Academic Counselor

Position Summary

Loras College seeks a dynamic, creative, and collaborative professional to serve as an Academic Counselor in the Lynch Learning Center. The Academic Counselor is a 10‑month, titled faculty position that provides individualized advising and academic support to students with disabilities, contributes to the design, delivery, and review of the ARCH and Enhanced Program curricula, and provides professional development and educational outreach to faculty and staff.

Reporting to the Director of the Lynch Learning Center, the Academic Counselor supports students’ personal, academic, and professional growth across their Loras experience.

• Carry out your functions of the position in support of the College's Catholic Identity, mission, and Church teachings.
• Assist students with disabilities in developing skills needed for academic success.
• Participate in and contribute to the collaborative design, delivery, enhancement, and review of the curriculum of the ARCH Program and Enhanced Program.
• Create innovative tools and services as part of a broader advocacy and learning strategies program.
• Work collaboratively with the Lynch Learning Center team members to develop teaching materials such as online tutorials, web pages, handouts and professional development training for faculty, staff & student workers.
• Develop and implement outreach programs to better engage faculty and staff members in the best practices of disability services.
• Develop new relationships and create new initiatives that respond to trends in Disability Studies, teaching and learning.
• Meet with students seeking accommodations each semester to review, approve, and update requested accommodations.
• Conduct weekly, individual meetings with students in the ARCH Program and the Enhanced Program.
• Host weekly tutoring hours with ARCH Program & Enhanced Program students.
• Communicate effectively with faculty, staff and parents, and advocate for students when appropriate.
• Assess the assistive technology and support service needs of students.
• Maintain documentation and statistical information related to student meetings, interventions, retention and student success.
• Contribute to the Lynch Learning Center Annual Report.
• Develop short and long‑term goals and conduct self‑evaluation annually.
• Be professionally active and contribute to developments in the field.
• Maintain awareness of developments in assistive technology, disability studies and post‑secondary education best practices.
• Participate, with the entire Lynch Learning Center staff, in setting department goals, planning and implementing programs and events, and supervise student workers and interns.
• Review documentation (psychological, diagnostic tests, school documentation and other reports) submitted by students.
• Represent the Lynch Learning Center on, and lead, committees and work groups on and off campus.
• Support the mission and vision of the College and respect its Catholic tradition.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

• A Master’s degree in education or a related field from an accredited institution and 2‑4 years of experience working with students with disabilities is required.
• Additional qualifications:
  
  demonstrated effectiveness and excellence in teaching and/or training; high level competency using Microsoft Office Suite, online delivery methods, and assistive technology; knowledge of best practices for study skills, time management, note‑taking, reading comprehension, and writing skills; knowledge of instructional design and the principles and practices in the field of disability services.

Commensurate with qualifications, education and experience. Fringe benefits include medical/dental/life/disability insurance, flexible spending plan, TIAA retirement plan, tuition remission program, family membership in Graber Sports Center/San Jose Pool, free admission to many college events and free off‑street parking.

Loras College is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an educational and work environment that is inclusive, rich in diversity, and supportive of all students, faculty and staff. Individuals from diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.