Peer Supported Learning Coordinator

Duties:As a division of Student Affairs, through the Centre for Experiential Learning & Student Engagement, Peer Supported Learning (PSL) provides peer-facilitated support in the university's most challenging courses. As a non-remedial approach available to all students enrolled in selected courses, weekly peer-facilitated study sessions are offered to help students compare notes, develop learning strategies and prepare for exams. These sessions are facilitated by trained undergraduate students known as "PSL Leaders" who have successfully taken the course before and who, in their PSL role re-attend lectures, connect with students and act as a role model. At its core, the PSL model helps students integrate 'what to learn' with 'how to learn'. It has been successfully implemented around the world as an effective retention strategy in a variety of higher education contextsThe Coordinator of the Peer Supported Learning Program plays a crucial role in developing and implementing an exemplary and comprehensive PSL program and ensuring its effectiveness as a retention strategy.As a member of the Centre for Experiential Learning & Student Engagement team and reporting to the Director Centre for Experiential Learning & Student Engagement, the Coordinator of the Peer Supported Learning Program will: Provide leadership in developing and implementing an exemplary and comprehensive Peer Supported Learning programIdentify weaknesses or issues in the current PSL program and solve or make recommendations for improvementInterview, train and meet regularly with PSL Leaders each semesterRevise PSL Leader training materials and notebooksPlan and direct periodic group meetings of institution-wide PSL LeadersSupervise PSL sessions and provide feedback to PSL LeadersServe as primary liaison with departmental administrators and faculty membersOversee the promotion of the PSL program through information sessions with students, rack cards, posters, and social mediaGather and analyze all data and feedback associated within the PSL program including attendance, grades, surveys, handouts generated by the PSL LeadersEnsure timely distribution and analysis of midterm and end-of-term surveys.Assist PSL Leaders in creating session plans and provide ongoing training in learning strategies.Support coverage for other roles in the Centre for Experiential Learning & Student EngagementEffectively contribute as a member of a dynamic team to enhance department goals and collaborate on initiativesOperate within an annual budget as set by the Director for all PSL expenses. Successful candidates will participate in a wide range of activities, including, student support; institutional, faculty and departmental committee meetings and other initiatives; and professional activities in keeping with their disciplines in and outside the institution.Required Qualifications:Bachelor's Degree from an appropriately accredited institution Professional training as a Peer Supported Learning facilitatorKnowledge of learning strategies and student engagement techniquesExperience with data analysis and program evaluationAbility to work collaboratively with students, faculty, and staff Preferred Qualifications: Master's degree in a field relevant to experiential education from an appropriately accredited institution.Formal Training in Supplemental Instruction, Learning Communities, and Peer MentorshipExperience in peer support programs or educational leadership preferred.Working knowledge of the Orbis database system. VIU is pleased to offer eligible employees a comprehensive benefit plan; ample paid holiday time; professional development opportunities and a desirable pension plan. As part of the VIU campus community, our employees work with supportive colleagues within an encouraging environment and are provided with the tools and training that promote learning and development. The perks of VIU employment are multiple, and include well-being initiatives and services, strategic discounts, and flexible work opportunities.