General Advisor and Retention Specialist (Student Services Professional III)

Position Summary

Under the leadership of the Associate Director of Student Success, the General Advisor and Retention Specialist (GARS) plays a vital role in supporting the academic and personal development of residential students at SDSU. This position is ideal for professionals who are passionate about student success, mentorship, and creating inclusive, engaging learning environments.

As a key member of the Residential Education Office, the GARS will design and implement advising programs that promote scholarship, leadership, citizenship, and campus involvement. This role also provides essential support to departmental initiatives aimed at improving retention and graduation rates.

Evening and weekend availability is expected as part of our commitment to meeting students where they are.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide academic and holistic advising to students living in SDSU’s residential housing
• Refer students to appropriate campus resources as needed
• Develop and deliver engaging workshops and presentations, both in-person and online
• Support students navigating academic advisement, course selection, and degree planning
• Offer personal guidance related to self-awareness, growth, and academic probation
• Collaborate with the Office of Advising and Evaluations and individual colleges to ensure curriculum alignment
• Supervise STAR Centers and undergraduate peer advisors to promote timely graduation
• Recruit, train, and evaluate peer advisors and tutors
• Partner with campus departments to connect students with high-impact opportunities (e.g., internships, study abroad, research)
• Participate in Residential Education programs and complete assigned projects

Why You Should Apply

• Be part of a dynamic team dedicated to student success and equity
• Make a meaningful impact on students’ academic journeys and personal development
• Gain experience in a collaborative, student-centered environment
• Enjoy professional growth opportunities within a respected institution

Help shape the future of SDSU’s residential student experience. We’re excited to meet candidates who are ready to inspire, guide, and lead.

Position Information

• This is a full-time (1.0 time-base), benefits eligible, temporary position with an anticipated end date of June 30, 2026, with the possibility of reappointment. 
• This position is designated as exempt under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation. 
• Standard SDSU work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs.  
• The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego.
• Willingness to work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends, with advance notice.

Department Summary

The Residential Education Office is designated as the University department responsible for planning and administering Residential Education programs and services including those in traditional residence halls and apartment complexes. The Residential Education Office serves to enhance student life and success through a comprehensive living-learning experience that provides academic and personal support, contact with faculty, educational programs, community activities, student leadership development and multicultural learning opportunities. The department is part of the Vice President for Student Affairs and Campus Diversity/Dean of Students sub-division.

The Residential Education Office strives to provide safe and supportive on campus living learning communities where diverse students are challenged to develop holistically; as scholars, citizens and leaders.

Residential Education staff members are dedicated to providing curricular and cocurricular experiences to develop and enhance residents’ academic success, awareness and appreciation of diversity, and civic responsibility.

Residential Education’s values are a set of core beliefs that guide our work with students, colleagues, faculty and other constituents. While contributing to the goals of the University and the Division of Student Affairs and Campus Diversity, staff members of the Residential Education Office strive to:

• Achieve excellence in all that we do.
• Address students as unique individuals with multidimensional needs and unlimited potential for personal development.
• Promote integrity, accountability, responsibility, respect and collaboration.
• Promote the connectedness between curricular and co-curricular learning.
• Embrace, celebrate, and educate on issues related to diversity.