24-128 Associate Director, Office of Educational Accessibility (Tenure-Track Faculty)

Join a vibrant equity-minded campus community whose excellence is reflected in its community, cultural engagement, and student success. The Office of Educational Accessibility (OEA) invites applicants for the position of Associate Director. This is a Full-Time, Tenure-Track position. Faculty rank will be determined based on the successful finalist’s experience, expertise, and training. The position begins in August 2024.
 
West Chester University (WCU), a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, is a public, comprehensive institution committed to offering high-quality undergraduate education, selected post-baccalaureate and graduate programs, and a variety of educational and cultural resources for its students, alumni, and citizens of southeastern Pennsylvania. The University offers more than 100 graduate and undergraduate programs in the sciences and mathematics, business and public management, arts and humanities, health sciences, education and social work, music, and interdisciplinary studies. We are a community of educators dedicated to developing graduates who succeed personally and professionally and contribute to the common good.
 
The Office of Educational Accessibility (OEA) is a member of the Academic Affairs Division.  Housed in University College, OEA serves the entire campus in matters regarding the experience of students with disabilities at WCU. The mission of the Office of Educational Accessibility is to maximize student success, self-advocacy, and independence in an accessible academic environment. All programs and services are in keeping with the University's mission to provide equal education for all qualified students.
 
The Associate Director serves to coordinate and oversee the operation of the Proctoring Center, Notetaking, Assistive Technology, and Communication Access Programs as well as the Graduate Assistant Program. The ideal candidate will supervise the direct service positions of Senior Accommodations Specialist and the CART Captioner. The incumbent will maintain a modified schedule of initial appointments and student meetings as well as maintaining a scholarly agenda expected of a West Chester University faculty member. Their experience, substantive specialization, and training will serve to strengthen the Office’s mission and vision. The faculty will collaborate with other departmental and college faculty & staff to ensure student success.
 
Responsibilities include:

• Represent the office to campus partners and outside constituencies, as delegated
• Oversee the timely approval of disability requests and assigning as necessary
• Make time-sensitive decisions regarding interpreting the reasonableness of accommodations and the implementation of appropriate policy applicable to faculty and students
• Assign the workload of direct reports - Senior Accommodations Specialist and CART Captioner positions within their respective roles
• Assist the Director in the preparation of internal and external annual reports, grant proposals, and so on
• Oversee the Graduate Assistant program, the Proctoring Center, Notetaking, Assistive Technology, and Communication Access Programs (including CART and ASL)
• Stay abreast of current developments and trends in disability services, studies, and support
• Work collaboratively with departments and units across the University to resolve student issues, remove barriers to access, and promote Universal Design
• Engage in scholarly activities such as research, presentations, and publications. This is necessary for tenure and promotion
• Serve the University and the community through participation in various committees, engagements, and focus groups
• Other duties as assigned

• Master’s degree in higher education, student affairs, disability studies, or other related discipline
• At least four (4) years of progressive experience in responsibilities working with disabled students and/or direct service providers in a higher education setting
• Experience managing accommodations in a high paced environment. This includes knowledge of the ADA (Section 504) and other disability rights laws

• Terminal degree in higher education, student affairs, disability studies, counseling, law (Civil Right or Education Law), or other related discipline; and/or
• At least six (6) years of working experience with disabled students or supervising direct service providers in a higher education setting

Apply online at https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/wcupa. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
 
Review of applications will begin in May 2024 and continue until the position is filled. 
 
Applicants must successfully complete the application and interview process to be considered as a finalist.
 
Required Documents for Consideration
To be considered as an applicant for this position, please submit the following:

• Cover Letter
• CV
• List of three references (Include name, email address, and phone number.)
• Diversity Statement (See below)

 
Commitment to Diversity Equity and Inclusion: 
West Chester University has joined EAB’s Moon Shot initiative for Equity in Higher education. This initiative is designed to support faculty, students, and staff who are typically excluded and therefore are underrepresented. As part of your application for a tenure-track faculty position, we request a Diversity Statement. This request highlights our department's commitment to promote diversity and inclusiveness and to cultivate a campus environment that welcomes all. This commitment reflects the Diversity Theme of West Chester University's Strategic Plan and supports initiatives of our Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (WCU Diversity Equity Inclusion). We expect that each applicant's statement will be unique as informed by their own experiences and goals. Some topics you might address in a 1-2-page statement include the following: (1) How have you supported diversity and inclusion in your interactions with others in classroom, clinical or therapy setting, or research environment(s)? (2) What have you done to help students from diverse communities (such as underrepresented minorities, non-traditional, LGBTQ, veteran, rural, and/or first generation) succeed, including any programs for these students that you have participated in? (3) Describe your commitment to working toward achieving equity and enhancing diversity at WCU. How might you contribute to our current diversity initiatives, and do you have any other ideas to help promote equity on our campus?
 
All offers of employment are subject to and contingent upon satisfactory completion of all preemployment background checks. 
 
Developing and sustaining a diverse faculty and staff advances WCU’s educational mission and strategic Plan for Excellence. West Chester University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.