Student Success Coach

About Us

Since 1906, the University of West Georgia (UWG) has been home to those who seek a transformative college experience. UWG is a leading residential, doctoral comprehensive university that offers a broad undergraduate and graduate curriculum based on a liberal arts foundation. Nestled among the pines on a picturesque 645 acres is the University of West Georgia- a hidden gem approximately 40 miles west of Atlanta. Serving approximately 16,000+ students, and offering more than 100 programs, UWG is committed to advancing innovative academic programs and a student-centered business model. Perennially ranked by U.S. News & World Report, the Princeton Review, and Colleges of Distinction as a top national university, West Georgia offers 86 fields of study, including business, computing, nursing, education, STEM, communication and digital media, social sciences, and the fine and performing arts. UWG generates a regional economic impact of more than $650 million annually and provides a safe, quality, and affordable university experience that connects students to post-graduate career and leadership opportunities. UWG has been recognized by the Carnegie Foundation for its institutional commitment to community engagement through teaching, research and creative activities, and public service. West Georgia is one of only 119 U.S. colleges and universities to receive the elective classification in 2020 and is among only 359 institutions nationally. Dedicated to creating a first-choice university for students, alumni, employees, and communities, UWG seeks employees who will advance and support the University's mission of fulfilling the talent needs of western Georgia and the Atlanta metropolitan area, while contributing to the social, cultural, and economic development of the region and state.

The University of West Georgia offers a comprehensive total rewards package designed to support faculty and staff across multiple dimensions; health, wellness, financial security, and professional growth. Employees working at least 30 hours per week gain access to a range of health plans, including medical, dental, and vision, wellness programs, and robust retirement options through Georgia Teachers Retirement System (TRS), Optional Retirement Program, and voluntary 403(b) and 457(b) plans. Employees are granted 13 paid holidays and paid time off accruals and are eligible to participate in the University System of Georgia's Tuition Assistance Program. Fringe benefits include a variety of resources focused on employee physical, mental, financial, and social well-being through Acentra Employee Assistance Program in addition to personal financial advising with Captrust. UWG also offers exclusive discounts and special offers on entertainment, travel, and other products and services through the Perks at Work program, free access to the university recreation facility, discounted campus dining options, and more!

Living in Carrollton, "The City of Dreams," offers the advantages of city life with a small-town vibe. This progressive community with Southern flair offers plenty of shopping, restaurants, nightlife opportunities, and cultural events. Named a City of Excellence in Georgia and listed as one of the 50 Best Small Southern Towns, Carrollton is the cultural, educational, health care, and commercial center for the west Georgia region.

At the heart of Carrollton is its historic downtown and Adamson Square lined with shops, galleries, and restaurants. Each season offers unique local events and opportunities for year-round recreation. Outdoor activities abound through award-winning spaces, including an 18-mile paved walking and biking Greenbelt trail that encircles the city and passes through the UWG campus.

The city embraces the University's students, faculty, and staff, and welcomes the diversity UWG brings to the community.

Invested in education with highly rated city and county K-12 systems, both city and county public school graduation rates are 90% and above and rank among the top in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Location

Our campus is located at 1601 Maple Street, Carrollton, GA 30118.

Faculty and staff members are expected to be physically present on campus as needed to support the in-person educational experience and on-campus vitality at the University of West Georgia. Depending upon teaching assignments and student demand, this could include the Carrollton or Newnan campuses

Job Summary

The Student Success Coach provides proactive, holistic support to first-year college students to promote academic achievement, persistence, retention, and timely completion of educational goals. The Student Success Coach establishes supportive relationships with assigned first-year students and serves as a consistent point of contact throughout the student experience. The position uses a student-centered, strengths-based approach to identify barriers to first-year student success, develop individualized success plans, connect students with campus and community resources, and monitor student progress. The Student Success Coach collaborates with faculty, academic advisors, learning specialists, academic support personnel, student affairs professionals, and other campus partners to coordinate services and facilitate students' successful navigation of the college environment.

Responsibilities

1. Improve Student Retention and Persistence: increase first to second year retention with a target goal of 85% or higher. Provide proactive and individualized coaching to an assigned population of college students. Conduct regular student outreach and maintain consistent communication with assigned students. Assess student needs, identify barriers to success, and develop individualized action plans. Monitor student progress and implement appropriate interventions when concerns are identified.
2. Make referrals and facilitate connections to academic, personal, financial, career, and other support resources. Maintain accurate and confidential student records and case notes. Collaborate effectively with campus departments and community partners to coordinate student support. Facilitate individual and group meetings, workshops, presentations, and student-success activities.
3. Participate in retention, persistence, completion, and student engagement initiatives. Demonstrate professional judgment, discretion, cultural responsiveness, and respect when working with students.
4. Perform other duties reasonably related to the position and assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications

Educational Requirements
Bachelors Degree

Required Experience
Experience providing coaching, advising, mentoring, counseling, case management, student services, or related support. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with college students from diverse backgrounds. Strong written, verbal, interpersonal, and organizational skills. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines. Proficiency with standard computer applications and technology. Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise appropriate professional judgment. Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, and other stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Educational Qualifications
Masters Degree

Preferred Experience
Master's degree in higher education, counseling, student affairs, social work, education, psychology, or a related field. Two or more years of experience in higher education, student success, academic advising, retention, or student support services. Experience working with first-generation college students, adult learners, transfer students, students with disabilities, historically underserved populations, or students who face barriers to college completion. Experience with case management, success coaching, early-alert systems, or proactive student outreach.

Proposed Salary

$50,000 - $55,000.00 annually. Paid on a montlhy basis.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

ABILITIES
Engage students who may be reluctant, disconnected, or experiencing academic or personal challenges. Identify student needs and connect students with appropriate resources.
Physical Requirements Lifting up to 15lbs Office Environment - Work normally performed in a typical interior work environment.

KNOWLEDGE
Principles and practices of student development, student success, retention, and persistence. Challenges and barriers commonly experienced by college students.

SKILLS
Student coaching, mentoring, or counseling within an appropriate professional scope. Building rapport and establishing effective working relationships with students.

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Conditions of Employment

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of West Georgia as determined by the University of West Georgia in its sole discretion; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials, reference checks; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test. Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, to the statutes, rules and regulations of this institution and to the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Equal opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of the University System of Georgia (USG). The Board of Regents prohibits discrimination on the basis of an individual's age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status ("protected status"). No individual shall be excluded from the participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation under, any USG program or activity because of the individual's protected status; nor shall any individual be given preferential treatment because of the individual's protected status, except that preferential treatment may be given on the basis of veteran status when appropriate under federal or state law.

Other Information

The mission of the University of West Georgia is to enable students, faculty, and staff to realize their full potential through academic engagement, supportive services, professional development, and a caring, student-centered community. The institutional mission and daily operation of the University of West Georgia are guided by our values that support our vision to be the best place to work, learn, and succeed: ACHIEVEMENT, CARING, COLLABORATION, INCLUSIVENESS, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, SUSTAINABILITY, and WISDOM.