Student Retention Specialist - Full-Time

Primary Responsibilities: This team member becomes familiar with all aspects of the VESL program, while guiding a group of advisees/students through to graduation. Be able to gain students’ trust and confidence; seek to be an advocate for the student when encountering challenges that may interfere with student success. Accountable for student outcomes. Be proactive at all times. Specific Responsibilities: 1. Develops thorough knowledge of the VESL Operations Manual, VESL Success Handbook, and key points of the Faculty Manual in order to achieve success and become a key part of the team. 2. At orientation, begins meeting with advisees, understands their goals and reasons for wanting to improve language skills; conducts face-to-face or directly engage each advisee at least monthly and more often as needed. Ensures census is achieved in all classes. 3. Monitors advisees’ academic participation and success performance weekly. Focuses attention on Red-Yellow-Green as needed. 4. Ensures student contact information is always up-to-date and reported to the Registrar’s office. Be able to advise manager of the status of each advisee at all times. 5. Conducts pre-registration with each advisee and continue to focus on improvement of student retention rates. Assists the student in navigating through challenges that might interface with continued attendance and academic progress. Engages in-person as much as possible. 6. When an advisee must withdraw, follows the steps and procedures to Officially Withdraw vs. Unofficially Withdraw. (See VESL Operations Manual or Student Catalog for differentiation.) Also, work for a Re-Entry Date. 7. FULLY COMPLETES the Documentation of Student Outcome form. Employment, Military, or College qualify as a Completer for accreditation reporting. 8. As appropriate, uses the Confirmed Re-Entry Report to get your advisees Approved to Register / Return. 9. During the final session, ensures potential graduates go through the full process of Application for Graduation (includes employment assistance process). Strongly encourages graduates to consider pursuing other academic options at the College.

Qualifications

Possess at least an A.S. Degree and three years of professional work experience with adult learning. Experience working with students in goal setting, academic advising, or counseling. Teaching experience helpful; prefer bilingual or multi-lingual. Must be able to engage with students at varied day/evening times. Must be results-driven and motivated by achieving high student outcomes.