The Academic Planning and Retention Specialist is a student-facing role focused on a) case management for students identified through various retention management tools and b) implementation of strategies to overcome barriers to graduation. Serves as an academic planning and success resource for students in academic difficulty or otherwise identified as at-risk of leaving the College. Positively impacts student retention through effective management of the Jenzabar retention system, activation of intervention strategies, and outreach campaigns. Supports academic planning through advising support, event planning and student outreach. Works in close collaboration with faculty as well as staff in OACP, Student Engagement, Enrollment, and Athletics.
Essential Functions
- Lead focused academic retention initiatives through direct student interventions and partnerships with faculty and staff across divisions.
○ Manage strategic and day-to-day operations of the Jenzabar early alert & retention management system as a component of college-wide retention initiatives.
○ Ensure effective and efficient operations of the retention management system through maintenance of accurate data and student relationships; work with IT staff and Director of Online Education on data and system functions.
○ Train faculty and staff on functions, policies and practices related to early alert referrals and response; create training materials and resources; serve as a point of contact for questions or concerns.
○ Facilitate communication between various campus resources (academic support, Peer Coaches, academic advisors, Dean of Students, health services, academic and career planning) to promote a team-based, holistic approach.
○ Manage the process for College withdrawals, leave of absence and related policies.
○ Monitor student registration and troubleshoot enrollment barriers through direct outreach to students, advisors, and coaches.
○ Create targeted communication to student populations at-risk of not progressing to graduation (exploratory, students changing majors, not registered students).
○ Track reasons for student departure, conduct exit interviews and keep accurate records.
○ Coordinate the continuing student summer calling initiative.
● Deliver academic support and recovery programs for students in academic difficulty.
○ Coordinate administration and communication for Fresh Start program.
○ Provide academic coaching for a caseload of Fresh Start students.
○ Serve as a member of the SAP appeals committee.
○ Meet regularly with SAP suspended students to create and implement an Academic Plan.
○ Manage mid-term early alert process and disseminate mid-term grades to advisors, coaches, and staff as needed.
○ Oversee case management for students identified through early alerts, mid-term grade reports, or other data or systems related to academic progress and success.
○ Monitor key academic performance indicators; conduct outreach to identified students.
● Serve as a key academic planning resource in close collaboration with the Director of Academic Planning & First Year Experience and faculty advisors.
○ Advise students on class registration, graduation requirements, and routine academic policy matters including drops, adds, overload requests in support of, or in the absence of, faculty advisors.
○ Assist the Director of Academic Planning & First Year Experience with advising, communication and support for incoming transfer, readmitted, and first year students.
○ Promote summer initiatives including JumpStart, summer school and Acadeum courses
○ Assist in event coordination for advising-related programs.
● Support Office of Academic and Career Planning operations:
○ Serve as a member of the Office of Academic and Career Planning team, supporting all academic and career planning activities as needed.
○ Support Office of Academic and Career Planning in planning, goal-setting, budgeting, reporting, assessment, and program review initiatives.
○ Promote Office of Academic and Career Planning services and events to students, staff and faculty.
○ Represent the Office of Academic and Career Planning and the Division of Academic Affairs on college committees and at college events including Open House and Orientation.
● Perform other duties as assigned.
Desired Education, Skills, and Experience
Master’s degree preferred. Bachelor’s degree required. Ability to advise students on matters related to educational planning and academic performance and progress. Possess skills to communicate effectively in person, by phone, or via electronic media with students, faculty, staff, and parents. Ability to organize and manage events and programs. Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Strong organizational, leadership, and presentation skills. Excellent technology and computer skills.
Application Process
Please submit a current resume and contact information for at least three professional references (all should be MS Word or PDF format) employment@barton.edu. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Barton College is an equal employment opportunity employer committed to a diverse faculty, staff, and student body and welcomes all applicants. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. Any claims of discrimination for Title IX or otherwise should be directed to our Title IX Coordinator, Victoria A. Morris, at P.O. Box 5000, Wilson, NC 27893, or at 252-399-6330 or vamorris@barton.edu.