Retention Specialist

University of Oklahoma•Norman, OK

About The Position

Within the Academic Success Center, the Center for Student Advancement (CSA) and First Year Learning and Engagement (FYLE) play a critical role in supporting University of Oklahoma students as they transition into college. These teams primarily work with students by providing courses, programs, and events that foster academic connection and belonging to the university and help students develop successful skills for college-level learning. This includes support for first-year students transitioning to college, students needing academic recovery, and for transfer students. The Retention Specialist position will, specifically, lead the Provost's Distinguished First Year Student Mentoring Program, which is designed to facilitate meaningful mentorship between first-year students and faculty members across campus. This role will also provide support for Foundations courses that emphasize math, English, and academic skill building.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent combination of education/job related experience, AND
Minimum of 36 months of experience as a full-time Academic Advisor in higher education
Effective oral and written communication and computer skills.
Teaching and familiarity developing course materials.
Ability to communicate with students in crisis.
Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and ability to navigate and maintain databases.
Skilled in communicating well and building rapport quickly with students, faculty and staff.
Ability to work well in a diverse environment.
Detail oriented for accuracy of data and information.
Highly organize and ability to handle multiple projects and deadlines.
Demonstrate ability to learn, interpret and articulate complex policies and procedures.
Demonstrate and advanced knowledge of state, university, college, and major policies and procedures.
Willingness to work independently, collaboratively, and under supervision.
Committed to maintaining confidentiality and securing sensitive information.

Nice To Haves

Master's Degree
24+ month experience in advising and teaching
0-24 months experience working with students in a classroom setting
0-24 months experience with academic advising students of various populations

Responsibilities

Provides individual and small group meetings to first-year students for academic and social support.
Receives, screens, and responds to student academic and social support inquiries verbally and in writing.
Maintains student records.
Collects data and prepares various statistical reports.
Assists in the implementation of policies and procedures.
Provides input for the development and revision of informational materials.
Attends staff development and training.
Organize and support special events and projects.
May perform a supervisory role.
Work with and recruit faculty to the mentoring program.
Performs various duties as needed to successfully fulfill the function of the position.
Student Recruitment and Enrollment by working with special populations of students who elect to receive First Year Mentoring, ie. First generation, college majors, students with disabilities.
Promote the program through tabling, emails, flyers, etc.
Provide outreach to students who have D/F grades at midterms
Individual and group meetings focused on academic habits, study skills, and other
Recruit faculty from across the university as mentors
Biweekly Check Ins with faculty mentors
Event Planning and Execution
Tracking enrollment into courses and supporting student outreach
Assisting with support for Math, English, and Skill-Building Support Foundations instructors
Assisting with scheduling Math Support GTA visits into classes
Support for additional FYLE / ASC initiatives and events including instructor and PTA trainings, Lunch and Learns, and review and updates to instructor resource Canvas pages
Other duties as assigned