Senior Academic Advisor & Retention Specialist - University Academic Advising

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Senior Academic Advisor & Retention Specialist

JOB SUMMARY 

The Senior Academic Advisor and Retention Specialist (SAARS) will provide academic advising and retention support to special populations of undergraduate students. This position will be one of six members of a team that will promote student persistence and retention by addressing barriers that may impact student success and degree completion. The SAARS will monitor, track, and measure the retention of students through metrics such as continued enrollment, migration to a new major, completed credit hours, and academic standing.

The SAARS is a general academic advisor who may advise any undergraduate student. They will manage a caseload of students assigned by the Pioneer Center for Student Excellence. The SAARS will implement proactive advising strategies to support a diverse population of students that includes first generation, Pell eligible, DACA, or underrepresented student populations. 

Each SAARS will report to a designated administrator in the Pioneer Center for Student Excellence and assigned responsibilities, projects, and additional advising caseloads based on their supervisor’s area of specialization. Additionally, the SAARS will be responsible for analyzing data and creating retention strategies to meet university priorities for enrollment and degree completion. The SAARS will also serve as a member of an academic advising float pool. The float pool is a team of experienced advisors who provide advising assistance to other departments during peak advising periods and during university events. 

Work is performed independently under limited supervision and performance is based upon completion of assignments and results obtained. The performance evaluation is conducted through the performance evaluation system and in accordance with the University Policies & Procedures. 

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to:      Designated Academic Administrator 

Supervises:     May supervise student assistants

ESSENTIAL DUTIES - May include, but not limited to the following:

Academic Advising (50%)

• Provides proactive advising to current students about academic requirements and selection of courses. 
• Conducts advising sessions using multiple platforms (in-person, email, phone, virtual).
• Assists students with short and long-term program evaluation and degree planning.
• Analyzes and processes degree audits, change of major, and other required academic forms.
• Assists students in understanding university and state rules for college readiness, course repetition, credit limits, and related guidelines required to graduate in a timely manner. 
• Uses computer software and university data systems to maintain records and document advising interactions (TSI compliance, Student Planning, Colleague, GMedia, etc.).
• Connects students to relevant on-campus and off-campus resources.

Retention (50%)

• Identifies and advises students who are not reaching degree program and academic milestones as defined by university policies and academic program requirements.
• Prepares reports on student progress and creates interventions to address student barriers for success.
• Monitors and tracks the retention, progression and graduation of students within assigned cohorts.
• Guides students in using university resources and academic planning to enhance retention and graduation rates.
• Designs and implements individualized outreach to students who are identified as academically vulnerable.
• Assists with implementation of university retention strategies.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

• Represents advising at campus events and programs.
• Supports students in reaching their academic and career goals.
• Provides advising at new student and transfer student orientation programs.
• Provides mentorship to advisors pertaining to best practices and university policy. 
• Establishes and maintains contact with university departments to clarify and document departmental expectations for advising.
• Promotes positive working relationships with students, staff, and faculty.
• Participates in advisor professional dev