Student Success Advisor

Description

Indiana Tech is a thriving, independent, teaching-oriented university that delivers career-oriented programming in a wide variety of disciplines that includes business, engineering, computer sciences, criminal justice, cybersecurity, marketing, health sciences, communication and helping professions. Indiana Tech enrolls nearly 1,500 students in its traditional undergraduate programs on its picturesque main campus, and nearly 5,000 students in its adult and online program. We offer degrees at the associate, bachelor’s, master's, and doctoral levels and undergraduate and graduate certificates.

Over 41% of our students are either globally or domestically diverse; this contributes to our unique vibrant and inclusive campus community. All academic programs are designed to provide students with relevant and practical experiences, including an emphasis on internships. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Indiana Tech is committed to fostering a welcoming and respectful environment for all. We actively support the recruitment, engagement, and retention of students, faculty, and staff from a wide range of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives. We believe that creating a sense of connection and support across our campus community plays an essential role in preparing students to succeed and contribute in a global society.

Indiana Tech has big plans for its future. Learn more at Indiana Tech Strategic Plan or strategicplan.indianatech.edu.

Indiana Tech is seeking a Student Success Advisor to support and guide online undergraduate students throughout their academic journey. The Student Success Advisor is responsible for encouraging a positive and successful learning experience for Indiana Tech’s online students to increase success, retention, and completion. They will provide academic support and guidance, offer approaches to managing school-life balance, as well as motivate and connect students to available resources. The broader goals of this position are to provide:

• Clear academic pathways or roadmaps to completion for online undergraduate students
• Support for identified at-risk students
• Coach and mentor learners, keep them accountable at the right moments to ensure they can persist through what is ultimately a challenging learning experience
• Break down barriers which may exist for learners so they can attain their desired goals for learning
• Triage and connect students with the right supports (e.g., tutoring, financial aid, scholarship support, IT help) as quickly as possible to mitigate any pain point.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Work closely with Enrollment Counselor and/or Admissions Rep to ensure seamless hand-off so the learner feels supported through the transition. This includes knowledge sharing between Rep and Advisor, so the learner does not have to repeat everything with the new advisor.
• Actively manage assigned caseload of students to: Ensure students have a developed personalized plan identifying their current academic status as well as the path forward to achieve their academic goals successfully/efficiently
• Monitor student progress and provide outreach and support to students during their entire learning journey
• Develop rapport and relationships with students to provide academic coaching, mentoring, advising, and/or referral to appropriate academic support units for help
• Help students identify longer-term career goals to ensure they’re on the right track and seeking out appropriate experiences, for example, work-based learning opportunities, to have a successful transition to or within work
• Maintain academic plans, establish records on students, and communicate appropriate information to faculty, academic, and other relevant departments
• Act as a liaison to university support offices and faculty – referring students when needed
• Maintain consistency within the department with continuous development and coordination with the AVP of Student Success and others within the OSS (Office of Student Success)
• Actively participate in generating ideas to support a culture of continuous improvement
• Ensure proper handling of student information in keeping with FERPA regulations and other pertinent Tech policies
• Participate in various online (CPS) onboarding activities – which may require in-person training in Fort Wayne
• Contribute as assigned to efforts by other Indiana Tech units to deepen student engagement, retention, and completion
• Submit various reports as identified by the AVP of Student Success
• Perform other duties as assigned
• Support the mission, vision, and strategic plan of the institution

Qualifications

• Commitment to a culture of care: Need for high emotional intelligence, empathy, and tact to engage with learners using diplomatic communication strategies
• Familiarity and comfort with leveraging technological tools will be critically important to scale coaching across our learner population. Some examples of this technology could include but aren’t limited to: Pathify, Mainstay, Discourse Analytics, Canvas, and Slate.
• Ability to learn and communicate about online programs, scheduling, and academic requirements
• Bachelor’s degree in education, social work, etc. preferred OR associate degree plus two years of experience working in an institution of higher education within the student affairs or enrollment management division.
• Knowledge of student development, retention, academic advising, and coaching
• A data-informed and growth mindset is preferred combined with a willingness to take action
• Demonstrated skill in solving problems and resolving conflict
• Effective oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills including a strong interest in building cooperative and productive relationships

Experience

• At least two years of practical experience in student advising, academic skills development, admission/retention, or closely related job function; ideally to include experience working within higher education
• Excellent customer service and problem-solving skills
• Computer skills – digital literacy with programs such as student information systems (e.g., Jenzabar, PeopleSoft, Banner), Microsoft Suite of programs (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint), data analytic software (e.g., PowerBI, Tableau), etc.

Working Conditions

Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment, Hybrid – mostly remote; hours may be flexible based on student needs (e.g., shifts may vary: 7am - 4pm or 10am - 7pm). Will require travel to/from Fort Wayne for work training and events.

Application materials must include a cover letter and resume. Applicants must be prepared to provide a written response to Tech's mission and vision. The position remains open until filled; a review of candidates will commence as application materials are received.