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Director of First Year Residential Programs and Student Activities

By /
North Newton, KS
Full-time
Bethel College

The Director of First Year Programs and Student Activities is responsible for the implementation, evaluation and continuous improvement of programs to orient first year and transfer students to university life in general and Bethel College in particular. This retention-focused position will enhance onboarding, orientation, and matriculation success for new Bethel College students. This position collaborates closely with students, faculty, staff, and administration to implement new strategies, re-envision existing programs, and increase student persistence. Inclusive this position provides services essential to the mission of the college and the operation of the office for Vice President of Student Life. Reporting directly to the Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students. Individual will serve as the primary advisor for student organizations that provides programs, services, and initiatives designed to encourage and engage students from populations that may sit at the margins of the campus community by increasing awareness, promoting support, and creating opportunities for interaction and dialogue.

Department

Student Life

Classification

  • Full-time [1.0 FTE], 12-month, hourly, benefits-eligible, live-in (residential)

Essential Functions

  • Support the mission, vision, and values of Bethel College
  • Live-in Residential Housing to provide supervision for Freshman Students
  • Provide leadership and campus level coordination in the development and implementation of programs, events, and activities related to first year and transfer experience
  • Collaborate with the faculty, staff, and administration to build institutional awareness, support program assessment efforts, and provide consultation in support of retention and persistence of freshmen and transfer students
  • Recruit, select, train, supervise, and evaluate the First-Year Experience Peer Mentors in conjunction with Student Affairs and Student Retention Services
  • Assess and enhance early intervention strategies
  • Develop, implement, and assess the efficacy of various First-Year Experience and transfer policies, procedures, programs, publications, social media, etc.
  • Manage the day-to-day administrative affairs of the Vice President
  • Screen incoming calls to the Vice President, determining nature of call and whether it requires the attention of the Vice President
  • Schedule and coordinate appointment calendar for Vice President
  • Handle office correspondence accordingly
  • Coordinate the Vice-President travels, meetings, etc. and provide documents and meeting materials accordingly
  • Responsible for securing, reserving, and preparing facilities for all events of the Vice President’s office
  • Ability to maintain highly sensitive information in strict confidence
  • Organize and Coordinate the Thresher Pantry
  • Design, implement, maintain, and improve activities, events, and leadership programs that support students’ co-curricular learning and life outside the classroom
  • Facilitate campus-wide activities for student interaction, inclusion, education, and entertainment, including: planning, budget management, training, workshops, scheduling, marketing, and evaluation
  • Oversee the development, organization, and facilitation of new student orientation (aka ‘Thresher Days’) each semester
  • Develop a full schedule of activities, programs, and events for the first week of each semester (aka ‘Welcome Week’)
  • Assist the Office of Student Life with the administration of student clubs and organizations
  • Provide vision to the development and sustainment of student leadership opportunities
  • Provide vision to the development and sustainment of programming intended to engage and include students from varied populations and diverse cultures
  • Supervise Haury Hall Community Assistants (CAs)
  • Advise the Student Activities Council (SAC)
  • Advise the Diversity Council
  • Identify, monitor, and assess the success of students of color, and those from historically underrepresented populations
  • Assist in the development of an intervention plan for students not succeeding
  • Promote and regularly attend college sponsored events and activities
  • Coordinate and support activities with various campus partners and stakeholders including the Office of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion; the Center for Academic Development; Career Services & Experiential Learning; Alumni Relations; Enrollment Management; and Athletics
  • Create and sustain effective working relationships with campus partners and stakeholders
  • Serve on appointed College committees
  • Demonstrate flexibility and willingness to learn and adapt to changing work processes, including moving from in-person to remote work and back, as necessitated by College policy or as directed by the supervisor
  • Satisfy the duties of a Mandated Reporter relating to Title IX and the Bethel College Equal Opportunity, Harassment, & Non-Discrimination Policy and Procedures
  • Arrive on time for work, attend work regularly, and successfully complete the responsibilities of the position
  • Comply with Bethel College policies and procedures
  • Assume the responsibility of educational instruction via workshops and activities for all students
  • Teach and demonstrate techniques, tactics, and strategies to help students reach their full potential
  • Provide constructive feedback and support to all students throughout their matriculation
  • Communicate effectively with students to ensure positive and supportive communities on campus
  • Stay current with educational trends and platforms that will enhance the development of students on and off campus

Secondary Functions

  • Assist Admissions with prospective student contacts as requested.
  • Engage faculty, staff, and other campus/community stakeholders.
  • Work with other Student Life members in carrying out common goals through on-going communication and by attending Student Life staff meetings.
  • Assist other Student Life staff members as needed (i.e., during a co-worker’s absence or in the event of an emergency).
  • Serve as a weekend on-call personnel for residential life
  • Carry out other responsibilities and assignments as requested by the Vice President for Student Life.

Supervisory Responsibility

  • Supervise Orientation Leaders, including:
    • Selection, training, and development
    • Accountability
    • Evaluation

Education and/or Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree, required
  • Master’s degree, preferred
  • Preference will be given to candidates who have experience with:
    • working/living within a residence hall environment
    • working in student activities or student leadership
    • student supervision and/or advising
    • working in an on-call duty rotation
    • managing students in crisis
    • student conduct administration

Skills Required

  • Work independently and take initiative to improve programs and departmental procedures
  • Proven ability for developing and maintaining collaborative relationships and partnerships with campus and community stakeholders
  • Strong oral and written communication skills—including effective public speaking
  • Understanding of group dynamics in order to supervise, advise, counsel, and interact with students
  • Demonstrates a commitment to student advocacy for various populations, specifically those that have been traditionally marginalized
  • Work well in a fast-paced changing environment and adapt to new responsibilities, ideas and approaches
  • Ability to adapt to a flexible schedule that may include evenings and occasional weekends
  • Ability to respond appropriately to students in crisis and intervene in the event of an accident or crisis
  • Provide excellent customer service to students, faculty, staff, and guests
  • Utilize superior time-management skills to facilitate the completion of the essential job functions within an unpredictable schedule

Required Qualifications

  • Experience developing and implementing student programs
  • Develop and track budget annual budgets and provide financial forecast
  • Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and flexibility in problem-solving
  • Excellent organizational, writing, interpersonal, and speaking skills
  • Experience facilitating collaborative interactions with a diverse constituency
  • Genuine desire and ability to work with and relate to college students
  • Experience with student information system, social media, and web-based applications relevant to the duties of the position.  Need to know how to navigate CANVA

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The essential functions of the position require:

  • Minimal lifting (up to 25 lbs.) and reaching
  • Operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as telephone, calculator, copy machine, and printer for extended periods of time
  • Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one classroom or building location to another
  • Ascending and descending stairs
  • Ability to perform tasks both sitting and standing for extended periods of time
  • Ability to function well in a standard office setting
  • Medium/indoor work environment

Work Environment and Conditions

All the essential job functions are subject to reasonable accommodation. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills and/or ability deemed necessary to perform the job proficiently. This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements.  Individuals may be required to perform other job-related instructions as requested by the supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation. This position description is not all-inclusive and may change at the option of the ‘ (supervisor or department head). Any major change will result in the position being reviewed for reclassification.

To apply for this job please visit https://forms.bethelks.edu/about/who-we-are/career-opportunities/current-position-openings/director-first-year-residential.

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Comfort Olugbuyi

Florida Atlantic University, Associate Director for Center for Learning and Student Success and eSuccess   

Workshop: Be the Standout: Elevating your Workshop Skills

Dr. Comfort Olugbuyi comes to Florida Atlantic University with a B.A. in Psychology from the University of North Texas, an M.A. in Youth and Family ministries from John Brown University, and a Ed.D in Higher Education Leadership from Bethel University (MN). Comfort’s research and experience focuses on academic support for college students. She looks for opportunities to support students where they are in the ever-changing world and create partnerships and connections to close gaps and increase retention and overall sense of belonging for students. Comfort joined ACSD June 2008 and has loved the partnership, friendships, mentorships, and overall camaraderie experienced through the years. She currently serves as the Chair of the Diversity Leadership Team, and previously served as New Professional Retreat facilitator (Vice Chair and Chair).

Dr. Comfort Olugbuyi has almost two decades of higher education experience in various positions. She started as a Graduate Assistant Caterer and event coordinator at the University of North Texas, moving on to a Resident Director at John Brown University and Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA). Comfort then spent over a decade in various student affairs positions at Palm Beach Atlantic University within First Year Advising, Academic Support, and Disability Services. She had additional opportunities to invest and support employee professional development, employee health and wellness, multicultural programming, and NCAA athletics all at PBA. Currently, Comfort serves as the Associate Director of Academic Support at Florida Atlantic University, which is part of the Center for Learning and Student Success (CLASS) where she provides academic support and serves as a liaison to online and hybrid students to all six campuses. When she is not on a college campus you can find Comfort serving at her local church as a welcome host and greeter, volunteering at local community events, or watching local musical theater/play productions.

Why are you excited to be a part of Elevate?
Dr. Olugbuyi is excited and honored to partner with Elevate. There is tremendous value within this professional development opportunity. Comfort is excited to share her ideas through her unique perspectives. She looks forward to collaborating with this group of professionals to share information and offer support in helping to create workshops to enhance ACSD and other conferences.

Shino Simons

Keck Graduate Institute, Dean of Students

Workshop: Strategic Planning: How to Create a Multicultural Strategy in Your Area of Influence

Shino was born in Japan and raised in Hawaii. Shino has served in higher education for the past 27 years, and she felt the call to raise up the next generation of leaders through higher education. She began her career as a resident director but quickly rose to various leadership positions, including associate director of residence life, directorship in various offices, Title IX Coordinator, associate dean of students, Vice President for Student Affairs, and currently the Dean of Students at Keck Graduate Institute.

Shino received her B.A. in Psychology and M.Ed. in College Student Affairs from Azusa Pacific University. She continued her education at Claremont Graduate University and received her Ph.D. in Higher Education, where she learned from scholars such as Dr. Daryl Smith, Dr. Linda Perkins, and Dr. Susan Paik.

Shino has been married for almost 26 years to Eric, and they have two beautiful, fun, strong, smart, and crazy kids (Kayla, 17 and Travis, 13). She loves having great conversations over a good cup of coffee (and dessert). She especially enjoys seeing the next generation of leaders be trained, equipped and developed so that they can continue to lean into what God is calling them to do.

Why are you excited to be a part of Elevate?
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Kevin Villegas

Baylor University, Dean of Intercultural Engagement and Division of Student Life Initiatives

Workshop: Starting with You: Self-awareness and Sustainability

Dr. Kevin Villegas serves as the Dean of Intercultural Engagement and Division of Student Life Initiatives. In his role, Dr. Villegas is responsible for leading a comprehensive approach to empower all students and Division of Student Life staff in the creation of a more vibrant, inclusive, and supportive campus environment as an expression of the Baylor University mission. He has more than two decades of demonstrated leadership experience in a variety of roles within higher- and secondary-education settings, which includes working in or overseeing areas such as campus ministries, student leadership development, new student orientation, student activities, international student programs, athletics coaching, and public relations. He has also led international service trips, co-led a cross-cultural course, and taught strategic leadership in higher education, and leadership and first-year seminar courses for undergraduate students. 

Dr. Villegas is an active member of the Association for Christians in Student Development (ACSD) and served for several years on the executive committee as the chair of the Diversity Leadership Team. He was a recipient of ACSD’s Jane Higa Multicultural Advancement Award in recognition of his significant contributions toward increased understanding and promotion of multiculturalism in ACSD and at Messiah University, where he worked for 17 years. Beyond the realm of education, Dr. Villegas also worked in the entertainment industry and in pastoral ministry. 

A native of New York City, Dr. Villegas is a decorated veteran of the United States Marine Corps, having served on active duty for four years before going on to earn his Bachelor of Arts degree in communication from Messiah College, his Master of Arts degree in Christian Leadership from Fuller Theological Seminary, and his Doctor of Education degree in Educational Leadership from Gwynedd Mercy University.

Why are you excited to be a part of Elevate?
I’m excited to be a part of Elevate because equipping our professional members to better serve and develop multicultural student populations on our respective campuses is vital work. In an increasingly diverse society, knowing how to navigate differences of all sorts with conviction and compassion is needed now more than ever.

Leah Fulton

Trinity Christian College – Palos Heights, IL, Vice President of Student Success

Workshop: Development: Institutional Partnerships and Operational Efficiency

Leah comes to Trinity with a B.A. from Ball State University, an M.A. in Intercultural Studies from Wheaton College, and a Ph.D. in Higher Education with a minor in African American Studies from the University of Minnesota. Leah’s research explores the historical and contemporary motivations and barriers facing African Americans in foreign missions, the history of Black women in doctoral education and the experiences of Black mother doctoral students. She also studies the experience of students and adjunct faculty of color in leadership education.

Leah has over a decade of higher education experience, primarily in student affairs, beginning at Wheaton College where she was a founding member of the Shalom House- a living learning community for students to explore racial reconciliation. She has served as Assistant Dean of Students for the University of St. Thomas and as Associate Dean for Intercultural Student Programs and Services at Bethel University where she launched the Act Six program and the Cultural Connection Center- a campus affinity space designed to cultivate understanding, friendship, and shalom in the way of Jesus. She is also the founder and principal consultant for Project 51, which serves leaders and not-for-profit organizations seeking to grow in their approach to justice, to belonging, to equity, and to diversity.

Why are you excited to be a part of Elevate?
Dr. Fulton is excited to be part of Elevate because of how important it is to support professionals of color in Christian higher education. She benefited from the wisdom and experience of professionals before her and is eager to invest in other professionals to support their ability to navigate the industry, care for students, be well, and effectively make lasting change.

Jerry Woehr

Wheaton College, Director of International Student Programs

Workshop: International Students: Your Role in Their Flourishing

As Director of International Student Programs at Wheaton College, Jerry empowers international students (F-1 visa, MKs & TCKs) to flourish by advising student organizations,  advocating for international student needs, mentoring students, and providing leadership for the F-1 visa student program. Partnering with his office staff and student leaders, Jerry seeks to fulfill a vision of developing students that follow Jesus, as members of God’s global kingdom, through relationships that foster belonging, active learning experiences, and meaningful engagement with their communities. He considers it a privilege to know God more deeply through his experience, and support of, a vibrant and multicultural community at Wheaton.

Why are you excited to be a part of Elevate?
I hope to encourage the Elevate cohort with the experiences and lessons God has given me in higher education, just as so many have done (and still do) for me! I also had the unique privilege of being a part of the team that created the Elevate certificate and returning as a workshop presenter is a gift.

Nii Kpakpo Abrahams

Butler University, Senior Director, Student Experience and Engagement

Workshop: Programming: Innovative Approaches to Multicultural Programming

Nii Kpakpo Abrahams serves as the inaugural Senior Director of Student Experience and Engagement at Butler University. While reporting through Academic Affairs, the office sits between university divisions to partner with and collaborate across campus to cultivate a relationship-rich, high-impact, and seamless student experience that fosters a sense of belonging for all students. He is extremely passionate about helping college students discover, develop, and deploy their giftings and passions. In addition to his work at Butler, Nii is a church planter in the Indianapolis metro area. He holds both his Bachelors and Masters degrees in Communication from Missouri State University. In his downtime, you can find him spending time with his wife and daughter, playing Monopoly Deal, and searching for the best donut shops in Indianapolis.

Why are you excited to be a part of Elevate?

As a Ghanaian-American, I uniquely understand the weight multicultural practitioners carry cultivating belonging on campus. It’s an honor to help develop and encourage leaders who are making an impact across the country!

MORE FAq's

Elevate is geared toward higher education professionals serving in a student-facing, multicultural role and are either (or both) a department of one or are early in their higher education career. Those in positions of directors, coordinators, specialists, or similar titles should consider applying and participating.

ELEVATE is aimed at professionals who are student-facing and oversee programming. We want to equip our student development professionals who are working to make a more welcoming compass experience for students.

Elevate applications will be reviewed by the ACSD Diversity Leadership Team and participants will be selected based on the following criteria:

  • Applicant is eager for new learning and support (department of one, early career professional in this field)
  • Applicant is interested in learning more about best practices within multicultural (higher ed) work
  • Applicant currently serves in student facing multicultural role (part time or full time)
  • Applicants have the support and institutional backing to participate in 2 ASCD conferences, all Elevate workshops, and to eventually use their learning to strengthen the impact of their department/role/institution.
  • Applicant will document how they will contribute to the cohort and shared learning experience

The Diversity Leadership Team will award 2 Elevate scholarships that cover the cost of the Elevate Certification (value of $300). To be considered for an Elevate Scholarship, indicate your interest in the Elevate application and complete the short answer question about financial need.

Yes, Elevate applicants and/or participants are eligible for both the ACSD Multicultural Scholarship and the Elevate Scholarship. The ACSD Multicultural Conference Scholarship covers the amount of the annual conference registration fee.

Yes, either a supervisor or a senior colleague must complete a professional reference form confirming their support of your participation in Elevate and a desire for you to return with lessons (ideas, practices, policies, programs, etc.) that will positively influence your department and work.

No. A supervisor or senior colleague approval is required to ensure that participants have departmental support to implement what they are learning (ideas, practices, policies, programs, etc.) in their department and/or role as a multicultural practitioner.

Participants will continue networking and fostering relationships with their Elevate cohort members in addition to receiving continued support from the ACSD Multicultural Collaborative and the Diversity Leadership Team. 

Elevate participants will be asked to participate in recruitment videos, photos, and provide written testimonials sharing their experience with Elevate.

The Diversity Leadership Team understands department budgets or personal changes may occur between conferences and will work with you to ensure attendance is possible for both conferences.

Yes. The Diversity Leadership Team understands professional changes happen and they will work with you to continue towards completion of the certification.

ACSD Executive Committee voting is now live!