Specialist, Retention Programs & Academic Support

Western Kentucky University • Bowling Green, KY

2d

About The Position

The Specialist, Retention Programs & Academic Support supports the coordination of academic support and retention initiatives. This position assists with programs and services designed to help students transition successfully to WKU, respond to academic difficulty, connect with academic support resources, and persist toward good academic standing. The position provides operational support for retention initiatives such as the Academic Recovery & Support Program, Summer Scholars academic support, and peer coaching / Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) connections. The Specialist works collaboratively with campus partners to help students understand expectations, identify support needs, and connect with resources that promote academic success.

Requirements

• Master's degree.
• Experience supporting students, academic support programs, retention initiatives, peer coaching, advising, or related student success work.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, communicate clearly with students and campus partners, and maintain accurate program records.
• Commitment to supporting students from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate day-to-day support for retention and academic support initiatives, including the Academic Recovery & Support Program (Best Expectation Program (BEP) formerly) and Summer Scholars academic support.
• Assist students in understanding academic standing, academic recovery expectations, peer coaching / PASS services, and available campus resources.
• Teach up to 6 hours of college coursework.
• Support student communication, workshop logistics, attendance tracking, completion records, and follow-up for assigned programs.
• Connect students to peer services, PASS, advising, financial aid, wellness resources, faculty support, and other campus partners as appropriate.
• Support the coordination, training, scheduling, and supervision of assigned peer coaches, PASS leaders, or student employees.
• Assist with development and maintenance of program materials, student-facing resources, webpages, forms, and communication templates.
• Support tracking and reporting related to participation, completion, student engagement, resource referrals, and academic recovery outcomes.
• Collaborate with academic advising, faculty, academic colleges, Registrar, Financial Aid, Housing and Residence Life, TRIO, Intercultural Student Engagement Center, and other student success partners.
• Support continuous improvement of academic support and retention programs through student feedback, data review, and program assessment.
• Provide occasional evening or weekend support for workshops, summer programming, or student success activities as needed.

Benefits

• Comprehensive wellness and health benefits to employees and their families, including domestic partners and other qualified dependents
• Paid-time off for holidays, vacation and sick leave
• A tuition discount program for employees and dependents

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level