Learning Specialist

Job Summary

The Academic Success Program with the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine (SFESOM) provides a comprehensive approach to medical student success. Our staff is committed to supporting University of Utah medical students by providing academic mentoring, tutoring services, workshops, and learning resources. The Learning Specialist will meet individually with students to provide information and guidance in academic-related issues, facilitate student progress, and help them improve their learning and development.

Responsibilities

• Mets with students 1-on-1 to discuss study strategies, test-taking strategies, and other learning skills to help them meet their goals.
• This position is the point of contact for all students needing assistance to achieve academic success.
• Develops and presents education programs designed to supplement and enhance academic preparedness.
• Works with the Academic Success Program team to ensure unit goals are achieved with respect to student success through all Phases of the curriculum, and on national board exams.
• Aids in the development and implementation of an Individual Academic Success Learning Plan for any student who requires remediation in any given course.
• In conjunction with the Academic Success Program team, reviews student performance and utilizes a data-driven decision-making approach to identify student academic needs and assist students achieve academic potential.
• Represents Southern Utah Regional Medical Campus in Academic Success and Student Affairs in the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine by serving on university-wide committees aimed at student learning and development.
• Collaborates with the University of Utah Center for Disability and Access to support students with approved accommodations and promote inclusive learning strategies.
• Collaborates with Curriculum Manager to assist with PIF, Careers in Medicine (CIM), and research opportunities.
• Performs administrative tasks to support graduate students, including record-keeping, program of study coordination, scheduling, course-planning, graduation tracking.
• Participates in campus-based professional development communities, including but not limited to GAPA or other relevant campus-based organizations that directly impact their position.
• Collects and disseminates information to students, faculty and departments about changes in degree requirements or University policies and adjusts advising strategies as appropriate.
• May participate in search committees for new hires in department, including both staff and faculty roles.
• Participates in programming communities for students within their area, including, but not limited to activities such as overseeing a mentoring program, student organization, etc.
• Provides curriculum feedback at the department level. May coordinate course and curriculum evaluations and feedback for graduate committees.
• Acts as a resource for graduate student roles and is a liaison between the department and the Graduate School on campus.
• Power user for University-wide application review platforms.
• Collaborates with faculty to coordinate scheduling exams, or defenses. Assists students with developing a working relationship with faculty in the assigned program.
• Participates in events related to graduate programs, graduate student orientation, graduate conferences, and professional development events.
• Acts as a resource for graduate student roles and is a liaison between the department and the Graduate School on campus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience).
• Demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills.
• Potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.
• Master's degree in Education, Educational Psychology, Counseling, Sociology, Ethnic Studies, Psychology, or related area preferred.
• Strong communication and counseling skills.
• Experience with working with high achieving students at the college or graduate/professional school level.
• Understanding of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and experience in the student accommodations process.
• Experience in standardized test taking skills, time management, learning skills, and critical thinking.
• Strong understanding of self-directed learning and pedagogical development theories.