[EDLING:1710] Job: MSU Director World Languages Proficiency Center

[Francis M. Hult]

Residential College in the Arts and Humanities

Director, World Languages Proficiency Center

Michigan State University seeks a dynamic and innovative Director of the World 
Languages Proficiency Center (WLPC) in its new Residential College in the Arts 
and Humanities (RCAH). This is a three year fixed-term Academic Specialist 
appointment on an annual (12 month) basis. Starting date is August 16, 2006 or 
as soon thereafter as possible. 

The Residential College in the Arts and Humanities at Michigan State 
University will open its doors to the first entering class in fall 2007; its 
target total enrollment after four years is 500-600 students with the capacity 
to grow to 800.  The major in this interdisciplinary undergraduate college 
brings together world history, literature, art and culture, creative writing, 
ethics, and civic engagement. Certified language proficiency is a requirement 
for all RCAH students. The full curriculum may be found in the University 
Catalog: < http://www.reg.msu.edu/read/UCC/Updated/12arcah.pdf>.

The WLPC Director oversees administrative, instructional, and co-curricular 
components of the RCAH world languages proficiency requirement and 
participates in campus-wide initiatives relating to assessment of student 
learning. The Director will coordinate placement and competency assessment for 
RCAH students, provide assistance to the language departments and the LCTL 
Coordinator in the area of proficiency assessment, and establish ties to 
International Studies and Programs.

Duties and responsibilities: 
1) During 2006-07 academic year: in collaboration with the MSU language 
departments, the Center for Language Education and Research, and the Language 
Learning Center, establish proficiency assessment, testing, and placement 
procedures for incoming students in Spanish, French and German; supervise new 
WLPC electronic language learning environments; train qualified graduate 
students; develop  instructional and co-curricular modules to enhance language 
proficiency for RCAH students (e.g., language tables, film/TV series, 
performances, excursions); link with MSU Office of Study Abroad. 

2) Starting with Fall 2007 incoming class: assess and place RCAH students in 
appropriate language classes in collaboration with the world language 
coordinators; advise RCAH students and monitor their department-based language 
instruction; continue to  develop and refine proficiency assessment; phase in 
other languages for proficiency assessment; develop proficiency certification 
procedures for RCAH students; in collaboration with appropriate units, develop 
world language immersion and service-learning experiences, such as study 
abroad, study away, and summer institutes. The WLPC Director will coordinate 
workshops, tutorials, and informal learning experiences, and depending upon 
qualifications, may also teach RCAH 390 (World Languages and Culture).

Qualifications: Ph.D. in a language-related field with knowledge and/or 
experience in world language proficiency teaching, testing and assessment, 
and/or teacher training; demonstrated experience in proficiency-based language 
teaching; experience with CALL; native or near-native proficiency in at least 
one world language (Spanish, French, or German preferred).  Experience 
directing or teaching in a language immersion program is desirable.

Applications:  Due July 25, 2006.   Submissions will be considered until the 
position is filled.  Position to begin on August 16, 2006 or as soon 
thereafter as possible.  MSU is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity 
institution. The University actively encourages applications and nominations 
of women, persons of color, veterans, and persons with disabilities.

Send curriculum vitae, transcript of highest degree attained, and a letter of 
application addressing your qualifications with respect to the duties 
described above. Provide a list of three references who will send their 
letters of recommendation directly to the search committee. Submission of a 
portfolio that provides evidence of knowledge and experience with proficiency 
assessment and testing or examples of leadership in this area is recommended. 

Submit materials to: WLPC Director Search Committee, c/o Marsha Smith, Provost 
Office, Michigan State University, 430 Administration Bldg., East Lansing, MI  
48824 -1046.