Assistant Director, Retention and Student Success

Villanova University, United States

Updated: 9 days ago
Location: Villanova, PENNSYLVANIA
Deadline: 08 May 2024

Posting Details

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Posting Details (Default Section)


Posting Number: 20243991S
Position Title: Assistant Director, Retention and Student Success
Position Type: Staff
Location: Villanova, PA
Recruitment Type: Internal/External Applicants
Work Schedule: full-time/12-months
Avg Hours Week
Department: 129-A&S Office for Undergraduate Students
Position Summary:
As a member of the Office for Undergraduate Students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Assistant Director manages a caseload of students assigned by the Director. Focus areas include: students taking or returning from a leave, helping students to reconnect with faculty after an extended period of time as a result of hospitalization, crisis, grief, etc. The AD will routinely meet with students and their parents to discuss policies related to MLOA’s, Attendance Verification, Withdrawals, and Incompletes. The AD develops and maintains relationships with campus partners to establish resource and retention opportunities to support CLAS Students experiencing academic difficulty.
The person in this role will also work closely with OUS systems staff by acting as the chief liaison and resource person to communicate upgrades or changes related to the software advising system. The AD works in collaboration with the Director and OUS colleagues to design, implement, and assess initiatives such as presentations, data collection and analysis teaching 1-credit courses or other projects, as assigned in collaboration with faculty and other Student Support Services areas focused on intervention programs. The Assistant Director supports the Director in identifying, collecting and interpreting data to determine trends and anomalies in support of the OUS’s retention efforts, presenting reports to the Director as requested.
Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian Order. Diversity and inclusion have been and will continue to be an integral component of Villanova University’s mission. The University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University’s mission and values.
Duties and Responsibilities:
MEET WITH and ADVISE CLAS STUDENTS FACING CHALLENGES
  • Area of focus will vary depending on changing business needs. The AD will meet with students who are on academic probation or facing dismissal. The AD will also help create support plans for students returning from MLOA. This involves coordination of services between various offices on campus including: UCC, Dean of Students, LSS, CASA, etc.
  • Conducting regular check-in meetings with students and advisors who have questions about policies and procedures.
  • Take the lead role in monitoring the status of students who have Incomplete Grades
  • Provide information and assist students in areas such as academic standing, university policies, campus resources, and graduation requirements. Refer students and parents to primary academic advisors regularly and keep primary advisors informed.
  • Supports the Directors in delivering workshops for students, faculty and staff regarding academic recovery strategies for those on probation.


CORRESPOND/MEET/GUIDE FAMILIES RE: POLICY and PROCEDURES
  • Assist the Director Retention and Success in speaking with families or faculty about student situations.
  • Helps students interpret university policies and procedures, specifically academic policies.
  • Identify options for students to satisfy degree requirements in partnership with students’ primary faculty advisors.

OPERATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS
  • Support the Director in analyzing processes to organize, streamline and collect data in enhance student services.
  • Responsible for the ongoing maintenance and updating of data and compliance with university-wide record systems.

LIAISE WITH CAMPUS PARTNERS
  • Act as resource for Dean of Students Office, LSS, CASA, UCC, Health Promotion and others to ensure coordination of services for students going on a returning from all leaves of absence.
  • Assist in guiding other Advisors through best practice usage of Advise software.

NONESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Less Critical Duties etc.)
  • Perform additional duties and assist with special projects as assigned.
  • Participate in events with OUS on occasional nights and weekends for admission or orientation events, as needed.
Minimum Qualifications:
Formal Education: (e.g., degree)
  • Master’s degree required.


Specific Job Knowledge: (e.g., knowledge of principles and procedures related to field and area)
  • Experience in academic advising as well as a proven track record of providing excellent student support while maintaining confidentiality.
  • The individual selected must communicate professionally and efficiently within a fast-paced environment.
  • The individual must be proficient in all standard computer applications, including Microsoft office products, particularly Microsoft Word, Excel and other university systems including but not limited to: Banner, Degree Works, Advise, Maxient.
  • General knowledge of university operations and procedures is required.

Minimum Work Experience: (type and number of years)
  • 3-5 years of experience in higher education setting.
  • Experience in undergraduate student academic advising.
  • Interest in serving student populations that are experiencing challenges during their educational experience and providing guidance and support to students and families.

Work Skills: (e.g., written and verbal communication skills)
The candidate must possess strong communication, organizational and interpersonal skills, along with an approachable, upbeat and highly professional demeanor. They must be a team player with a proven ability to maintain the highest level of confidentiality, and attention to detail. The candidate must have an ability to work effectively in a service environment with frequent interruptions. They must have the ability to interact respectfully and comfortably with all individuals in a diverse multicultural environment.
  • The successful candidate must have the ability to work independently, prioritize work, multitask using initiative and creativity to overcome obstacles and complete assigned tasks within allotted time Must be deadline and detail oriented and have excellent organizational and recordkeeping skills.
  • They must have the ability to work as part of a team and support all aspects of functions of the OUS.
  • The individual must have a deep commitment to the Liberal Arts and Sciences, a commitment to the University’s Catholic/Augustinian heritage, and the advancement of its mission, and to serving the needs of a diverse community.
Preferred Qualifications:
Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours:
Occasional evening and weekend work required to serve the needs of the student population.
Special Message to Applicants:
Posting Date: 04/24/2024
Closing Date (11:59pm ET): 05/08/2024
Salary Posting Information:
Commensurate with experience.
Salary Band: I
Job Classification: exempt

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