TITLE

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 development and trainings.
• Supports advising initiatives as directed by the Pioneer Center for Student Excellence.
• Performs other duties as requested.

EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree required. Master's degree in higher education, counseling, student affairs or related degree is preferred.

EXPERIENCE

Five years of academic advising experience is required. Work experience with vulnerable, first generation, and non-traditional student populations is strongly preferred. Knowledge of NACADA best practices preferred. Additional job related education may be substituted for required experience.

REQUIREMENT

Regular and reliable attendance during regular scheduled days and work hours is an essential function of this position.

May complete some or all work remotely.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES - The following are essential:

• Work independently, and communicate institutional policies, procedures and language to the general population.
• Use professional judgment in ambiguous situations.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Work effectively and collaboratively in a diverse work environment.
• Work in a fast paced environment with multiple demands and changing needs.
• Knowledge of Texas Woman's University policies and procedures.
• Experience with undergraduate degree programs in general subject area of placement.
• Establishes and maintains positive work relationships with students, faculty, staff, and the public.
• Ability to use a personal computer and other office equipment, including related university software and email.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described in the Essential Duties and below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

The employee will be required to travel. Employee will be required to work evenings and weekends.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

All employees are responsible for maintaining an environment that is free from discrimination, intimidation, harassment, including sexual harassment. Work is normally performed in a typical interior work environment.

Remote employees must have access to a reliable internet connection and a dedicated, properly equipped workspace at a fixed location. Please refer to Alternative Work Arrangements for Staff Employee, URP 05.620.

SAFETY

TWU promotes a safe working environment. Employees are responsible for completing assigned tasks safely and efficiently, and supervisors are responsible for creating and maintaining a safe work environment. Employees must report any unsafe work conditions or practices, as well as any near-miss incidents, to their supervisor and Risk Management. Supervisors and employees should ensure that injury/accident reports are submitted to the Office of Human Resources and Risk Management within 24 hours of the incident.