Military and Veteran Academic Success Coordinator

This individual is responsible for tracking, supporting and reporting the academic progress of military connected students. At the core of their work, the Military and Veteran Academic Success Coordinator will focus on how their work supports students’ transitions, sense of belonging, academic success, retention and graduation as well as career readiness. This individual is also responsible for ensuring academic compliance with VA benefits. Using data from a variety of sources, the Military and Veteran Academic Success Coordinator creates, revises, and/or retires programs and offerings to ensure alignment with the University’s Strategic Plan, Pathways, Goals, and the Student Affairs Strategic Plan and Co-Curricular Learning Outcomes. Periodically, this position may be asked to lead or contribute to either ad hoc or ongoing division/campus projects outside the scope of their day-to-day activities.

The Division of Student Affairs is committed to grounding our policies, programs, and procedures in antiracist practice. With this commitment, we recognize the importance of educating ourselves and holding one another accountable to ensure our work is approached through an equity, inclusion, and social justice lens. We recognize our need for ongoing development in this area, and continue to strive to improve. We expect all members of the Division of Student Affairs are willing to engage in this work alongside us to uphold our Catholic mission in creating a welcoming environment where the dignity of all students, staff, administrators, and faculty at USD is embraced.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Supporting academic ability:

• Provide academic, career, and personal advising to Veteran, Military Affiliated and Active Duty Military student populations to make effective decisions in pursuit of their academic and personal goals.
• Monitor mid-term deficiencies and provide outreach to students individually to identify barriers impacting their scholastic achievement and create strategies to address and eliminate barriers as possible.
• Coordinate tutoring efforts of the Military and Veterans’ Center.
• Offer programs on academic related topics such as note taking, study skills, time management, etc.
• Keep abreast of changing degree and certificate programs at the university in order to accurately advise students about the most current course requirements.
• Serve as a liaison to the Registrar’s Office and the Transfer Analyst to assist military connected students with their education plan for effective use of their VA Benefits.
• Serve as a point of contact when advisors from the College and the schools have registration related questions regarding military and veteran student course selection.
• Serve as a liaison to academic departments, student services, and instructional faculty for Veteran related issues.
• In support of students’ well-being, refers students to clinical, recreational and social opportunities on and off campus.

Compliance:

• Familiarity with policies specific to Veteran, Military Affiliated and Active Duty Military populations including Veteran, Military Affiliated and Active Duty benefits, educational planning, and military transcripts.
• Act as a School Certifying Official (SCO) in accordance with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs School Certifying Official Handbook; consult with VA officials, the State Approving Agency, and other certifying officials for assistance with regulations and compliance procedures for resolution of complex problems.
• Support the department’s needs in this area when requested.
• Complete reports as required to ensure compliance.
• Monitor student course work to ensure compliance with the educational plan developed by the student and counselor to avoid under/over payment and institutional liability; process student enrollment certifications, unit changes and enrollment verifications; process VA documents/forms related to educational benefits.
• Supervise 2-3 VA Work study students, providing guidance and oversight for their work (in support of academic support: tutoring, resource referral, orientation, peer mentoring).

Student transition:

• Assist in the coordination of orientation and onboarding of military connected students.
• Lead group presentations including student-interest workshops and seminars, orientations, group advising, and other matriculation functions.
• Participate in curriculum development, program review, assessment of student learning/area outcomes, and other activities as requested.

Sense of belonging:

• Creates, implements and evaluates programs related to the co-curricular learning outcomes.
• Engages students in conversation about their holistic development and campus connection while discussing academic progress.
• Provides referrals to other campus resources and services as determined through individual conversations and contacts.
• Encourages students to become involved in co-curricular opportunities including student organizations (particularly those which support their career aspirations), research, intramurals and recreation opportunities, among others.

Support students' sense of purpose:

• Serves as a liaison with the Career Development Center Develops, implement and assess career networking opportunities.
• Assists in connecting students with military friendly employers.
• Works with outside veteran service organizations and other resources to supplement their education and career preparedness.

Other responsibilities:

• May be requested to participate in events both on and off campus representing the department and the university.
• Contribute to or lead additional division/campus projects outside of typical duties to help further accomplish student success or organizational goals.
• Additional assignments may be seasonal, ad hoc or  ongoing, depending on the project.
• Attend staff meetings, committee meetings and other meetings as assigned. Complete ad hoc reports as requested. Other duties as assigned.

Special Conditions of Employment:

Effective June 1, 2023, based on CDC guidance, the University strongly encourages all campus members to stay up to date with Influenza and COVID-19 vaccination recommendations.  For more regarding information USD's COVID-19 protocols, please visit sandiego.edu/onward.

Background check:  Successful completion of a pre-employment background check.

Degree Verification Requirement: Persons offered employment in this position will be required to provide official education transcripts for degree verification purposes.