Academic Specialist

Job Description The FirstGen Center at Saint Peter’s University has an opening for a full-time Academic Specialist of the FirstGen Center. This role is responsible for developing and implementing innovative strategies that support the matriculation, retention, and graduation to address the needs of First Generation and underrepresented students at the institution. The specialist will work across Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and other institutional partners to support, retain and graduate SPU’s First-Gen Students such as, TRIO Student Support Services, Educational Opportunity Fund Program, and Academic Support Program.

Salary Range : $45,000 – $50,000 Duties & Responsibilities

• Programmatic ManagementAdminister academic support services program while maintaining federal guidelinesEvaluate progress of established federal objectives and maintain accurate record keepingActively participate in National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) Regional meetings and management of First Gen institution distinction metrics, benchmarks, and reportingMaintain advising records and confidential student records in compliance with FERPA regulations.Assists the Dean with budget activities, included in the grant
• Assist with the design and development of academic retention activities for first-generation studentsActively participate in the on-going development of the first-year experienceCollaborate with campus partners such as TRIO Student Support Services (SSS), Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Program and the Center for Academic Success and Engagement to conduct valuable workshops to address first-generation student needsCollaborate with campus partners to support strategic initiatives for first gen undocumented studentsDevelop and implement workshops for parents and families in collaboration with the Center for Academic Success and Engagement for Peacock Prep DaysPlan and execute programming for national First-Gen DayHost faculty and staff training on how to best serve first-gen students needs
• Provide direct academic support servicesServe as the First Gen Academic Advisor for a cohort of students. These duties include maintaining and updating academic planners, coordinating, composing and supplying documentation for internal / external partners, monitoring a student’s academic progress and providing guidance on academic related issues.Collaborate with the Center for Academic Success and Engagement to carefully monitor at-risk students and develop and oversee a Student Action Plan for students placed on Academic Probation.Meet individually with first generation students to provide academic and career development, personal issues, financial aid, and graduate school admittance.
• Create and provide resources to help first generation students navigate their college experienceCreate and deliver content via all university platforms that covers relevant topics and practices for first generation studentsDevelop partnerships both on campus and off campus in order to identify opportunities for first generation students to further develop personally, professionally, and spiritually in alignment with Cura PersonalisServe on appropriate department, college, and / or campus advisory committeesOther duties as assigned

Qualification Standards Bachelor’s Required, Master’s Preferred Education Bachelor’s Required, Master’s Preferred