Student Success Coach, Office of Student and Alumni Affairs – School of Nursing

Under the direction of the Associate Dean for Student and Alumni Affairs (OSAA), the Student Success Coach is responsible for providing high-level support to undergraduate students through the office of Student and Alumni Affairs. This is professional work in the area of Student Services. The Student Success Coach supports the overall mission of Duquesne University, which entails a commitment to the educational development, growth, and future success of our students. As such, the Student Success Coach supports and guides current students, and contributes to the recruitment of future Duquesne University students.

In light of the expanding scope of student services and its focus on the entire student lifecycle, this position has been created to encompass the following roles and responsibilities:

Undergraduate and, in select programs, graduate student advising

Enhanced support for new student recruiting. This includes some aspects of student recruiting, including working closely with the admissions and recruiting staff within the SON and university, meeting with prospective students and parents, participating in remote and in-person new student information sessions, as needed

An increased emphasis on student retention

An active role in program management and development (e.g., collaboration with university offices providing academic enrichment and support, such as the Center for Global Engagement and the Office of Disability Services, etc.)

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

(This list is neither absolute nor restrictive, but indicates approximate duties and responsibilities which may be redefined pursuant to operational needs.)

Academic Advising:

Acts as the primary point of contact to students and faculty (includes troubleshooting needs and resolving issues)

Addresses student issues with promptness, urgency and creativity while balancing policies and program requirements; seeks same-day resolution for any escalated issue, when possible

Provides academic advisement to undergraduate students in assigned program within their designated School

Advises majors, reviews plans of study and progression toward degree, conducts degree audits, prepares students’ schedules, assists in registration, maintains files, and compiles records

Interacts with students through multiple modes of communication including, but not limited to, letters, e-mail, telephone calls, web-conferencing, and individual and group in-person meetings

Conducts meetings with students concerning academic requirements and standing

Collaborates with other University offices to improve students’ academic experience and support their overall well-being

Engage in professional development opportunities on topics such as de-escalation, crucial conversations, resiliency, etc.

Student Retention:

Collaborates with relevant academic leaders to develop and maintain student services that help improve overall experience and retention of students

Regularly monitors student academic progress through Starfish and other indicators

Responds quickly with potential solutions and support service/recourse referrals for students who are struggling academically or in need of well-being support

Maintains regular ‘touchpoints’ with students to check in and offer support

New student recruiting:

Meets with prospective students to discuss Duquesne entrance requirements, course and credit transfer, academic requirements, and registration, among other items (Accepted Student Days, Transfer Days, etc.)

Attends and participates in school recruiting and internal events, including evening and weekend events (Accepted Student Days, Transfer Days, FAST Program, Orientation, etc.)

Makes public presentations to students, prospective students and parents, as needed

Career planning/vocational discovery support:

Collaborates with career development staff at Duquesne as needed

Licensing presentations in class and one-on-one meetings with students to explain the process, review and complete paperwork for PA and out of state

Program and student management:

Submission of all graduates’ names and information to the PA SBON in the EPICCNurse System

Providing graduates with completion letters and letters for NCLEX eligibility for students testing out of state

Serve on BSN curriculum taskforce to develop implementation plan for new clinical immersion curriculum

Attend co-curricular SON activities as needed

Attend all BSN Committee and SON faculty meetings

Participate and assist with School of Nursing events such as White Coat ceremony, graduation/commencement ceremonies, BSN Pinning & Doctoral Hooding ceremonies, etc.

Completes other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

Minimum qualifications:

Work requires a master’s degree in Education, Nursing or a related field of study from an accredited institution and 3-5 years of academic advisement experience.

Preferred qualifications:

Alternately, the successful candidate may possess any equivalent combination of experience and training, which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the essential job functions. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:

Knowledge of the best practices, techniques and procedures involved in academic advising

Exceptional interpersonal skills; able to interact effectively with students of diverse ages and backgrounds

Excellent oral and written communication skills

Excellent customer service and problem-solving skills

Self-motivated, energetic and able to work independently as well as part of a team; accepts responsibility with limited supervision; manages multiple tasks to completion

Ability to work with students in a mentoring and service-oriented manner

Ability to think strategically and creativity with respect to the operations and programs of academic advising and student recruiting

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students (current and prospective), parents, faculty, administrators, and others in the University community.

Proficient in information technologies, and should display a willingness to learn new technologies relevant to the position. These include Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel & PowerPoint), as well as querying and reporting of specialized databases.

Sensitivity to the need of each individual to be treated with dignity and respect as it relates to diversity in general and the Mission of the University specifically.

Commitment to the University’s values of diversity, equity and inclusion, and recognition of the importance of treating each individual with dignity and respect consistent with the University’s Mission. Demonstrated experience with, and understanding of, the broad diversity of the University community (students, faculty, staff and others).

Ability and willingness to contribute actively to the mission of the University and to respect the Spiritan Catholic identity of Duquesne University. The mission is implemented through a commitment to academic excellence, a spirit of service, moral and spiritual values, sensitivity to world concerns, and an ecumenical campus community.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Applicants are asked to submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references.

Catholic in its mission and ecumenical in spirit, Duquesne University values equality of opportunity as an educational institution and as an employer. We aspire to attract and sustain a diverse faculty and staff that reflects contemporary society, serves our academic goals and enriches our campus community. We particularly encourage applications from members of underrepresented groups and support dual-career couples through our charter membership in this region's HERC (http://www.hercjobs.org/oh-western-pa-wv/).

We invite applicants for this position to learn more about our university and its Spiritan heritage by visiting http://www.duq.edu/about/mission-and-identity/mission-statement. Those invited to campus for an interview may be asked about ways in which they see their talents contributing to the continued growth of our community and furthering its mission.

Duquesne University was founded in 1878 by its sponsoring religious community, the Congregation of the Holy Spirit. Duquesne University is Catholic in mission and ecumenical in spirit. Motivated by its Catholic identity, Duquesne values equality of opportunity both as an educational institution and as an employer.