Gwynedd-Mercy College Gwynedd Valley , PA 19437
Posted 2 weeks ago
SUMMARY:
Under general supervision, this position provides proactive, developmental advising to undeclared students and outreach to new and continuing students focused on ensuring student persistence and success. Areas of responsibility include assisting students with the major exploration process, providing student success coaching services, supporting students on academic probation and identifying students who are at risk for attrition. This position manages the University-wide retention alert system. Occasional evening and/or weekend hours as needed to accommodate the needs of a diverse student population.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Builds positive, supportive relationships with students to facilitate retention and persistence to
program completion. Identifies barriers to student persistence and works to resolve them
quickly. Provide academic success coaching to develop effective learning strategies, such as assist in college transition and improvement of study skills/habits/behavior to all students.
Student Advising
Assist advisees with course registration and planning, identifying campus resources, and interpreting academic policy
Monitor advisee's academic progress, respond appropriately to any academic alert notifications, and assist with retention efforts
Serve as a student advocate (e.g., letters of appeal, recommendations, report students' concerns to administration etc.) based on personal knowledge of advisee's strengths and weaknesses
Serve as a liaison between advisees and academic units, registrar, and campus resources
Assist with advisor training and relevant resources for all advisors, including faculty advisors
Create and execute programming to enhance a culture of engagement and belonging
Compile program and retention data as requested and make data-driven recommendations as appropriate to Assistant Dean of Student Success
Stay current with best practices in academic advising through NACADA, trends, and regulatory requirements in higher education, such as FERPA, ADA, and Title IX, to ensure departmental effectiveness and compliance with appropriate laws
Gain knowledge of all academic programs to properly assist students with identifying, exploring, and evaluating academic programs of interest, and the resources available to assist them in transitioning to an academic program
Work with students dismissed from majors to identify alternative academic and career options
Student Success Coaching and Retention
Manage and respond to cases submitted to the Retention Alert System, evaluates student needs, implements action plans for targeted interventions, and documents interactions and follow-up with students.
Provide student success coaching sessions on academic, personal and social issues and maintain meeting notes, communicate student progress with faculty and staff, keep files on individual students and make appropriate referrals.
Provide regular outreach and marketing activities to reach faculty, staff and students to educate them on success coaching services and build support, increase retention and improve graduation rates of students.
Communicate with students regarding support services provided by the University and communicate on student's behalf to faculty, Academic Advisors, Program Directors and other University personnel as appropriate.
Develop, track, and facilitate the Academic Recovery Program
Serve as the retention alert system academic administrator in conjunction with VP of Student Services
Other Job-Related Duties
Teach four (4) credits per year in the FYE: University Success Program.
Co-coordinate the Ready, Set, Griffins! Orientation program
Maintain up to date knowledge of other department functions and university resources in order to appropriately resolve student inquiries.
Respond in a timely manner (no more than 1 business day) to student problems, concerns, and questions.
Ensure timely and accurate data entry within necessary university systems.
Attend and assist with University events, such as Commencement, Honors Convocation, Open House, Accepted Students Day, and other required events.
Other job-related duties may be assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty
satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or
ability required.
Education/Experience
Master's degree in higher education, psychology, counseling, student development, or related field required.
1-3 years experience in academic advising, academic support, teaching, or counseling at the post-secondary level.
Experience working with students in graduate and undergraduate programs, and in traditional, accelerated, and online degree formats preferred.
Understanding of university structures and policies.
Excellent organizational skills.
Effective and clear communication skills, including written, oral, interpersonal, and group skills.
Understanding of student development theory and academic advising research and practices, especially for exploratory undergraduate students.
Commitment to student retention and persistence.
Strong computer skills.
Technical Skills
Must be proficient in Microsoft-office suite and student database management systems
preferred.
Language Skills
Must have excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills both in-person and
via email/telephone communication. Must be able to interact and communicate effectively
with students, faculty and University personnel with regard to university and program policies,
procedures, guidelines, and standards.
Mathematical Skills
Ability to apply mathematical concepts to practical situations. Ability to work with statistical
information.
Reasoning Ability
Must be results oriented and able to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple activities.
Interpersonal Skills
The ability to communicate effectively, prioritize workflow, work well with minimum
supervision, and accept responsibility for total task completion is required.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an
employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential
functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit;
use hands to handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally
lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close
vision and ability to adjust focus.
Gwynedd-Mercy College