Academic Pathways Advisor & Student Retention

DePaul University•Chicago, IL

1d•$55,000 - $58,000

About The Position

The Academic Pathways Advisor & Student Retention Specialist plays a vital role in supporting students pursuing licensure-based education programs. This position provides direct support through comprehensive academic advising, and coordinating initiatives to increase student persistence, community, and engagement. A critical component of this role is the monitoring and maintenance of compliance documentation for licensure candidates, ensuring all records meet the standards and regulations set forth by the Illinois State Board of Education to maintain our accreditation. The specialist also leads partnership development with the pathways programs (AUSL, ASSET, and transfer pathways), coordinates events and projects, and collaborates with community colleges to strengthen academic avenues into teacher preparation programs. This position blends academic advising, recruitment, community-building, and school partnership development to ensure students feel supported from enrollment through graduation while maintaining the integrity of compliance.

Requirements

A minimum bachelor's degree required.
Required experience working in a P-12 setting.
Required strong organizational, planning, and project management skills with meticulous attention to detail.
Required ability to work for extended periods on independent, computer-based tasks.
Required excellent communication/interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with various stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

Preferred prior experience working in a university setting.
Preferred candidate holds a teaching credential.
Preferred experience in coordinating students in teacher education placements.
Preferred comprehensive knowledge of teacher education programming including the state regulations governing placements.
Preferred demonstrated leadership skills and the ability to effectively manage a team.
Preferred proficiency in data management, data systems, and technology tools used for placement coordination.

Responsibilities

Provide individualized advising to students in licensure pathway programs, including course selection and planning, program milestones, and licensure requirements.
Support students in navigating academic challenges and accessing campus resources and early identification and proactive engagement with at-risk students.
Connect students to appropriate campus resources related to tutoring, counseling, financial aid, and career development.
Monitor student progress and collaborate with faculty to ensure timely completion of program requirements.
Engage in proactive advising to ensure students get timely information and advising in advance of registration needs and deadlines.
Develop, implement, and assess retention and persistence programs designed to improve student success and degree completion rates for all students in the College.
Utilize data analytics to track student progress and identify barriers to retention.
Design orientation materials and activities for transfer and graduate students that mirror resources provided to traditional students in engaging with the university community, identification of resources.
Lead recruitment efforts that promote belonging, identity, and connection among prospective and current students.
Represent the College of Education at outreach events, school visits, and community programs.
Provide administrative support for advising and orientation initiatives, including scheduling, documentation, and reporting, including the annual AUSL week-long orientation event.
Participate in recruitment and admission events both at DePaul and community colleges such as open houses, info sessions, and student panels that highlight education pathways and build community.
Assist with project management for strategic initiatives related to student success and outreach.
Collaborate with area community colleges to strengthen academic pathways into teaching careers.
Identify coursework pathways with community colleges for major specific agreements on recommended coursework at both institutions, in accordance with transfer agreements in place.
Maintain relationships with school counselors, administrators, and community partners to support student recruitment and training.
Supporting the supervision of the GAs who support the office.