Retention and Testing Specialist

JOB SUMMARY:

The Retention Specialist at Lourdes University supports students through

proactive student engagement, academic monitoring, and personalized coaching to enhance

retention and success. This role will collaborate with faculty and staff, respond to academic

alerts, and connect students to resources while fostering an inclusive and supportive learning

environment. This role will have dual reporting responsibilities.

ABOUT LOURDES:

Lourdes University, rooted in Catholic and Franciscan traditions, provides a values-centered

education that fosters academic excellence through the integration of liberal arts and professional

studies. Our diverse and inclusive community is dedicated to supporting students in achieving

their full potential. We are committed to fostering a culturally diverse and inclusive environment

where differences are valued and respected, and encourage people of color, individuals with

disabilities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups to apply.

Responsibilities:

• Establish and maintain an effective communication plan for assigned self-paced learning
• students. Assess student strengths and challenges to develop individualized action plans
• for success. Identify students in need of additional support.
• Provide program guidance and support throughout students’ academic journeys, provide
• resources, coaching, and personalized action plans.
• Collaborate with academic advisors and faculty to facilitate self-paced course
• completion.
• Assist in monitoring academic alerts for all students. Collaborate on monitoring cocurricular alerts.
• Coordinate with university support services, such as tutoring and career advising, to
• maximize student success.
• Assist students, faculty, and staff in utilizing the Academic Success Center (ASC).
• Administer and monitor proctored exams and standardized tests (NLN, CLEP, ACT, ATI,
• Accuplacer, and accommodated exams).
• Coordinate Residual ACT testing for the Department of Education, including scheduling,
• ordering, proctoring exams for Education students.
• Oversee Accuplacer Placement testing, managing test orders, score entry in Prowler, and
• liaising with Admissions, Advising, and the Assistant Dean of Advising and Retention.
• Ensure a secure testing environment and maintain confidentiality of student data.
• Collaborate with Accessibility Services to implement academic testing accommodations
• for students with documented needs.

JOB DESCRIPTION

• Coordinate community testing services.
• Manage and update resource materials, policies, and procedures related to testing.
• Facilitate and develop ASC workshops to enhance student academic skills.
• Provide coverage for ASC staff in their absence.
• Actively participate in university events such as open houses, orientations,
• Commencement, and convocation.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Dual Reporting Responsibilities:

• Assistant Dean, Academic Advising and Retention: Support student retention initiatives,
• provide individualized student coaching, and monitor academic performance.
• Director, Academic Success Services: Ensure administration of academic support
• services, including testing coordination and academic workshops.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in education, counseling, communication, or a related field.
• At least one year of experience in a student-focused role, preferably in higher education.
• Experience supporting diverse and underrepresented student populations.

SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse student populations.
• Proficiency with learning management systems and data analysis tools.
• Capability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to collaborate with faculty, staff, and other stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and time management skills