Assistant Director of Retention & Academic Success

Job Summary

Under the direct supervision of the College of Natural Sciences (CNS) Assistant Academic Dean, the Assistant Director of Retention and Student Success helps develop a comprehensive program to increase student retention and graduation rates.

This position provides academic advising for undergraduate students with a specific focus on students in academic jeopardy and assists with the planning and implementation of CNS programs and services to enhance the success and retention of CNS undergraduate students.

Essential Functions

• Coordinates Academic Alert process in partnership with CNS academic programs within the College of Natural Science and develop and implement strategies to increase student retention and graduation rates based on academic alerts received and utilizing current database tools.
• Leads the development and execution of a college-wide retention-focused advising program, based on best practices and analysis of outcome data, to support and mentor students on academic probation or returning from suspension.

Expands and refines these programs to other populations in academic jeopardy, including students with academic warnings and students reinstated from suspension or dismissal.

• Provides comprehensive, individualized, and small group advising to a diverse population of upper-level students (sophomore - senior) students during the academic year, and registration periods.
• Collaborates on the review of CNS academic petitions and forms (, Late Add, Late Withdrawal, Late Pass / Fail, Credit Overload) with the academic deans.
• Serves as Chief Undergraduate Advisor (CUA) for the CNS Science major.
• Partners with academic departments to complete needs assessments for courses with high attrition. Works with departments to identify interventions appropriate for students at risk in a particular course.

Tracks retention data for individual courses, majors and CNS overall.

• Responds to common registration-related questions such as including fulfilling University general education requirements, major and college requirements, dual degrees, double majors, and minors.
• Develops and implements strategies to assist students with matters of goal setting, self-assessment and time management skills, and decision-making such as establishing an academic plan, choosing a major, selecting courses, and reading an Academic Requirements Report (ARR).
• Responds to at-risk students experiencing academic and personal difficulties by addressing relevant issues and making appropriate referrals to University agencies.
• Manages sensitive inquiries from parents in accordance with FERPA and in a professional and respectful manner / tone.
• Participates in evening and weekend activities including Open Houses, Destination Days, Senior Celebration, and other activities and events that may be developed.
• Contributes to the college-level graduation clearance process.

Other Functions

• Performs related duties as assigned or required to meet Department, College, and University goals and objectives.
• Understands responsibilities with respect to Title IX, FERPA, and other compliance requirements.
• Demonstrates capacity, skill and willingness to engage students and contribute to student success.
• Works collaboratively with other campus stakeholders to fulfill the mission of Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and Student Success.
• Works collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, diversity, equality and inclusiveness.
• Works in partnership with colleagues within the CNS community and across the campus to support the Dean’s strategic priorities.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Master's degree (preferably in Math, Science or Higher Education) and three (3) years of professional student-facing experience in areas such as student life, advising, counseling, or teaching), OR a Bachelor’s degree and five (5) years of professional experience in areas such as student life, advising, or counseling.
• Experience in serving a culturally diverse population.
• Excellent oral and written communication, strong organizational and interpersonal skills, and intermediate level computer proficiency.
• Skill in small group presentations.
• Able to take initiative and work independently and collaboratively with various university personnel.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Professional teaching experience.
• Knowledge of university academic rules and regulations.
• Demonstrated capacity for supervision of staff and / or students.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a high volume of complex and varied client needs.

Physical Demands / Working Conditions

• Monday - Friday, 9 : 00am - 5 : 00pm.
• Required to work some nights and weekends.

Salary Information

Level 27