ABOUT THE JOB HEAD OF FIRST YEAR EXPERIENCE PROGRAM

City University Ajman is seeking a passionate and experienced individual to lead the First-Year Experience (FYE) Program as the Head of the First-Year Experience Program. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing and managing initiatives that support first-year students’ transition, academic success, and engagement. As a key member of the academic leadership team, the Head of the First-Year Experience Program will oversee curriculum development, student retention strategies, and program assessment.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ph.D. or equivalent degree in English, Linguistics (English major), or a related field.
• Experience in directing or managing a Foundation Program or First-Year Experience Program.
• Strong expertise in curriculum development, academic support strategies, and student retention initiatives.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Arabic is a must.
• Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Commitment to student success, academic excellence, and program development.
• Experience in policy implementation, program assessment, and faculty collaboration is desirable.

• Lead the design, implementation, and evaluation of the First-Year Experience (FYE) Program to enhance student engagement and academic success.
• Develop and oversee curriculum, handouts, lectures, discussions, and presentations to support first-year students in their academic transition.
• Collaborate with faculty, administrators, and student support services to ensure a holistic and effective first-year experience.
• Establish program learning outcomes (PLOs) and align them with course learning outcomes (CLOs) in collaboration with the Dean.
• Manage assessment activities, including articulating learning outcomes, administering measures, evaluating student performance, and proposing enhancements to the program.
• Propose and implement policies that improve academic development, student retention, and first-year success within the College and University.
• Supervise and evaluate students in academic support programs, orientation sessions, and first-year courses.
• Coordinate with faculty members and university stakeholders to integrate best practices in first-year pedagogy and curriculum design.
• Maintain accurate student records and track the impact of FYE initiatives on student performance and retention.
• Ensure compliance with audit, quality assurance, and risk management standards to uphold program excellence.
• Provide academic advising and mentorship to first-year students, fostering an environment conducive to student success.
• Maintain availability to students via in-person office hours, email, or phone, clearly communicating contact methods and hours.
• Support university research projects and community engagement initiatives related to first-year student success.
• Participate in faculty evaluation processes and contribute to community service programs.
• Ensure a safe and supportive learning environment, promoting best practices in academic and student support services.
• Stay updated on emerging trends in first-year experience programs by attending professional conferences and engaging in continuous learning.
• Follow the Professional Development Plan proposed by the Dean and participate in university activities and meetings.
• Perform other academically related duties as assigned by the Dean.