Student Retention Advisor

GENERAL SUMMARY OF DUTIES:

The Student Retention Advisor plays a key role in advancing student retention and academic progress, with primary focus on supporting first-time, full-time (FTFT) students. This position provides proactive, holistic advising and success coaching designed to ease the transition to college, promote a sense of belonging, and support timely progression toward degree completion. Working closely with academic departments, student support services, and campus partners, the Student Retention Advisor will develop and implement strategies tailored to the unique needs of first-year students. Core responsibilities include conducting one-on-one advising appointments, monitoring academic performance and early alerts, connecting students to campus resources, and contributing to retention initiatives. This position will also contribute to data tracking, assessment efforts and the development of policies and practices that support at-risk students. The Student Retention Advisor serves as a key point of contact for FTFT students and plays a central role in fostering a supportive academic environment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Advise first-time, full-time student population, addressing barriers to academic progress through a coordinated, holistic approach in collaboration with other departments on campus.
• Maintain consistent, proactive outreach to assigned caseloads with standing or walk-in appointments, developing plans of action for their academic success in addition to creating bridges to resources across campus while closely working with all student support departments.
• Monitor student academic performance, attendance, and engagement to identify early warning signs of attrition
• Collaborate with faculty and staff across academic departments, student support services, and other university units to design and implement retention-focused programs. This includes delivering workshops and presentations on topics such as academic advising, course registration, time management, study skills, note-taking.
• Provide informed recommendations and appropriate referrals to other departments on campus for students experiencing difficulties.
• Assist with development and facilitation of Academic Advisor Training for all new and current faculty, ensuring content is aligned with current trends in higher education while maintaining accuracy with University policies, procedures, and academic information.
• Develop and implement freshman advising & registration presentations for first-year students as part of relevant courses each semester.
• Support orientation and first-year experience programs to aid in student transition and integration
• Support the the identification and communication process of midterm deficiency grades and Grades & Academic Standing to all undergraduate students, academic advisors, department chairs, and Deans in the fall and spring semesters
• Conduct exit interviews or outreach to students who have withdrawn or are on leave of absence or are considering withdrawal or leave
• Maintain accurate records of student interactions and follow-up using departmental systems.
• Serve on university committees and participate in events that directly impact student success and retention efforts, representing The Office of Academic Success and contributing to insights based on student advising data.
• Performs other related duties as assigned to support departmental goals.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree, Counseling, Psychology, Higher Education, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• Experience in academic advising, student support services, or retention-focused roles.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse student populations.
• Knowledge of student development theory, retention strategies, and academic support resources.