Retention Specialist

Required Education and Experience: Bachelors 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

Skills:

• 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.

Advertised Physical Requirements:

• Sitting for long periods of time
• Communicate effectively
• Ability to engage in repetitive motion
• Standard office environment

Departmental Preferences:

• Masters Degree
• 24 month experience in advising coaching teaching or related experience in higher education
• 0-24 months experience working with students in a classroom setting

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 You Belong at the University of Oklahoma: The University of Oklahoma values our communitys unique talents perspectives and experiences. At OU we aspire to harness our innovation creativity and collaboration for the advancement of people everywhere. You Belong Here!

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The University in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations does not discriminate on the basis of race color national origin sex sexual orientation marital status genetic information gender identity/expression (consistent with applicable law) age (40 or older) 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 housing financial aid and educational services.

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 Provosts 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.

Essential Duties:

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.

Specific Departmental Duties:

• First-Year Student Mentoring Program Execution:
  • 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
• Support for Academic Support Foundations including:
  • 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