St. Cloud State University

Academic Director–Alnwick England

Position Description

Director Responsibilities

1.         Teach Introduction to British Cultural Experience, INTL 199, a one credit course, the term prior to directing the program in England.

2.         Responsible for recruiting student participants at least one year in advance of program including participating in study abroad fairs and freshmen orientation, large section classroom presentations, marketing materials including posters, flyers, web pages, brochures, bookmarks, etc. 

3.         Serve on interview committee and participate in discussion with search committee in selection of faculty.

4.         Collaborate and communicate effectively with faculty on recruiting and planning for the program.

5.         Coordinate scheduling of courses offered by SCSU and the British faculty.

6.         Coordinate the cultural and field events and activities with the curricular offerings insuring appropriate supervision of these activities.

7.         Accompany program participants on all program-wide activities.

8.         Provide academic and administrative coordination and foster an environment which enhances growth and development of the program.

9.         Provide overall leadership in administering, enforcing and upholding the academic policies and procedures pertaining to the program and the students.

10.       Collaborate with the Resident Coordinator on over-all program operations including budget on cultural events and field trips.

11.        Invite and encourage faculty member to attend and/or participate in INTL 199.

12.       Organize and participate in Alnwick community activities to enhance the visibility and reputation of SCSU.

13.       Advise students on academic matters.

14.       Teach Observations and Reflections on England, INTL 299, a two credit course.

15.       Teach a three or four credit course in your discipline.  The course must be made relevant to the British Culture.

16.       Exercise mutual respect toward your SCSU and British colleagues in conducting teaching, field trips, and other program related activities.

17.       Be on duty during the on-site orientation and at all times when classes and field experiences are in session.

18.       Work collaboratively with the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs/International Studies and the Center for International Studies before and during your directing abroad reassignment period, subject to the supervision of the Provost.

19.       Participate in the special cultural and extracurricular activities offered to students as official parts of the program (e.g. field trips, host family activities, Alnwick community functions).  (These examples are not meant to be an exhaustive list.)

20.       Interact with students outside of the classroom (e.g. eating meals with the students, going to the theater, chatting in the common room, providing recommendations for travel plans).  Faculty teaching in the British Studies Program are expected to do more than simply teach their courses.  The program provides an excellent opportunity for faculty to interact with students on a daily basis in ways not normally possible on campus.

21.       Actively support international opportunities upon returning to SCSU including recruiting for future programs and participation on the British Studies Sub-Committee.

22.       Submit a report upon return to the International Studies Committee and the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs/International Studies highlighting your professional development growth and your action plans to internationalize the courses you teach and /or a degree program in your department/division.  (This report is due in 30 days of return).

Director Qualifications

1.         Previous teaching or directing experience in the SCSU British Studies Program (previous teaching or directing experience in a higher education study abroad program involving U.S. students will also be considered).

2.         Ability to teach effectively.

3.         Ability to offer courses that are relevant to the host culture and

a. course(s) that meet general education requirements; or

b. course(s) that appeal to or meet the curricular needs of a large number of students.

4.         Ability and willingness to recruit and advise students.

5.         Willingness and ability to work effectively with and be available to students, faculty, SCSU staff and castle staff prior to, during and after the program.

6.         Willingness and a desire to contribute to student and faculty growth and development prior to, during and after the program.

7.         Flexibility and willingness to embrace cultural and structural differences.

8.         Public relations and human relations skills, interests and sensitivities. 

9.         Ability to make decisions cooperatively and independently in frameworks that include: students; faculty; staff; administration; and community leaders.

10.       Leadership ability.

11.       Organizational and management skills.

12.       Effective communication skills.

13.       Ability to work well as a team member including collaborating closely with program faculty.

14.       Ability to solve problems.

Revised March 17, 2009
ST. CLOUD STATE UNIVERSITY

ACADEMIC DIRECTOR–ALNWICK ENGLAND

Director Application Procedure

To be considered for a director position in the British Studies Program, you must submit the following.

1.         Completed application form signed by the Department/Unit Chair, the Dean, and applicant.  If the faculty member proposes a course outside of his/her department or unit, the application form must also be signed by the chair of the outside unit. 

2.         Letter of application which provides:

                        a.        Your perspective on international education and experiences;

                        b.        Evidence that you meet the director qualifications, including evidence of

                                   ability to teach effectively.

                        c.        How you propose to fulfill the director responsibilities.

3.         Course syllabi for the following courses (sample syllabi and learning goals available upon request):

a.         Introduction to British Cultural Experience (INTL 199); and

                        b.         Observations and Reflections on England (INTL 299).

4.         Course proposals for two classes.  The courses must be approved through the curriculum process.  The proposals must include:

a.         Course Name and Number;

b.         Course description;

            c.         The prerequisites, if any;

d.         What requirements the course satisfies (e.g. Gen. Ed. Area A, major core, minor requirements);

            e.         Course syllabus including learning goals and assessment plan;

f.          How the course relates or will be adapted to the host culture;

g.         How you propose to cover the academic content in an intensive program;

h.         The capacity of the course to attract students to the program;

Revised March 17, 2009