The University of Olivet was founded in 1844 on the principle that the future of humanity rests in the hands, hearts, and minds of those who will take responsibility for themselves and others in an increasingly diverse society. Open since its founding 179 years ago to all regardless of race, gender,or ability to pay, The University of Olivet was founded as the first college in Michigan to admit women and persons of color on a co-equal basis with white men and proudly defines itself by who it includes, rather than who it excludes. As such, it is one of the most diverse private liberal arts institutions in the state and actively seeks diversity in its students and employees.Consistent with this history, The University of Olivet strongly encourages women and members of historically underrepresented groups to apply.Position SummaryThe University of Olivet is seeking applications for an Adult Student Success Navigator ( navigator ), who will support a caseload of primarily online undergraduate transfer and graduate students from the time the student deposits through their graduation. This position requires travel 20% of the time; this position allows for remote work part of the time.The navigator is responsible for advising, coaching, and providing online support for wrap-around student services for GO2UO, Olivet Direct!, and other adult learners. In particular, the navigator facilitates student success initiatives related to:
Partnerships with organizations serving primarily adult learners, including Glen Oaks Community College (GO2UO), CORE, #T.E.A.C.H., and others. Guiding students throughout the onboarding process, including credit for prior learning processes, orientation, registration, and connection with academic program.Incorporating proactive, data-informed academic advising and support tools and procedures.Connecting online students with resources, including Library Resources, Career Readiness and Leadership Development, Academic Support, Health and Wellness Center, and others.Maintaining accurate data and records of student interactions. The online navigator will be the primary student-facing support person for online students and will develop relationships with students as well as campus departments at UO and partner organizations that support students. The navigator will work collaboratively with the director for online academic operations, the dean for graduate, adult, and professional studies, and the assistant dean for distance education, to ensure the strategic priorities and programs are intentionally supported and assessed.Success in this role will include but is not limited to improved enrollment, improved persistence, graduation rates, and career outcomes for all online students, and targeted subgroups that historically underperform in these measures. The navigator will effectively engage and work with faculty and staff to foster the successful implementation of new initiatives and programs for online and adult students.Required/Preferred QualificationsThe requirements listed below are representative of the education and experience required for an individual to perform the essential responsibilities satisfactorily:
Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred Three or more years of experience in higher education. Preference given to those with experience in Adult Learning, Student Life, Advising, Academic Affairs, Counseling, etc.Experience with Slate or other SIS CompensationThis is a full-time, 12-month, position with an annual salary of $50,000, a comprehensive benefits package, and generous paid holiday and leave time. Tuition programs available.Application ProcessReview of applications will begin immediately. Click this link to go to the Career Center, select this position, and then click on the Apply button. From there, follow the instructions to complete a profile and upload a cover letter, resume, and information for three references. Additional Position details followPERFORMANCE OUTCOMESThe existence of the following will demonstrate the success of the Online Student Success Navigator:
Online student satisfaction with support received from deposit to classes beginning.Online student utilization of support services and online culture-building opportunities. Improved measures of adult students' sense of belonging.Increased adult student retention and adult student completion the fall of 2024 and later cohorts.Clearly defined processes for proactive student contact, connecting students with resources, and data collection. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Provides proactive relationship-building and tending with a caseload of up to 300 adult students.Maintains regular communication with all students on caseload from deposit until graduation.Effectively collaborates with the campus community to establish, implement, and assess strategic student success initiatives consistent with the institution's goals to improve persistence and graduation rates.Effectively collaborates with external stakeholders, including GOCC, CORE, and other partners to support entering online adult students and improve retention and persistence.Assists the Director for Online Academic Operations in maintaining partnerships and transfer processes with external organizations.Becomes familiar with and maintains knowledge of program requirements and credit for prior learning policies.Implements best practices in developing preliminary credit acceptance memoranda. Utilizes campus advising profile tools to tailor support for each student's unique needs and intervene as necessary on identifiable risk factors.Partners with admissions and academic programs to support incoming students once deposited.Assists the assistant dean for distance education as needed to ensure all students successfully complete the Online Student Orientation.Performs duties dependably and effectively in a diverse, challenging, and occasionally stressful environment.Promotes diversity, understanding, and respect for all peoples and cultures.Other duties as assigned.Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Ability to travel to off-site locations.Ability to manage deadlines in a partially remote work schedule.Ability to impart confidence in challenging situations.Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse student body to promote inclusion and belonging; Ability to collaborate in a diverse team environment with various campus departments on the UO campus and partner campuses and organizations. Knowledge of best practices related to adult learners and academic advising programs.Ability to work effectively independently and proactively.Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills, as well as strong planning and organizational ability;Knowledge of established and emerging trends, standards, practices, procedures, and techniques in the field and knowledge of the theories and principles of higher education, adult education, student development, retention, and student learning;Knowledge of curriculum, admissions, and student success programs;Strong management, organization, data collection, and teambuilding skills;Ability to prioritize and implement program activities to efficiently support caseload and other demands;PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENTThe physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The employee must be able to perform duties dependably and effectively in a diverse, challenging and occasionally stressful environment.While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to: - stay in a stationary position for long periods and operate a keyboard or type;
- use common business office machines such as a copier and telephone;
- handle materials weighing less than 20 lbs;
- traverse campus;
- communicate verbally with diverse constituencies; and,
- operate a computer.
The noise level in the work environment is usually mild to moderate.