Principal Faculty: PA Student Success Facilitator

Student Success Program Implementation & Support

The Student Success Facilitator (SSF) implements and supports the existing student success program aligned with the PA program's mission and vision. The SSF collaborates with faculty and course directors to identify at-risk students and develop personalized action plans for improvement. They track student engagement with institutional and program resources and provide input on the effectiveness of student success strategies. The SSF also monitors and recommends revisions to program benchmarks for student success referrals and tracks and reports on student academic progression following the implementation of success strategies.

Remediation & Academic Coaching

The SSF collaborates with faculty and course directors to facilitate, monitor, and adjust individualized student remediation plans designed to address specific learner deficits. They deliver academic coaching through individual and/or group sessions, guiding students to assess performance, develop effective academic success plans, and foster personal growth. The SSF empowers students to develop effective study habits, time management skills, and strategies for overcoming academic challenges.

Resource Coordination & Liaison

The SSF connects students with relevant academic resources, support services, and faculty members, ensuring holistic support throughout their educational journey. They coordinate with institutional support services to facilitate program faculty’s access and effective utilization of the RVU documentation repository. The SSF serves as a primary liaison between students and program administration, advocating for student needs, addressing concerns, and facilitating feedback. They collaborate with faculty, staff, and administration to support student success initiatives and retention efforts.

Facilitation of Learning

The SSF conducts individual and/or group sessions to develop student skills in areas such as test-taking strategies, stress management, and effective communication. They collaborate with faculty to integrate success strategies into the curriculum. Optionally, they develop and deliver lectures, and interactive small group sessions on success strategies or other relevant areas of expertise, prioritizing program needs.

Service & Program Support

The SSF serves on PA program and University committees according to professional interest and assigned duties. They attend PA program faculty meetings, retreats, and accreditation-related activities. They participate in the PA Program’s admissions process. They perform other duties as assigned, contributing to the overall mission of the program and the university.

Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of educational practices and strategies in higher education, particularly in health professions education.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport with students and create a supportive learning environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team setting and engage with diverse student populations.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Demonstrated knowledge of instructional and mentoring techniques.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to change.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (e.g., Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and academic systems (e.g., learning management systems such as Canvas, Blackboard).
• Demonstrated commitment to promoting inclusive excellence in education and student success initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant field from an accredited institution (e.g., education, counseling, health sciences, or a related discipline).
• Current license (or eligibility) to practice in Colorado, if possessing a clinical background relevant to the PA program/profession.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
• Three (3) or more years of professional experience in student support roles (e.g., mentoring, academic advising, success coach) within a higher education setting.
• Experience in curriculum development, delivery, or teaching within a Physician Assistant (PA) program (clinical or didactic).
• Demonstrated proficiency in success coaching techniques and/or motivational interviewing strategies.
• Proven ability to identify student needs and effectively connect them with relevant support services and institutional resources.