Advising and Retention Coordinator

Department: College of Science - Office of Academic and Student Affairs

Classification: Education Support Spec 3

Job Category: Classified Staff

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible

Pay Band: 04

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

Motor Vehicle Records Check: Yes

About the Department:

The College of Science's Office of Academic and Student Affairs is responsible for enhancing and strengthening all aspects of the student experience (pre-admission through graduation). The Office is the primary physical space to welcome current and prospective students, as well as other visitors to the college, and provides guidance and support through recruitment, admissions, advising, assessment, retention, and student engagement.

George Mason University College of Science (Mason Science) is committed to advancing access, justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (A-JEDI) throughout our STEM community, including within our hiring and retention practices. At Mason Science, our values include fostering an organizational culture that promotes anti-racism, belonging, respect, and civility. We believe that a diversity of opinions, cultures, and perspectives is what provides vibrancy, innovation and growth to an academic community. By prioritizing inclusive excellence in academics, teaching, research, and global engagement, we strive to attract a diverse pool of faculty and staff who exemplify the Mason Science mission and vision.

About the Position:

The Academic & Retention Coordinator in the College of Science (COS) engages students in COS majors and minors in promoting their academic, professional, and overall development throughout the undergraduate experience (pre-admission through graduation). This key position, within the Office of Academic & Student Affairs dean's office, supports students' success by constructing meaningful educational plans which are compatible with their interests, strengths, and life goals. The Academic & Retention Coordinator works with Academic Advisors in COS to provide academic and developmental advising individual and group settings for students, to support increased student persistence and retention. The Academic & Retention Coordinator works with the Academic Advisors to encourage the successful completion of degree requirements, help to ensure timely graduation, and foster the development of the whole student.

The position is hybrid eligible with a three day on-site, two days remote (3/2) work schedule.

Responsibilities:

Academic Advising and Retention Activities:

• Provides academic advising for students declared in majors and minors in the College of Science;
• Develops, implements, and evaluates academic support programs and services designed to enhance student success including, but not limited to, conducting workshops on study skills and providing insight on campus resources for tutoring, academic coaching, supplemental instruction, and other pathways to academic success;
• Participates in university sponsored orientation events, both virtual and in-person;
• Coordinates with faculty advisors and other dean’s office staff to develop and implement holistic, individualized success plans for students to lead a path towards retention and degree completion;
• Develops and delivers training programs for faculty and staff within the college on best practices in student success and retention;
• Collaborates with university stakeholders to develop and implement retention strategies in the college which align with institutional goals and priorities;
• Works with students who have been placed on academic warning or probation and those students returning from academic suspension on their academic success. In addition, identifies at-risk students, and develops targeted intervention strategies to support their academic success to remain in good standing;
• Helps provide a coordinated approach to transfer student support by maintaining a knowledge of transfer articulation agreements and course equivalencies, and working cooperatively with relevant offices (e.g. Undergraduate Admissions, ADVANCE); and
• Remains current on COS and Mason academic polices and resources. 

Student Affairs:

• Assists in all aspects of the development and implementation of COS Student Affairs events including, but not limited to, admissions events, new and transfer student orientations, college convocation/degree celebration, open houses, and special events held by the college and/or the university. 

File Creation and Management:

• Utilizes Navigate/CRM to create reports and follow student progression trends; and
• Creates and maintains advising materials for print and web purposes. 

Performs other related duties as assigned. Seeks out opportunities to improve office operations and makes recommendations for their implementation. 

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field, or the equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Experience as an academic or education advisor or experience in a related field (typically three or more years);
• Knowledge of academic advising principles and practices;
• Knowledge of student development theory and best practices;
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills;
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to effectively prioritize tasks;
• Skilled proficiency in using modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and software (e.g. Microsoft Office and computer applications) relevant to work performed;
• Demonstrated ability to effectively develop and implement programs and events;
• Ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively with diverse groups; and
• Valid Driver's License or ability to obtain; may require some driving to local community colleges and high schools. Must currently possess (or obtain) an appropriate, active, valid motor vehicle operator’s license that meets all of GMU’s requirements for operating state vehicles and equipment under Mason’s Vehicle Use Policy 1411 https://universitypolicy.gmu.edu/policies/vehicle-use/. The Office of Risk Management reserves the right to review the driver’s licenses and Motor Vehicle Reports (MVRs) of all candidates selected with employment contingent upon a favorable review.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in related field; and
• Experience with student information systems (e.g., Banner, Navigate, etc.).

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for Advising and Retention Coordinator at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a cover letter and resume.

Posting Open Date: April 26, 2024

For Full Consideration, Apply by:  May 10, 2024

Open Until Filled?: Yes