates into leadership roles in fields across the workforce.

The Role: The Associate Dean of Studies for Bard Academy and First Year Students will provide overall support and insight within the academic administration of Bard Academy and Bard College at Simon’s Rock. The Associate Dean of Studies reports to the Dean of Studies and plays a vital role in the academic leadership team at Simon’s Rock by providing direct insight and support to academic advising, student success, and academic processes.

Duties include:
           
Providing support to academic advising for Bard Academy and First Year students

• Work with the Dean of Studies to assign academic advisors to incoming students
• Collaborate with the Dean of Studies to plan and coordinate training and ongoing support for academic advisors
• Collaborate with the Dean of Studies to review and revise guidance for advising
• Conduct regular correspondence with and guidance to advisors and students throughout the advising experience
• Provide insight and leadership within the Academy Advisory team
• Offer guidance to advisors in connecting students to academic support and wellness services as needed
• Provide direct and tailored support to students as needed
• Promote faculty and advisor growth and development through individual and group support

Providing support for academic processes

• Collaborate with the Dean of Studies to oversee new students’ transition to Simon’s Rock within the Academy and the College during Orientation and throughout their first years at Simon’s Rock
• Plan, coordinate, and oversee the J-Term Intersession Program for Academy students
• Oversee matriculating Academy students’ transition into the College
• Provide overall insight and guidance in planning and coordinating the matriculation process
• Collaborate with colleagues and the Dean of Studies in providing insight and guidance to the experiences of first year students within the College
• Work with the Matriculation and Commencement Committee to coordinate the Matriculation Ceremony
• Work with colleagues and the Dean of Studies in planning and coordinating Family Weekend
• Inform students and families about academic opportunities at Simon’s Rock and in the Bard network to guide students’ academic planning                   

Working to ensure greater student success among Bard Academy and First Year students

• Collaborate with the Dean of Studies, Dean of Students, and the Student Success Advisors to ensure student success
• Coordinate with the Directors of Accessibility and Tutoring and other campus colleagues as needed to ensure student success and access to resources
• Provide regular communication with families, both individually and in groups, including year-specific notifications and reminders
• Support faculty and advisors in communicating with families
• Attend Student Support meetings to coordinate support for students with Campus Life, Campus Safety, the Wellness Center, and the Director of Accessibility
• Ensure timely communication with Bard Academy and First Year students through moderated list-serves and other means
• Coordinate with the Dean of Studies and the Academic Services Coordinator to support international students and other designated groups on campus
• Regularly monitor students’ satisfactory progress through our academic programs and create, communicate, and implement plans for individual students
• Collaborate with the Assistant Registrar to review end-of-semester grades in Bard Academy and make recommendations for credit recovery
• Monitor Academy students’ progress in credit recovery and provide regular support and communication with this group of students

Contributing to the teaching (2/1+ courses per year) and advising of students
Additional projects as assigned

Desired qualifications include:

• PhD, MFA, or other terminal degree in a field taught at Simon’s Rock
• Ongoing engagement in field of study
• Experience developing new projects, curriculum, and/or initiatives
• Demonstrated commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the academic
• experience at Simon’s Rock
• Demonstrated growth mindset in working with younger scholars
• 5+ years of teaching and/or working with students

This is a full-time position with benefits. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and fingerprinting. COVID-19 vaccination with booster(s) or approved exemption is required as a condition of employment at Simon’s Rock. 

To Apply
All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter, CV, and contact information for three references. Submit your files to interfolio.com at http://apply.interfolio.com/123658.
No phone calls, please. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

AA/EOE