Head of First Year Experience Program Ajman, United Arab Emirates Full-time

City University Ajman is hiring a Head of First Year Experience Program Ajman, United Arab Emirates in Ajman, United Arab Emirates. This is a full-time position.

City University Ajman needs a passionate leader to head its First Year Experience Program. This full time role involves designing and managing initiatives that support first year students. You will help students transition smoothly into university life. You will also focus on their academic success and engagement. In addition, you will oversee curriculum development, student retention strategies, and program assessment. If you hold a PhD in English, Linguistics with an English major, or a related field, this role suits you. Experience directing a Foundation Program or First Year Experience Program is required. Bilingual proficiency in English and Arabic is a must.

Key Responsibilities for Head of First Year Experience Program Ajman, United Arab Emirates

• Lead the design, implementation, and evaluation of the First Year Experience Program

• Enhance student engagement and academic success through program initiatives

• Develop and oversee curriculum, handouts, lectures, discussions, and presentations for first year students

• Support students in their academic transition

• Collaborate with faculty, administrators, and student support services

• Ensure a holistic and effective first year experience

• Establish program learning outcomes and align them with course learning outcomes in collaboration with the Dean

• Manage assessment activities including articulating outcomes, administering measures, and evaluating student performance

• Propose enhancements to the program based on assessment data

• Propose and implement policies that improve academic development, student retention, and first year success

• Supervise and evaluate students in academic support programs, orientation sessions, and first year courses

• Coordinate with faculty 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 performance and retention

• Ensure compliance with audit, quality assurance, and risk management standards

• Provide academic advising and mentorship to first year students

• Foster an environment conducive to student success

• Remain available to students via office hours, email, or phone

• 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

• Stay updated on emerging trends in first year experience programs

• Attend professional conferences and engage in continuous learning

• Follow the Professional Development Plan proposed by the Dean

• Participate in university activities and meetings

• Perform other academically related duties as assigned by the Dean

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent degree in English, Linguistics with an English major, or a related field

• Experience 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