Retention Specialist

University of Oklahoma

Oklahoma, OK

ID: 7146817 (Ref.No. ta231280)
Posted: May 24, 2023
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

Job Description

Job Description

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At the University of Oklahoma, the Center for Student Advancement (CSA) plays a critical role in supporting University College students in need of academic recovery. CSA primarily works with first-year students who have been placed on academic notice or academic probation. CSA meets with these students one-to-one to help them understand their academic standing and to identify beneficial resources and support. This office also oversees, Strategies for Success, a course which offers holistic support to students working to gain academic traction. CSA also offers advising and coaching to select students in need and oversees the midterm outreach process for the college.

Essential Duties:

  • Performs academic advising and counseling duties and may supervise staff.  
  • Serves as a Campus Security Authority (CSA) by fulfilling training and reporting obligations related to campus safety protocols.
  • Counsels and advises current and prospective students.
  • Receives, screens, and responds to student and parent academic inquiries verbally and in writing.
  • Maintains student records.
  • Updates curriculum changes.
  • 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.
  • Monitors academic progress towards degree completion.
  • Attends staff development and training.
  • May organize special events and projects.

Responsibilities include:

  • Meet with and counsel various populations of students in academic recovery throughout the year to provide support, connect them to appropriate resources, and help them identify available options.
  • Meet with students on academic notice or probation agreement to implement individualized strategies to help them realize their educational goals and continue at the University. 
  • Meet with academic agreement students at the end of the semester to discuss options for staying at OU 
  • Meet with walk-in students about changing majors, changing colleges, academic status, etc.
  • Provide on-going support and advocate for students who are first generation, are low income, or have disabilities.
  • Help with outreach to academically at-risk students during midterms and at the end of the semester to identify problems and work with students to create solutions for academic success. 
  • Provide Strategies for Success course support:
    • Teach at least one section a semester in-load 
    • Provide class substitution, as needed, for instructors
    • Serve as a liaison for Peer Teaching Assistants for Strategies for Success Assist with preparation of course resources and materials such as course syllabus, activities, PowerPoint presentations, reading packet, Canvas, etc. 
    • Assist with recruitment, selection, and training of instructors 
    • Assist in keeping the Strategies for Success statistics updated
    • Organize and manage information and activities for Canvas Instructor Resources and instructor training manuals  
  • Support the First-Year Student Mentoring Program and Transitions course as needed.

Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned such as NSO advising support.

 

Job Requirements

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Required Education: Bachelor's Degree AND:

  • 18 months experience in academic advising or student services.

Equivalency Substitution:  Will accept 48 months related experience in lieu of the Bachelor's degree for a total of 66 months related experience.

Skills:

  • Effective verbal and written communication
  • Computer skills, including proficiency in navigating and maintaining databases
  • Detail oriented for accuracy of data and information
  • Highly organized and ability to handle multiple projects and deadlines
  • Ability to communicate well and build rapport with students, faculty and staff
  • Ability to communicate with students in crisis
  • Ability to read and interpret policy as well as State and Federal regulations
  • Teaching and familiarity developing course materials

Certifications:

  • None

Advertised Physical Requirements:

Physical:

  • Sitting for long periods of time.  
  • Frequent talking.  
  • Occasionally stands and walks.
  • Ability to engage in repetitive motion.

Environmental:

  • Standard office environment.
  •  Frequent exposure to pressure caused by deadlines and busy periods.
  • Ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies.  
  • Requires contact with other departments and University officials.

Departmental Preferences:

  • Master's degree; 24+ month experience in advising and teaching

Supervision: No Supervisory Duties

Special Instructions: If you are selected as a final candidate for this position, you will be subject to The University of Oklahoma Norman Campus Tuberculosis Testing policy.  To view the policy, visit https://hr.ou.edu/Policies-Handbooks/TB-Testing.

Diversity Statement: The University of Oklahoma is committed to achieving a diverse, equitable, and inclusive university community by recognizing each person's unique contributions, background, and perspectives. The University of Oklahoma strives to cultivate a sense of belonging and emotional support for all, recognizing that fostering an inclusive environment for all is vital in the pursuit of academic and inclusive excellence in all aspects of our institutional mission.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The University of Oklahoma, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, and health care services that the University operates or provides.