The Director of Academic Advising & Retention serves as the director for professional advising on campus. The Director is responsible for working with the SEA Center personnel and campus departments to forge practical solutions for complex problems, accumulate and disseminate academic information, and interact with faculty in coordination with academic advising functions.

The Director of Academic Advising & Retention provides leadership in implementing efficient and effective academic advising and retention services. These services facilitate successful matriculation of students from enrollment through the transition to the major department having earned 60 hours. Specific duties include:

• Coordinates and implements activities and duties for advising and registration for the Student Engagement & Achievement (SEA) Center.
• Develops, implements, and assesses academic advising goals in conjunction with the Executive Director of the Student Engagement & Achievement (SEA) Center.
• Designs and implements effective and ongoing training programs for Academic Advisors to ensure outstanding and consistent academic advising services to students.
• Provides updated information regarding students' academic performance throughout the semester to Academic Advisors, Academic Success Coaches, and other academic support services personnel.
• Collects and reviews student data using various reporting systems to identify trends and evaluate enrollment levels, retention rates, and learning outcomes to assess student academic progress and graduation success rate.
• Coordinates the activities of the academic advising unit
• Plans, develops, and implements policies and programs affecting the student population and facilitates campus-wide coordination.
• Compiles and presents reports, proposals and recommendations related to academic advising.
• Assists with the recruitment, retention, progression, and graduation of students through academic advising.
• Provides administrative support and academic, emotional, social, and professional monitoring to students.
• Assists in developing academic, social, cultural, leadership, and professional activities outside of the classroom experiences.
• Serves on the Academic Appeals, Registration, and Retention Committees, and other committees as deemed appropriate.
• Assists other leaders in the SEA Center as needed.

1. Knowledge of student success and retention principles and practices.
2. Knowledge of university policies and procedures.
3. Knowledge of university personnel and budget management policies.
4. Knowledge of higher education practices and standards.
5. Knowledge of current and developing trends in academic advising, student retention, engagement, and achievement.
6. Skill in the delegation of responsibility and authority.
7. Skill in the operation of computers and job-related software programs.
8. Skills in interpersonal relations and in dealing with the public.
9. Skills in oral and written communication.

• Oversees all aspects of academic advising and retention for Freshmen and Sophomores.
• Supervises the Assistant Director of Academic Advising & Retention

Guidelines include the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title III guidelines, and university and Board of Regents policies and procedures. These guidelines require judgement, selection and interpretation in application. This position develops department guidelines.

• The work consists of varied management, administrative and supervisory duties. The unique needs of each student contribute to the complexity of the position.
• The purpose of this position is to direct academic advising processes, student retention, and engagement.

• Keeps supervisor informed of professional program successes, challenges, and concerns through written reports and 1-on-1 meetings.
• Attends staff, and other University related meetings and events related to the position and approved by supervisor.
• Represents Fort Valley State University in various campus community, state, and national settings when needed and approved by the supervisor

• A Doctorate degree in Higher Education Leadership, Counseling, Student Personnel Services, or related field is required.
• Must have documented University level experience in an Academic Advising office, preferably in a supervisory position.
• Must have experience in a university similar to FVSU in size and mission and an appropriate understanding of the needs of the audience and appropriate professionalism.
• Must have some experience in interfacing with professors and working with college-aged students and be knowledgeable of student recruitment, enrollment, advising, and evaluation.
• Must have excellent oral and written communication skills
• Must have an interest in working with prospective students and their families
• Must have the ability to work with diverse populations
• Must have a customer service-oriented philosophy
• Must have exceptional organizational skills
• Must have the ability to attend to multiple tasks effectively and efficiently
• Must have a strong commitment to student success.