Student Success Specialist
Non-Exempt; 12-month part-time position serving from an office based on-campus in Spring Arbor, MI (approximately 29 hours per week)
Summary
Spring Arbor University's Student Development and Success team is seeking someone to join us as a Student Success Specialist. The primary responsibility of this position is to support our global and online students in a supportive, Christ-centered learning environment. The specialist proactively monitors student progress, addresses academic and personal concerns with care and empathy, and connects students with resources that support degree completion, persistence, and graduation. Based in the Student Development Office Suite, the specialist also serves as a welcoming presence for anyone entering the suite and provides support to campus students as needed. All students are welcome to ask questions, seek assistance, and connect with appropriate staff and services, regardless of their program or learning modality.
Responsibilities
- Provide Christ-like support and guidance to a diverse group of students, with primary responsibility for global and online students and support for campus students as needed, demonstrating a strong understanding of SAU's academic policies.
- Serve as a welcoming and accessible first point of contact for anyone entering the Student Development Office Suite. Listen to questions and concerns, provide assistance to campus students as needed, and connect visitors with appropriate staff and services so every student feels welcome to seek help.
- Collaborate closely with the Office of Registration and Records to monitor student attendance and verify academic progress, ensuring students stay on track in their academic journey.
- Anticipate and address the unique needs and challenges of global and online students by offering encouragement, proactively sharing course information, and communicating any engagement concerns to faculty and advisors.
- Manage student alert programs with compassion and efficiency, connecting students to essential support resources such as the Academic Support Center, Writing Center, academic advising, career development services, faculty mentors, and other valuable services.
- Actively participate in the Student Development and Success team's initiatives that promote student retention and success across global, online, and campus populations, helping foster a positive and supportive university community.
- Coordinate retention outreach and communication efforts for the Student Development team across all learning modalities, including campus, global, and online programs.
- Faithfully perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Career Development and Advising, demonstrating a servant-hearted approach to your work.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- A deep and vibrant Christian faith, with a genuine desire to connect with students from all backgrounds and support them in their personal, spiritual, and academic growth.
- A clear commitment to Spring Arbor University''s mission and values as an evangelical Christian university affiliated with the Free Methodist Church, the SAU Concept, and the SAU Community Covenant, demonstrated through your life and service.
- Strong data management skills, including the ability to efficiently process and manage detailed reports and information within various systems.
- A collaborative and team-oriented spirit, with the ability to build positive relationships with all members of the university community, including academic departments, faculty, athletics, the Office of Registration and Records, and student support areas.
- Innovative problem-solving skills, strong verbal and written communication abilities, and a persistent, supportive approach to communicating with students in need, reflecting Christ''s love and compassion.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor's degree required.
- Experience in student affairs, academic advising, or a related field is highly desirable.
- Proficiency in navigating various computer programs, including Academic Schedule Planner, Brightspace, Jenzabar, Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and CRM systems.
Special Notes for Applicants:
- While on-campus work in Spring Arbor is preferred, partial-day or partial-week remote work arrangements may be considered.
- Experience working in multicultural academic environments is valued, and individuals from diverse populations are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of the position.
Spring Arbor University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe it is both our moral and legal obligation to ensure that all employment practices are conducted in a nondiscriminatory manner. In compliance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other applicable federal and state statutes, all employment decisions and practices, including recruiting, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, benefits, transfers, job classification, assignments, working conditions, educational assistance, terminations, layoffs, and return from layoffs, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment, will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military or veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal or state law. We evaluate all employees and prospective employees strictly according to the requirements of the job.
As a Christian religious organization, Spring Arbor University operates under the religious exemption provided by federal law, which permits religious organizations, including educational institutions, to give employment preference to individuals who share the University''s closely held religious beliefs. The University''s hiring practices and equal employment policies are administered in full compliance with both federal and state law.