THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI-ST LOUIS

THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI-ST. LOUIS

COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY

Administrator Job Descriptions

Dean

Assistant Dean for Academic and Clinical Programs

Associate Dean for Continuing Education and E-Learning

Director of Clinic Operations

Director of Externships

Director of Research and Graduate Studies

Director of Residencies

Director of Student Services

Position Title: DEAN

Introduction:

The Dean is the chief academic and administrative officer of the College of Optometry. As such, the Dean coordinates all programs of the College, including faculty, curriculum, clinics, academic and clinical standards and budgets of the College. The Dean leads the faculty in determining and implementing the academic and clinical programs necessary to maintain the College in the forefront of the profession. The Dean leads the College and University activities devoted to fund-raising and alumni relations. In doing so, the Dean must articulate within and outside the University the values and standards of the Optometric profession. Within the University, the Dean is the principle advocate of the College, ensuring the needs of the faculty; the students and the curriculum are fully considered in the making of University-wide decisions. The Dean participates in the development of major policies that impact the entire University and specifically the College of Optometry. The Dean reports to the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Leads the faculty in long range planning, developing, implementing, evaluating, strengthening, information gathering, leads the development of plans for maintaining the College of Optometry as a leader of the profession of Optometry.
Reports regularly and consults with the faculty on plans for the College and other issues that affect faculty functions.
Supervises the selection, assignment, and management of faculty, administrative, and support personnel within the College of Optometry.
Prepares and manages the College's budget, with the recommendation of the faculty.
Generates and implements methods to encourage and maintain excellence in teaching, research, and professional development of faculty within the College.
Builds an excellent faculty capable of educating students in all aspects of modern optometric practice through involvement in hiring, evaluation, promotion, tenure, and termination of faculty. Works with and through faculty committees of the College to make recommendations for faculty development and teaching programs, the development of policies regarding workload and guidelines for faculty appointments, and promotion. The Dean also will also work with the faculty to make recommendations regarding open faculty or administrative positions within the college, sabbatical and other leaves.
Maintains and increases faculty cohesion and morale and ensures academic and professional integrity within the College.
Determines and recommends just and equitable faculty compensation.
Promotes high academic standards for the students of the College. Supervises academic advising and development and application of academic rules.
Coordinates the development and implementation of student admissions and financial aid policies.
As the primary spokesperson for the College, develops and maintains close communications between the College and its faculty with practicing optometrists and local, state, and national optometric associations and organizations. Assures direct communication between practicing professionals and faculty.
In collaboration with the Associate Dean for Continuing Education, develops and implements Optometric Continuing Education programs.
Acts as primary liaison between the College and the rest of the University.
Collaborates with the University's Advancement and Communications programs to develop and implement fund raising and public information programs for the College. Encourages and facilitates the pursuit of external funding for the College.
Develops and implements, in collaboration with the University's alumni relations, staff effective services for and communications with the College's graduates.
Counsels with the appropriate faculty committees and officers relative to matters of faculty and academic concerns.
Is concerned with faculty welfare as it pertains to carrying out the terms and provision of appointment, fair and equitable compensation patterns, and reasonable distribution of support facilities including teaching, research, laboratory and office space, equipment, etc.

Key Working Relationships: The Dean reports to the Provost & Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs.

The Dean works closely with the Vice Chancellor for Managerial and Technological Services and the Associate Vice Chancellor for Administrative Services for management of the College's budget, staff personnel policies and benefit programs, and physical plant maintenance and construction.
The Dean works closely with the Vice Chancellor for University Advancement to develop and maintain community relations programs, alumni relations and fund-raising activities, serving as the primary representative of the College for these activities.
The Dean works closely with the offices of admissions, financial aid, registrar and student affairs to develop and implement financial aid, admissions and other policies and programs impacting students in the College.
The Dean assists the Director of Graphic and Printing Services in preparing the University Catalog and other publications affecting the College.
The Dean represents the College to its external constituencies within or outside the profession. The Dean represents the College at the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO), and other international, national, regional, state and local organizations involved with the furthering of optometric education and practice.
The Dean works closely with the practicing optometric community, through its organizations and with individual practitioners to provide continuing service and education for practitioners, provide direct consultative services from faculty to practitioners in order to improve and maintain, both in perception and reality, the excellence of the College of Optometry.
The faculty of Optometry reports to the Dean.

Qualifications:
The Dean should be an accomplished Optometrist, well versed in full scope, broad based optometric care, have a record of successful leadership, and be sensitive to issues facing education, research, and the provision of highest quality clinical services in the rapidly changing optometric profession. The Dean should be able to work closely with the constituencies of the profession to promote the College and its activities bringing experience in alumni relations and fund-raising. The Dean should be an individual of integrative vision and action, one who facilitates creativity and productivity in all aspects of modern optometry, able to lead the College into new areas of optometric practice while maintaining a bias in traditional optometry. The Dean should be able to evaluate and promote positive change, value diversity, and have strong skills in consensual management. The Dean must have O.D. degree, or equivalent, and a record of academic accomplishment commensurate with senior academic rank, broad based clinical understanding and management success which will allow him/her to work as mentor for faculty and students alike. The Dean should set through action the highest standards for honest and integrity, ethics and values, scholarship and clinical practice.

Classification:
Full-time, administrative position with academic rank. 20% teaching and/or research component. Faculty rank commensurate with experience.

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Position Title: ASSISTANT DEAN FOR ACADEMIC AND CLINICAL PROGRAMS

Introduction: The Assistant Dean for Academic and Clinical Programs is the chief administrator of the academic experience within the clinics and is responsible for the fiscal operations of the internal and external clinics and is the chief academic administrator of the College responsible for faculty advocacy, academic standards and scheduling, assessment of teaching and learning outcomes and assisting faculty with regular review of curriculum.

Responsibilities:

Goal 8 of strategic plan: Contribute to the social welfare of the community through clinical and related service programs.
Goal 2 of strategic plan: Promote efforts of faculty to achieve their highest potential, thereby fostering career satisfaction and creating outstanding role models for students.
Facilitates excellence in teaching, research and scholarly development among faculty members. Works to maintain state-of-the-art academic/educational equipment, technological capabilities, and facilities.
Supports the efforts of the Curriculum and Faculty Affairs Committees to insure that the necessary methods for assessment, support and resources are available to assist them with the maintenance of academic standards which meet or surpass those stipulated by relevant accrediting agencies.
In cooperation with the faculty, facilitates the collaborative maintenance and continuous review of the curriculum, and scheduling of academic coursework.
Works together with the faculty to integrate clinical and academic course content, sequencing, and scheduling.
Oversees the academic activities within college-operated and external clinics
Coordinates the assessment of educational outcomes for the professional degree program
Nurtures a culture of assessment to ensure that each student attains the clinical competencies prescribed within the curriculum prior to graduation.
Works with Director of Externships to coordinate all External clinical activities.
Works cooperatively with the Director of Clinic Operations to appoint and coordinate the activities of the Clinical Service Chiefs.
Appoints Part-time Clinical Instructors, as appropriate, to teach clinical skills, supervise clinical care, and render care in University Eye and Vision Clinics.
Appoints Preceptors and Adjunct Faculty, as appropriate, to teach clinical skills, supervise clinical care, and render care at Preceptorship sites.
Provides recommendations relative to naming of Site Coordinators and Clinic Directors.
Coordinates academic activities of the Clinic Directors, Clinical Service Chiefs, Clinical Course Instructors, and Clinical Faculty.
Works in conjunction with the Dean of the College in conducting annual goal-setting and performance reviews for clinical faculty members. Shares responsibility with the Dean for documenting annual reviews, and for maintaining appropriate records regarding goals, reviews, and advisement specifics.
Works with the Dean to generate, monitor, and adjust workload assignments.
Works cooperatively with Faculty, Service Chiefs, and Clinic Directors in establishing clinic coverage's and in determining and publishing Clinic Schedules.
Advocate for needs of Faculty. Builds and maintains morale, and supports opportunities for faculty development.
Develops and supports communication mechanisms and opportunities. Encourages participation of faculty, and students, in program initiatives and enhancement efforts.
Works to assure excellent educational opportunities and ensures that the clinical education program meets its established goals.
Works to define and evaluate outcomes assessment indicators relative to the goals and objectives established for the academic and clinical programs.
Works to assure the delivery of highest-quality patient care.
Manages quality assurance across the clinical program. Responds to credentialing requests when appropriate. Supports development and implementation of total quality management programs.
Works with the compliance council to coordinate and implement compliance plan
Oversee and coordinate the development and maintenance of compliance training programs of the Center for Eye care
Oversee the ongoing review of pertinent compliance regulations and policies
Works with compliance council to review and approve compliance policies and procedures
Coordinates clinical outreach programs such as screenings, health fairs, and off-site specialty services.
Determines, with input from the Clinic Directors and Service Chiefs, the equipment, instrumentation, and supplies needs of the program.
Makes recommendations regarding the College's space planning endeavors as they relate to academic and faculty needs.
Cooperates with faculty, support staff, students, and other administrators in decision-making regarding programmatic change, site designs, policies, protocols, acquisitions, etc.
Monitors quality of Preceptorships offerings through participation and coordination of Q.A. systems including review of student reports, exit interviews, and site visits (when feasible)
Works cooperatively with the Director for Residency Programs affiliated with, or located within, the College
Coordinates external activities involving graduate students and residents.
Works in partnership with the Dean and University Director of Business Services in selecting sites and formalizing Preceptorship agreements.
In partnership with the Dean, actively promotes and develops opportunities for interdisciplinary and co-management educational experiences with other University of Missouri health professions programs, with other regional health care institutions, and with exemplary private practitioners.
Works in partnership with the faculty to integrate clinical and academic course content and assignments.
Works cooperatively the Director of Externship Programs and external/affiliate faculty and students in determining assignments and External Clinical Schedules.
Advocates needs of Preceptorship supervisors as well as residency coordinators and supervisors. Builds and maintains morale, and supports opportunities for external/affiliate faculty development.
Develops and supports communication mechanisms and opportunities and ensures that the clinical education program meets its established goals.
Conducts mid-semester and end-of-semester performance evaluations for each precepting student and Preceptorship supervisor.
Assists the Dean with preparing an annual budget proposal, with input from the Clinic Directors and Service Chiefs.
Is an advocate for physical plant, resources, and equipment needs during all budget building processes and discussions.
Works with the Fiscal Officer and Dean in implementing and monitoring the clinical budget.
Assists in ensuring fiscal responsibility and viability for the clinical program
Performs other relevant duties as assigned by the Dean.

Reporting Relation: Reports to the Dean of the College of Optometry.

Qualifications:

Hold the O.D. degree or its equivalent. In addition, the Ph.D., post-professional residency or other advanced academic degree is desirable.
Experience in academic leadership appropriate to supporting the duties and responsibilities described above is highly desirable.
Experience as an accomplished academician and familiarity with contemporary pedagogy including technology, teaching methodologies and assessment of educational outcomes..
Experience in clinical optometry and familiarity with the full scope of contemporary optometric practice, including an orientation embracing, functional optometry, co-management and multi-disciplinary management of eye health and visual anomalies.
Documented excellence in communication skills and ability to work with others.
Evidence of a nurturing consensus-building leadership capability.

Classification:
Full-time Administrative position, 20%-40% teaching and/or research component. Faculty rank commensurate with experience.

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Position Title: DIRECTOR OF CLINIC OPERATIONS

Introduction: The director, clinic operations oversees the general professional operations and patient care activities in the Center for Eye Care. A commitment to personal professional growth and contribution to the academic and professional optometric community is expected.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Goal 8 of strategic plan: Contribute to the social welfare of the community through clinical and related service programs.
Responsible for directing and coordinating the activities of the clinical functions within the Center for Eye Care.
Administers policies and procedures of the Center for Eye Care.
Administers all personnel policies and procedures concerning employees in accordance with the policies and procedures established by the UM-System as applicable to the UM-St. Louis campus.
Coordinates activities of the Clinical Support Staff.
Execute an effective system of internal controls which provides reasonable assurance that operations are effective and efficient, assets are safeguarded, financial information is reliable, and the Center for Eye Care complies with all applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures.
Advocates needs of clinical support staff. Builds and maintains morale, and supports opportunities for staff development.
Works with the Clinic Directors, Service Chiefs and Center Manager to recruit, schedule, supervise, and support, members of the clinical staff. Coordinates the creation, maintenance, and modification (when appropriate) of support staff position descriptions. Participates in the development of clinical staff training as well as personal and professional growth opportunities.
Works cooperatively with Center Manager to administer annual performance evaluations for all clinical support staff members with input from the Clinic Directors and Service Chiefs.
Supervises the maintenance of the clinic equipment inventory. Works with the appropriate instrument maintenance personnel in coordinating inventory, installation, maintenance, preventive maintenance, repair, and replacement of clinical equipment.
Coordinates activities designed to enhance public relations, recruit and maintain patients, market the clinical program, and increase access to patient bases, managed care panels, and other health insurers, and health care underwriters.
Engages in activities conducive to professional and academic development and advancement.
Works cooperatively with the Center Manager to prepare clinic staff schedules with input recommendations from faculty members and administrators.
Facilitates and insures communication between, patients, students and faculty by serving as a role model for good communication skills and through regular meetings and written correspondence.

Reporting responsibility: Reports to the Dean, College of Optometry.

Other significant facts: Responsible for performing all other related and implied duties that relates to the items specified in this description, the College and University governance documents, or as may be assigned or delegated by the Dean, College of Optometry.

Qualifications:

O.D. degree from an A.C.O.E.-accredited School or College of Optometry
Active licensure to practice Optometry in at least one of the states of the United States
Faculty appointment within the College of Optometry
Demonstrated experience in various aspects of patient care
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with others
High degree of self-motivation, organization, and enthusiasm for full-scope optometric care

Classification: Full-time, administrative position with academic rank. 30%-50% teaching and/or research component. Faculty rank commensurate with experience.

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Position Title: Associate DEAN FOR Continuing Education and E-Learning

Introduction: The Associate Dean for Continuing Education is responsible for development, coordination, implementation and planning for continuing education and e-learning programs for the College of optometry.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Goal 6 of strategic plan: Provide high quality continuing education opportunities for optometrists in Missouri and surrounding states.
Facilitates excellence in continuing education teaching and development among faculty members. Works to maintain state-of-the-art academic/educational equipment, technological capabilities, and facilities.
Maintains awareness for areas of opportunity and need with regard to continuing optometric education.
Leads the faculty in development and enhancement of asynchronous learning techniques related to optometric continuing education.
Leads the faculty in development and enhancement of asynchronous learning techniques related to information and training for administrative support staff in the College and optometric community as appropriate.
Works together with the faculty members and the Assistant Dean for Academic Programs to provide educational opportunities not included in the optometric curriculum.
Conducts annual goal-setting and planning meetings with the faculty with regard to opportunities for on campus, local, regional, national and e-learning continuing education.
Works together with the campus Dean for Continuing Education in the planning and implementation of optometric continuing education.
Encourages and facilitates partnerships with other health care professionals and professional optometric organizations for the development and planning of unique continuing education offerings.
Works with the Dean to serve the continuing education needs of alumni and other optometrists within the region.
Serves as alumni advocate for continuing education opportunities within the University and region.
In conjunction with the Chair of the Faculty Leadership Committee and other College administrators, facilitates implementation and regular review of the College's strategic plan to provide high quality continuing education opportunities for optometrists in Missouri and surrounding communities.
Engages in activities conducive to professional and academic development and advancement.
Actively participates in College and University service activities with the express goal of enhancing the educational mission and academic community of the University.
Represents the College at national, state, and local meetings in areas relating to continuing education programs.
Provides input to the College's Academic Calendar, with regard to continuing education opportunities.

Reporting responsibility: Reports to the Dean, College of Optometry.

Qualifications:

Hold the O.D. degree or its equivalent.
Experience in academic administration appropriate to supporting the duties and responsibilities described above is highly desirable.
Experience as an accomplished academician and familiarity with contemporary pedagogy and teaching methodologies including but not limited to e-learning.
Experience in clinical optometry and familiarity with the full scope of contemporary optometric practice, including an orientation embracing functional optometry.
Documented excellence in communication skills and ability to work with others.
Evidence of nurturing consensus-building leadership capability.
A commitment to professional growth and contribution to the academic community is expected.

Classification:

Full-time, administrative position with academic rank. 20%-40% teaching and/or research component. Faculty rank commensurate with experience.

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Position Title: DIRECTOR OF EXTERNSHIPS

Introduction: The Director of Externships is the chief administrator of the externship programs, activities and communication and is responsible for the maintenance and ongoing assessment of the 4th year student externship experience.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Externship Sites

provide students with a variety of externship sites that will enable students to gain clinical expertise to meet graduation requirements and prepare students for entry level practice
maintain a list of required and recommended externship sites and the number of students to be assigned at each.
provide guidance and direction for College of Optometry Externship Counselors and Externship Site Coordinators
ensure that student logs, case reports and Site Coordinator evaluations of students are completed in a timely fashion
coordinate student grading based on recommendations received from Externship Counselors
evaluate externship sites by reviewing student evaluations, patient logs and externship site reviews.
regularly review outcomes of externships in order to maintain an appropriate externship experience which fulfills curricular outcomes and prepares graduates for entry level practice.
conduct meetings of College of Optometry externship counselors for each site to discuss grading practices, the responsibilities of the counselors, and review of externship site performance.
develop the externship schedule for each third year student to prepare for entry level practice. This will include a personal interview with each student, review of each student’s clinical performance and externship site expectation.
monitoring the progress of all students on external clinical rotations. In addition to academic and clinical practice concerns, this may include guidance for student adjustment to the externship site.
develop remedial strategies for students in the externship program that are in academic difficulty
coordinate activities of College of Optometry Externship Counselors, Externship Site Coordinators, students and school administration.

Program Assessment

in cooperation with the Assistant Dean for Clinical Programs, responsibility for utilizing program data (e.g., student evaluations, site evaluations, patient logs, Externship Counselor and Site Coordinator suggestions,) for the purpose of reviewing and improving the externship program.
maintaining and updating annually the Externship Program Manual, which is utilized by students, Externship Counselors and Site Coordinators. This encourages standardization and awareness of program objectives.

Key Working Relationships: The Director Externships reports to the Assistant Dean for Clinical Programs.

The Director works cooperatively with the manager of Student and Special Services on programs pertaining to the 4th year schedules.

Qualifications:
The Director of Externships shall be an optometrist. The Director shall possess good interpersonal skills to effectively interact with students. The Director must have a good understanding of the requirements for entry-level practice and effectively lead the students in selecting the most appropriate externship sites during their 4th year experience. The Director should be someone who exhibits objectivity, professionalism, honesty and confidentiality when interacting with optometric students.

Classification:
Part-time administrative position with academic rank. Approximate 70% – 80% teaching and/or research component. Faculty rank commensurate with experience.

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Position Title: DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH AND GRADUATE STUDIES

Introduction: The Director of Research and Graduate Studies is the chief facilitator of research and administrator of the graduate (M.S. and Ph.D.) program in Vision Science who assists faculty with the development of proposals for internal and external research funding and the implementation of research plans and protocols. The Director is responsible for leading the recruitment and admission of graduate students as well as with monitoring their progress in conformance with the regulations of the graduate program in Vision Science and the Graduate School.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Provide leadership for the successful implementation of the following:

Goal 3 of strategic plan: Develop and maintain an active vision research program to ensure high quality instruction in both the professional and graduate programs and to advance vision science.
Goal 4 of strategic plan: Provide effective graduate education in Vision Science so as to produce educators and researchers for optometry and vision science
The Director will seek to develop opportunities for collaboration among the faculty within the College of Optometry and between the College of Optometry and others within the academic, professional and scientific communities.

Research Funding

Identify and increase awareness of opportunities for internal and external research funding
Increase the number of grant applications and grant awards within the college

Advocate for Faculty

Facilitate the development and implementation of policies and procedures associated with research studies within the college
Clarify policies and procedures within the college, campus, system, and relevant agencies that pertain to research.
Seek to enhance the ethos of scholarship and research within the College of Optometry
Plan and implement research development opportunities for faculty
Seek to enhance the research ethos within the college

Operations

Coordinate the college summer research fellowship program
Serves as a resource for faculty and staff on issues related to grant applications to funding agencies, the institutional review board and other relevant entities
Serves as a resource for faculty, staff and students on issues related to the implementation of research studies
Work cooperatively with the Assistant Dean for Clinical Programs for the development and implementation of clinical studies
Serve as liaison to the campus Office of Research Administration

Recruitment and Admission

maintain a proactive recruitment program for the graduate program
maintain and disseminate information on graduate program opportunities
communicate with Graduate Admissions regarding pending applications

in cooperation with the graduate faculty, review and evaluate completed applications
meet regularly with the Graduate Faculty within the College of Optometry
in cooperation with the Graduate Faculty in the College, develop a priority list of students to be supported as Graduate Teaching or Research Assistants
in cooperation with Graduate Admissions, monitor the status of applicants to the program.

Program Implementation

provide leadership to maintain a graduate program that meets the needs of the optometric and vision science communities
provide leadership for orientation of newly admitted students within the program
meet with each new student to develop a timetable for degree completion
in cooperation with the Graduate faculty within the College of Optometry, develop and maintain schedules for graduate course offerings
assist students in submitting necessary and appropriate paperwork to the Graduate School necessary to demonstrate adequate academic progress
in cooperation with the graduate faculty maintain a Graduate Program Manual, to encourage standardization of procedures as well as awareness of program objectives

Key Working Relationships: The Director of Research and Graduate Studies reports to the Dean of the College of Optometry

The Director works cooperatively with the Assistant Dean for Clinical Programs and faculty in the College of Optometry, the Dean of the Graduate School and Vice-Provost for Research Administration.

Qualifications:

The Director of Research and Graduate Studies shall be a member of the Graduate Faculty and possess a record of scholarship and success in securing research funding. The Director shall possess good interpersonal skills to effectively interact and collaborate with faculty, administration and students. The Director must have a good understanding of the policies and procedures of the Graduate School. The Director should be someone who exhibits objectivity, professionalism, and honesty.

Classification:
Part-time administrative position with academic rank. Approximately 60% – 70% teaching and/or research component. Faculty rank commensurate with experience.

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Position Title: DIRECTOR OF Residencies

Introduction: The Director of Residencies is the chief administrator of the residency programs and is responsible for recruitment of qualified optometric graduates to the on-site residencies. With the program coordinators, the director is also responsible for maintaining the residency programs educational goals and objectives. The director facilitates the accreditation of all on-site and off-site residency programs.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Oversee successful implementation of the following:

Goal 5: Conduct high quality, accredited post-graduate residency programs that enhance and extend optometric skills beyond entry-level optometry.

Recruitment and Admission

maintain a proactive recruitment program for the residency programs
provide potential applicants with information on residency program opportunities
communicate with the residency committee regarding pending applications to the residency programs.
in cooperation with the residency committee, review and evaluate completed applications, develops curriculum, sets policies regarding patient work load, external rotations, maintenance of patient logs, resident

conduct meetings of the residency committee within the College of Optometry.
in cooperation with Graduate Admissions, monitor the progress of students admitted provisionally

Program Implementation

meet with each new resident to develop a timetable for completion-
Orientation of new residents participating in on-site residencies
in cooperation with the residency committee maintain a Residency Program Manual, to encourage standardization of procedures as well as awareness of program objectives
cooperates with the program supervisors to obtain and maintain accreditation

Key Working Relationships:
The Director Residencies reports to the Dean of the College of Optometry.

The Director of Residencies works cooperatively with the Program Coordinators to implement policies and procedures for programs.

Qualifications:

The Director of Residencies shall be an optometrist. The Director shall possess good interpersonal skills to effectively interact with students and residents. The Director must have a good understanding of the requirements of the residency programs for admission, retention and completion. The Director should be someone who exhibits objectivity, professionalism, honesty and confidentiality when interacting with graduate students.

Classification:
Part-time administrative position with academic rank. Approximately 60% – 70% teaching and/or research component. Faculty rank commensurate with experience.

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Position Title: DIRECTOR OF STUDENT SERVICES

Introduction: The Director of Student Services is the chief administrator of student and potential student programs, activities and communication and is responsible for the supervision of recruitment of new students, admissions, ongoing activities of current students and placement of graduates.

Duties and Responsibilities:
• Goal 1 of strategic plan: recruit and retain a diverse student population with the
appropriate academic capabilities and education to successfully complete the program of study.
• Supervise the office of Student Services staff on the coordination of student records and the College’s academic records.
• Supervise the admissions and student recruitment process at the College of Optometry
• Supervise student registration and records including registration procedures, course drop/add, grade changes, elective courses, and course waivers.
• In cooperation with the Dean, meet regularly with all currently enrolled students in order to address issues pertaining to student programs, academic dishonesty and student concerns in general.
• Chair the Admissions Committee to oversee the following activities: review applicant records, letters of recommendation, test scores and interviews, and recommend candidates for admission and recipients for recruitment scholarships. It will also make recommendations to the faculty concerning matters of admission policy.
• Chair the Student Committee with responsibilities of making recommendations regarding student Services, scholarships, financial aid and academic promotions.
• Works together with the faculty to provide general administrative supervision on matters dealing with students in academic difficulty.
• Coordinate recruitment of applicants into the program including regular review and implementation of an annual recruitment plan in addition to overseeing and participating in recruitment visits to appropriate undergraduate institutions.
• Work cooperatively with the Dean to address issues, policies, and concerns pertaining to students within the College of Optometry.
• Supervise both the faculty mentor program and the upper class advisory program to provide assistance and mentorship to students.
• Chair the National Board Committee to assist in recommending programs which will assist the students in achieving successful performance on the NBEO examinations.
• In cooperation with the faculty and other administrators, provide academic counseling to students with referral for personal counseling when appropriate.
• Chair all interviews of applicants deemed worthy of being interviewed.
• Work closely with the Development Officer on decisions pertaining to awarding grants and scholarships.
• Oversee all Office of Student Services publications, including The Pupil, the Student Handbook, the Student Housing Guide, and the Bulletin.
• Provide both initial and ongoing correspondence with each applicant who is admitted into the program.
• Works cooperatively with the Minority Affairs Advisor on issues pertaining to minority recruitment and retention.
• Maintains awareness for student issues and concerns related to all areas of student Services.
• Communicates with applicants who have been denied admission advising them, when applicable, on how they can improve their status.
• Coordinates the tutorial service for students desiring assistance in a given course.
• Works in cooperation with the administration in the development of an annual budget for the Office of Student Services.
• Serves as a liaison to the Office of Financial Aid on issues pertaining to student debt and financial aid.
• In cooperation with the faculty, serves as a liaison to student organizations within the College of Optometry.
• Coordinates the annual New Student Orientation program.
• Works closely with the faculty and administration on issues pertaining to contracts.
• Coordinate the Student Ambassador program consisting of first year students who meet with applicants while providing a tour of the College of Optometry.
• Interact with the Honors College and the Biology department on issues pertaining to the 3 + 4 program.
• Supervises all efforts in the successful placement of graduates.

Key Working Relationships: The Director reports to the Dean

The Director works closely with the Office of Student Services staff on all programs and policies pertaining to the Office of Student Services.
The Director works closely with the Minority Affairs Advisor on matters pertaining to minority student recruitment and retention.
The Director works closely with the office of Financial Aid and the Development Officer on issues pertaining to student financial aid, grants and scholarships.
The Director works cooperatively with the Dean of the College of Optometry on all issues pertaining to the Office of Student Services.

Qualifications:
The Director of Student Services should be an optometrist. The Director should possess good interpersonal skills to effectively interact with students in matters pertaining to the academic environment. The Director must have a good understanding of the admissions process and effectively lead the Admissions Committee in order to recruit and select the most capable applicants while working with them during their optometric education to ensure that they will both successfully complete the optometric curriculum and become well-trained professionals. The Director supervises the activities of the Office of Student Services in an effort to ensure that information, policies, and communication with applicants to this program and currently enrolled students are successfully coordinated. The Director should be someone who exhibits objectivity, professionalism, honesty and confidentiality when interacting with optometric students.

Classification:
Part-time administrative position with academic rank. Approximate 60% – 70% teaching and/or research component. Faculty rank commensurate with experience.

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