William Peace University is a nationally-ranked, award-winning institution located in one of the best cities in the United States in downtown Raleigh, NC. WPU provides a culture that values diversity, fosters an energized team environment, builds on our strengths, promotes creativity and innovation, and encourages inclusiveness, respect, and open communication by leading with our actions. Our mission is to prepare our students for careers in the organizations of tomorrow. The ideal candidate will have the ability to embrace the five core values, mission, and vision of William Peace University. Follow your passion and make an impact at WPU!

The School of Professional Studies provides online and classroom-based programs of study that are responsive of students’ needs preparing them for lifelong learning, meaningful careers, and ethical citizenship through intellectual opportunities in a student-focused environment.

The SPS Academic Success Coach advises and coaches nontraditional and online students from the time of admission to graduation within the School of Professional Studies (SPS). The Academic Success Coach is responsible for advising students on appropriate academic schedules, degree requirements, program of study, appropriate workload, student success strategies, and academic recovery from probation and/or suspension. The SPS Academic Success Coach reviews transcripts for transfer evaluations, helps students set goals and orients new students to the SPS academic experience. The SPS Academic Success Coach collaborates and provides data driven guidance and support on strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing student support, retention efforts, and enrollment growth within the School of Professional Studies.

Location: On-campus, in-person with occasional remote work opportunities

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Reporting to the Executive Director of the School of Professional Studies, the individual holding this position is responsible for, but not limited to, the following duties:

● Serve as primary academic advisor for all SPS students; foster relationships and support students throughout the educational journey; Help students utilize their strengths and identify potential roadblocks to success.

● Identify and implement innovative advising and coaching strategies for online and adult students, including utilizing various forms of communication and providing evening advising options.

● Resolve problems relating to curriculum, course prerequisites, and eligibility by communicating with department chairs and referring to catalogs and other appropriate resource materials.

● Connect with faculty to discuss student matters such as lack of attendance, missing assignments, or other concerns.

● In consultation with the Registrar’s Office, review transcripts for evaluation of transfer credits and applicability of academic credit to program requirements.

● Advise and coach students in academic recovery, develop and monitor academic work plans for students placed on academic warning or probation.

● Monitor student progress and persistence, ensure all degree requirements are satisfied for graduation.

● Develop and implement advising processes and materials.

● Identify options for students to satisfy degree requirements; evaluate and make recommendations to students regarding their program of study and course schedules; interpret and explain college and university policies and procedures, such as petitions, off campus credit requests, and CEN requests.

● Advise students on career and graduate school preparation.

● Provide guidance and recommendations to students about semester load based on financial aid and student accounts information.

● In collaboration with the Licensure Officer, guide potential residency licensure students on requirements and criteria to qualify, provide updated course plans, and track pertinent information such as GPA, exam scores, and Residency Licensure Verification forms

● Maintain student records and adhere to all FERPA standards and other University policies. Document pertinent advising information in various systems.

● Collaborate with the Office of Admissions to deliver important information to prospective and incoming SPS students, help coordinate orientation programs, prepare orientation materials, and present to and advise new students.

● Collaborate with the Office of Admissions to deliver important information to prospective and incoming SPS students such as preliminary educational plans, help coordinate orientation programs, and present to and advise new students. Work closely with Admissions on all onboarding processes to ensure a smooth transition for new and readmitted students.

● Gather necessary information such as GPAs or enrollment statistics; provide data to leadership as well as information on course offerings, scheduling, and enrollment projections prepare various reports as requested.

● Develop, maintain, and communicate advising resources, including Moodle classrooms, MyPacerNet, the SPS newsletter, the website, and other information, to incoming and continuing students via University technology platforms.

● Engage in University and SPS strategic planning and initiatives.

● Coordinate planning and implementation of SPS retention and efforts.

● Alongside the team, coordinate SPS student engagement events such as graduation celebrations.

● Refer students to other university departments as necessary.

● Advocate and collaborate with other offices on campus to solve problems and promote student success, such as Office of Admissions, Office of the Registrar, Financial Aid, Student Accounts, Center for Student Success, Faculty, etc.

● Promote SPS via participation in meetings, presentations, and committee work, assist the Executive Director in efforts to build awareness.

● Coordinate and oversee proctoring, for both the on-campus proctoring center and approved off-site locations.

● Serve on relevant committees as assigned.

● Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability needed in order to perform the duties of the position, including the ability to retain on the job learned skills and abilities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

● Ability to analyze program requirements, university requirements, and/or curriculum/graduation requirements

● Ability to analyze course prerequisites, and/or curriculum/graduation requirements

● Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports

● Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing

● Ability to analyze and solve problems

● Ability to evaluate student transcripts and/or records

● Ability to work effectively with a diverse population of students, employees, and guests

● Knowledge of academic standards governing student probation, suspension, and/or expulsion

● Knowledge of student retention issues

● Records maintenance skills

● Skill in interviewing and advising

● Skill in public relations

PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

· Ability to see and read a computer screen and printed material with or without vision aids.

· Ability to lift and carry up to 5 pounds regularly and up to 10 pounds occasionally.

· Exhibit manual dexterity to operate office equipment.

· Frequently is required to walk, sit, stand, and reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.

· Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

· While a hybrid work schedule may be available on occasion, must be able to work on-site
and in-person as business needs dictate.

· The position functions in an office environment with low to moderate noise levels and frequent interruptions.

QUALIFICATIONS Candidates who apply within established recruitment dates are required to meet the minimum qualifications to be considered for employment. Minimum qualifications are the absolute smallest amount of experience and education that provide the ability to determine if the candidate could potentially perform well in the position. Preferred are the qualifications that enable a candidate to potentially excel in the position.

Minimum Qualifications

· Master’s degree in higher education or relevant field and one year of experience in student advising at the college level or equivalent combination of education and related experience. Proficiency with technology and social media.

Preferred Qualifications

· Two years of experience as an academic advisor for adult students in an accelerated degree program.