Academic Navigator

Proudly standing as the nation’s oldest HBCU, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania has been a stalwart and highly respected institution of higher education since our founding in 1837. For over 185 years our alumni have emerged as leaders and left their mark on the social, economic, and political history of Philadelphia, the surrounding region, the nation, and the world. Building on this legacy, the vision for Cheyney University is to become the premier model for academic excellence, character development, and social responsibility.

Here at Cheyney, we value scholarship, diversity, integrity, respect, and service. We are committed to maintaining a vibrant educational community that is dedicated to promoting scholarship and lifelong learning for its students, offering wide student access to resources to ensure an opportunity for all to acquire an education, encouraging freedom of thought and freedom from discrimination by ensuring a respectful environment, and provide outreach and service to external and constituent communities, demonstrating their understanding of the importance and value of service.

We’re looking for exceptional individuals who share our values, embrace our mission, recognize our potential, and covet the opportunity to continue to move our historic University forward. CU proudly offers a positive and purposeful work environment; comprehensive employee benefits including health, vision, and dental insurance along with many wellness programs; generous retirement plans; a commitment to work-life balance including generous paid vacation, paid sick time, military leave and paid time off for most major holidays; and a University mission to support employee personal and professional growth including a tuition waiver for self and family members, training and development, and advancement opportunities.

Cheyney University of Pennsylvania (CU) is seeking four (4) full time Academic Navigators to join the university’s new Academic Advising Center. Academic Navigators will be responsible for providing direct support to their assigned student population, assisting students in academic planning and navigating university processes to successfully graduate. By engaging students through varied and meaningful communication methods, Navigators connect students with departments campuswide to implement plans that comprehensively assist students. Academic Navigators are thus critical to providing the customized, intentional support necessary to ensure progress towards graduation. They will report to the Director of Academic Advising.

Navigators must possess knowledge of academic programs, policies, procedures, and academic support services. They must be able to anticipate and interpret student needs and provide individualized service.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Coordinate proactive and continuous academic planning and outreach to each assigned student.
• Assist students in developing individual plans for navigating the university experience as well as study plans for courses.
• Review schedules and syllabi with students each semester to ensure their understanding of requirements and preparation for success.
• Assist students in registering efficiently, on time and appropriately, taking courses to make timely progress to graduation.
• Enhance Satisfactory Academic Progress rates by -
  • educating students on academic standards and how failing/dropping classes impacts their academic standing
  • assisting students in completing SAP appeals, and
  • addressing concerns associated with being at risk for dismissal.
• Advise students and coordinate the submission and approval of documentation for various student processes including appeals, withdrawals, exits, and leaves of absence, considering classes and credits, financial aid and housing if applicable.
• Refer students to appropriate campus resources.
• Document student contacts and maintain student records using the university’s computerized information system.
• Monitor and review student progress indicators, creating assessment plans, collecting and analyzing data for reports, and maintaining databases to continuously improve intervention efforts.
• Keep accurate and confidential records of student information and advising services.
• Serve on university-wide committees, task forces, and academic initiatives, and participate in regular events such as Open House events, Orientation, Summer Bridge, New Student Orientation, Graduation, cohort year experiences, and convocations.
• Attend all Title III meetings and submit Time & Effort and Quarterly reports timely.
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED EDUCATION:
Master’s Degree in Education, Counseling, Social Work or academic field directly related to a field of study at Cheyney University.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 2 years of experience in a field directly related to the duties and responsibilities associated with higher education degree counseling
• 2 years of experience with higher education student support programs (e.g. mentoring programs)
• Professional work experience with data collection techniques, and analysis of data
• Strong collaborative skills within a high education environment, including faculty, staff, and administration
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Comprehensive understanding of higher education, mentoring, tutoring, or counseling, including an understanding of both traditional and non-traditional higher education students.
• Ability to positively and enthusiastically assist students, signaling approachability, openness to student conversations, and empathy to all.
• Diligence and persistence in connecting with at-risk students
• Excellent oral, written, and technological skills (including Word, Excel, Teams, data collection reports, and social media)

A complete online application will include the following attachments. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

• Cover Letter
• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Unofficial Transcript(s) of your highest completed degree

Cheyney University an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, creed, marital status, political affiliation, personal appearance, or on the basis of rights secured by the First Amendment, in all aspects of employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

1837 University Circle
P.O. Box 200
Cheyney, Pennsylvania, 19319