Retention Specialist & Academic Advisor (Two Positions)
Morehead State University
Morehead, KY
Full-time
Education
Posted on August 17, 2019
Morehead State University, located in Morehead, Kentucky in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, is recognized as one of the top public universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report. MSU continues to strive toward becoming an even greater institution while making a lasting impact on the students of Eastern Kentucky and beyond. We are always looking for quality employees to help the University be the best public regional university in the South. We are accepting applications for TWO full-time position as a Retention Specialist & Academic Advisor in the Office of Academic Advising & Retention.
Responsibilities: The Retention Specialist & Academic Advisor is a key member of the Office of Academic Advising & Retention responsible for implementing institutional campaigns to enhance student retention, and degree progression and completion. As part of regular duties, the Retention Specialist & Academic Advisor orients and encourages advisees toward student success behaviors. Essential Duties are as follows:
Implements student success campaigns as directed by the supervisor to enhance student retention, progression toward degree, and degree completion, including working to improve the retention/completion of at-risk populations. Serves as the direct contact for students during campaigns and keeps detailed documentation regarding interactions and guidance provided to them.
Serves as a retention agent in all interactions with students, and in coordination with other Morehead State University staff or faculty.
Prepares reports detailing and summarizing the retention and progress of assigned students, and provides data to support the assessment of advising effectiveness.
Serves as a case manager for student success, including coordinating and following up on guidance needs for students in the areas of academics, social engagement, finances, and mental and physical health.
Intervenes with advisees who receive retention alerts to guide their behaviors back to student success through advising and by coordinating connections for the student with other offices that can assist them to get back on track. Follows up to insure that advice and/or connections with other offices have addressed the students issues, and engages in continued monitoring of the students progress after retention alert.
Intervenes with unregistered students to help address barriers they may be experiencing that hinder registration, so that the students may be retained and stay on progression toward degree completion.
Develops extensive knowledge regarding University programs, services, policies, and key contacts to promote seamless referrals for students. Participates in continuing education and professional development activities in the areas of retention/completion campaigning, financial literacy, educational planning, case management for student success, and student career selection.
Guides students with the selection of a career path to match their professional and life goals, including assisting students with change of academic program(s) as necessary.
Assists students with educational planning to support their chosen career paths, including participating in onboarding students and orientation/registration events for incoming students, assisting with course placement and selection, regularly contacting students to advise them regarding academic progress, directing students toward successful entry of programs with admission requirements, and evaluating student records for appropriate course substitutions when necessary.
Assists transfer students to make appropriate course substitution requests as necessary, and guides them in course educational planning and registration so they can complete the degree as quickly as possible.
Participates in all orientation and registration events for students (e.g., onboarding, SOAR, New Student Days, etc.).
Teaches student success-oriented workshops or University courses, including First Year Seminar, when needed and as appropriate based on credentials.
Qualifications: Bachelors degree and one year of relatable experience. High level of interpersonal, communication and creative problem solving skills. Demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations. Proficiency with computer literacy and willingness to learn new applications. Ability to master a wide body of factual knowledge (e.g. interpreting academic program evaluations, discussing career options, etc.) with a high degree of accuracy and detail. Professional mindset with the ability to multitask, sound judgement, and the ability to work without immediate supervision. Ability to work in a team-oriented environment and to work collaboratively across unit/departmental lines.
Desired Qualifications: Masters degree preferred. Experience or degree in academic advising, counseling, student/career development, higher education, or related area, or in a discipline related to the job.
Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. For priority consideration apply by August 29, 2019. To apply, visit: https://moreheadstate.peopleadmin.com, complete the MSU Application for Employment, upload a cover letter and a resume with name and contact information for three references. Contact the Office of Human Resources at (606) 783-2097 should you have questions about our online application. MSU is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer. Minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.