Retention Specialist - University Advising

Cal Poly•San Luis Obispo, CA

2d•$66,480 - $94,716•Onsite

About The Position

Under the general direction of the Assistant Vice Provost for University Advising, and lead direction of the Assistant Director of University Advising Retention, the Retention Specialist will be responsible for the development, implementation and evaluation of comprehensive advising-based retention efforts within assigned colleges and through centralized measures based on identified risk-factors with the intention of increasing retention and graduation while eliminating graduation equity gaps. University Advising (UA), a division of Academic Affairs, is responsible for integrating, facilitating, coordinating, synthesizing, enabling, and fostering outcomes driven efforts that support student success (e.g., retention, persistence, and graduation). Through its unique range of campus-wide programs and initiatives that includes the Mustang Success Center, University Advising Retention, and the Transfer Center; UA provides leadership, services, and resources to support all Cal Poly students in reaching their academic goals.

Requirements

Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university in a related field, including or supplemented by upper division or graduate course work in counseling techniques, interviewing, and conflict resolution.
Three years of progressively responsible professional student services work experience.
A master’s degree in Counseling, Clinical Psychology, Social Work, or a directly related field may be substituted for one year of experience.
A doctorate degree and the appropriate internship or clinical training in counseling or guidance may be substituted for the three years of experience for positions with a major responsibility for professional career or personal counseling.

Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and evaluate comprehensive advising-based retention efforts within assigned colleges through centralized measures based on identified risk-factors intended to increase retention and graduation while eliminating graduation equity gaps.
Develop data-informed retention interventions that can be scaled across colleges.
Utilize strong database, analytical and organizational skills to develop, coordinate and continuously improve all aspects of one or more centralized outreach programs.
Develop re-engagement efforts for students who are active but not enrolled or taking informal time off and submit leave of absence and university departure forms.
Provide comprehensive advising to assigned students on university policies, procedures, resources and graduation requirements; specifically, advise students who are experiencing academic difficulty and/or are not making expected academic progress. Services include one-on-one academic advising, mentoring, career planning, personal support and group sessions.