UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS DARTMOUTH UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS DARTMOUTH POSITION DESCRIPTION

							                            UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS DARTMOUTH
                                      POSITION DESCRIPTION
OFFICIAL JOB TITLE: Undergraduate Academic               DIVISION: Academic Affairs
     Advisor for Retention Support                       DEPARTMENT: Academic Advising Center

BARGAINING UNIT STATUS: ESU, Cat. 13
FLSA STATUS: EXEMPT                                      EEO STATUS: 3.2          JOB CODE: 163

REPORTS TO: Associate Director of Academic Advising Center

SUPERVISES: N/A

SUMMARY PURPOSE OF POSITION: The Undergraduate Academic Advisor adheres to campus-wide advising
standards, policies, procedures and practices for Academic Advising at UMass Dartmouth. The Advisor supports ongoing
retention initiatives activities at the University in order to increase undergraduate student retention. S/he manages the
identification of and support of at-risk students, using state of the art software. The incumbent collaborates with Student
Affairs to provide integration of retention activities. S/he follows protocols for students placed on academic warning and
probation and works to develop and implement retentions plans with students. The Undergraduate Academic Advisor for
Retention Support communicates with Deans, Chairs, and faculty on general and specific retention issues. The
Undergraduate Academic Advisor for Retention Support represents the Academic Advising Center at various admissions
and student events. The incumbent coordinates the use of MAP-Works retention software, or similar software, for UMass
Dartmouth. S/he participates in the set-up and implementation of the retention software, provides outreach/training to
faculty, staff and students as appropriate, assesses data, provides reports and makes recommendations.

EXAMPLES OF PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
   Coordinates the implementation of the MAP-Works program, a University-wide transition project for first year
      students, which includes but is not limited to collaborating with other campus stakeholders, developing
      timelines, establishing incentives, developing and distributing data and reports, responding to feedback and
      inquiries, etc.
    Maintains the retention software to meet the current needs and business processes of UMass Dartmouth.
   Provide outreach and training to participating UMass Dartmouth faculty/staff on the use and implementation of
      the survey and its findings.
   Track students identified by the survey as “at risk” to make sure they receive support.
   Provide general reports and summary analysis of collected student data to Deans, supervisors, Office of
     Academic Affairs, etc.
   Develop and/or deliver workshops on transition to university life.
   Develop and implement retention plans for students who are on Academic Warning, Academic Probation and
     Subject to Dismissal.
   Consult with housing to develop academic transition support in the dorms
   Develop online retention resources.
   Participate in University committees such as those devoted to enrollment management, retention, academic
     advising, etc.
   Other related tasks as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
     EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree.
     EXPERIENCE: Demonstrated experience advising undergraduate students; previous experience with retention
     programs in an institution of higher education.
     OTHER: Available for evening/weekend hours as needed. Some travel required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
    Strong knowledge of undergraduate programs at the University level
    Knowledge of retention practices in an institution of higher education
    Knowledge of current student development theory and research
    Able to counsel students in severe academic difficulty
    Strong knowledge of the University academic policies and procedures as well as eligibility requirements
    Excellent knowledge of and ability to use computer applications such as those in Microsoft Office with an
     emphasis on spreadsheets and survey software
    Strong organizational, leadership and interpersonal skills
    Able to relate to students, faculty and University personnel
    Strong data analysis and reporting skills
    Strong communication skills



NOTE: Other job related duties and responsibilities may be assigned and/or the job description changed periodically to reflect changing organization needs.
NOTE: All position descriptions need to be completed and approved before recruiting activities begin. All updated or revised administrative position descriptions
must be approved by the appropriate Vice Chancellor/designee and the Director of Human Resources/designee. All new administrative position descriptions must be
approved by the Vice Chancellor/designee, Assistant Chancellor for Affirmative Action/designee and Director of Human Resources. If applicable, the Office of
Human Resources will provide notice to and consult with the union representative.                            February 2011