• Job Description

  Req#: 479143

  Job Description

  The Program Assistant’s main responsibility is to oversee and enhance the experience of Skidmore’s London FYE students and to support the students in achieving a smooth transition to college. The Program Assistant will also ensure students are aware of the resources and opportunities available to them (both in London and on campus) to promote their academic, personal and professional development; and assist them in developing awareness and appreciation for the specific skills (enquiry and analysis, problem solving, critical and creative thinking, etc.) that are required to succeed in college courses.

  The Program Assistant is tasked with recognizing and reporting academic, administrative and student affairs concerns while supporting students in their first semester of college. This would include flagging students’ ordinary adjustment problems, existing or emerging mental and physical health issues to the Special Programme Lead and managing student expectations in an unfamiliar environment.

  The Program Assistant must therefore be prepared to be visible and available to the students for any personal and academic issues that might arise throughout the semester. Patience and flexibility are critical, as is open and clear communication with the students, faculty and staff at CEA CAPA and Skidmore College.

  • The Program Assistant will collaborate with the CEA CAPA Academic and Student Affairs teams to plan and deliver cultural and social programming designed for first-year students. The activities will enhance and complement the academic program and focus on introducing students to the wealth of learning resources in London.
  • The Program Assistant will promote core values, including academic values and integrity, that align with those of Skidmore College and CEA CAPA. Integral to this are also the values of tolerance, diversity and inclusion.
  • The Program Assistant will direct and participate in appropriate academic skills development for first year students including provision of regularly scheduled academic writing and research workshops and tutorials.
  • The Program Assistant will assist in planning, attend, participate and in some instances lead predeparture and program orientation. Arrangements will be made by CEA CAPA; however, they are expected to take an active part in the entire orientation program.
  • Once a week, the Program Assistant will hold one regular group meeting with students to discuss recent events, ask questions, and share their experiences in London. The Program Assistant will utilize various media and through general meetings to announce upcoming cultural and social activities and monitor students’ academic and cultural adjustment.
  • The Program Assistant will hold regular meetings with CEA CAPA staff including the Special Program Lead, the Resident Director and Academic Director to update and discuss any student and programmatic issues and communicate as needed to ensure that the home institution is aware of any emerging concerns.
  • The Program Assistant will alert CEA CAPA staff immediately to any problems, emergencies or illnesses among the London FYE student cohort, or any health and safety issues that seem to be emerging as the result of local or international events. In conjunction with CEA CAPA and Skidmore College faculty and staff, they will also oversee and communicate any special safety precautions and emergency / crisis responses should the need arise.
  • The Program Assistant will submit a written report/assessment of the first-year program to the London Academic Director on a termly basis, including any advice and recommendations for future London FYE programs, to be shared with Skidmore College as appropriate.

• About the company

  CEA is a leading global education provider with nine campuses worldwide and 32 additional partner programs located throughout Eastern and Western Europe, Central America, South America and Africa. CEA students acquire an international higher learning experience while completing academically rigorous courses designed to create global leaders in the 21st century.

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