The following announcement, which involves a new Faculty Associate for Pre-Law Programs, was sent out last Tuesday via email. I am copying it here verbatim to make sure all faculty and staff members of the GSU pre-law advising community know about the opportunity to apply for the position. And I would like to say I am very gratified to see the university is moving toward a centralized pre-law advising program to complement and (and in some cases supplant) the efforts of our informal network of pre-law advisers. Based on what I know about the envisioned program, I believe it has the potential to become a new model nationally for how to guide pre-law students and alumni toward wise law school decisions (including about whether law school makes sense for them), to help them do what is necessary to achieve admission into good law schools, and to prepare them for successful and fulfilling law careers. This is definitely an exciting time for pre-law at GSU!
Here’s that announcement (emphasis added):
“The new Center for Advancement of Students and Alumni into Graduate and Professional Programs (CASA) seeks three faculty associates with expertise in undergraduate student progressions into Ph.D. programs, medical school and law school. Individuals filling these faculty positions will help to establish the CASA, which aims to elevate awareness about graduate school and professional programs, career opportunities that emerge after completion of advanced degrees and the concrete steps required to move forward in these pathways. The center also aims to increase the number of alumni who are successful in progressing to and through advanced degree programs. Faculty associates will form a team that supports existing programs across the institution and creates new offerings that target undergraduates from all Georgia State campuses, as well as recent alumni, their faculty mentors and their network of family supporters. Program elements will include professional development and finance workshops, research assistantships, course innovations and mentor training.
Applicants should be full-time faculty members or staff with teaching appointments. Desired characteristics for each of the three positions include:
- An understanding of undergraduate education at Georgia State, including a successful record of supporting undergraduate students in pursuit of advanced degrees;
- Area-specific knowledge of the student attributes and experiences necessary for admission to graduate or professional programs;
- Dynamic collaboration and leadership skills to engage members of the university community extending across all campuses and to alumni, for the creation and implementation of CASA programs.
Three positions are envisioned, with specific expertise outlined below:
- A Faculty Associate for Ph.D. Programs will promote student progress toward Ph.D. programs in a range of disciplines, most likely at institutions other than Georgia State. Enthusiasm and knowledge about academic careers, as well as other professional opportunities, are desired.
- A Faculty Associate for Pre-Med Programs will bridge activities provided by existing pre-med advisers and committees, providing centralized services for students from all campuses, including shadowing opportunities. Capacity to help students develop serious and realistic interest in medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry and pharmacy is desired.
- A Faculty Associate for Pre-Law Programs will promote student entry into law schools around the nation, with specific conduits into Georgia State’s own law degree program for high performers. Ability to strengthen ties between Georgia State, regional legal firms and national law organizations is desired.
Interested individuals should submit a CV and letter of interest to Kyle Frantz at kfrantz@gsu.edu by Nov. 22. These senior faculty associates will receive release time and/or summer support in compensation for their efforts. The positions are planned as three-year terms, with return to faculty ranks upon term completion and no impact of the faculty associate role on existing salary.”