Retention Advisor - College of Engineering

Cal Poly•San Luis Obispo, CA

5d•$60,996 - $86,736

About The Position

The Retention Advisor works under the direction of the Director for Engineering Student Services and has a dotted-line reporting relationship to the Assistant Vice Provost for University Advising. The position performs complex assignments requiring coordination and planning with other University areas, including Residential Life, Student Life and Leadership, Career Services, Student Academic Services, and College Advising Centers. The advisor maintains effective working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and members of the public, including parents, using interviewing and counseling techniques. Within established parameters, the Retention Advisor makes decisions and collects data affecting student groups and individuals, including students experiencing academic difficulty or falling behind their graduation plans. The advisor also recommends changes to existing policies and practices as appropriate. University Advising supports student success through coordinated, outcome-driven efforts related to retention, persistence, and graduation. Working collaboratively with Engineering Student Services and advising staff, the units develop and implement programs supporting Cal Poly students’ academic success. Engineering Student Services enhances academic success through student support services and partnerships with academic departments, industry, and students.

Requirements

Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university in behavioral sciences, public or business administration, or a job-related field.
Two years of professional experience in a student services program area or a related field.
Working knowledge of the principles, practices, and trends of the Student Services field.
Ability to accurately assess students’ current and future academic needs in areas of academic support, leadership, career development, service, interpersonal skills, and diversity awareness.
Ability to advise students individually and in groups on routine student-related matters, sensitivity to individuals and groups, and insight into campus cause-and-effect relationships.
General knowledge of organizational and program management methods and problems, research and interview techniques, and principles of individual and group behavior.
Demonstrated ability to make decisions and follow through on actions with implications for other departments, colleges, and the University.
Ability to use initiative and resourcefulness to plan work assignments and implement long-range program improvements.
Ability to use tact and diplomacy in sensitive interpersonal situations involving diverse personalities, and to respond appropriately to conflicts and problems.
Ability to initiate, establish, and foster communication and teamwork, maintain a positive and productive work atmosphere, and build effective working relationships across diverse populations and cultural backgrounds.
Satisfactory completion of a background check, including a criminal records check, is required.
Must comply with California mandated reporter requirements as a condition of employment.
Must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States; the employer does not sponsor employment visas.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and plan assignments with other University areas, including Residential Life, Student Life and Leadership, Career Services, Student Academic Services, and College Advising Centers.
Maintain effective working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and members of the public, including parents, using interviewing and counseling techniques.
Make decisions and collect data, within established parameters, that affect student groups and individual students, including students in academic difficulty or off track to graduate.
Recommend changes to existing policies and practices as appropriate.
Assess students’ current and future academic needs in areas such as academic support, leadership, career development, service, interpersonal skills, and diversity awareness.
Advise students individually and in groups on routine student-related matters.