Student Success Advisor

What's next for you is the first priority for us With over 45 programs from associate to doctoral degrees, South University is a private institution dedicated to providing educational opportunities that spark the intellectual, social and professional development of a diverse student population.

Our 120-year story—past, present and future—is a history formed by the many individuals who have developed the education and spirit of community that have become our pledge to the students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters of South University. Online and at our 8 locations and 2 learning sites, we take pride in our welcoming environment; one-on-one support and personalized attention that helps students define goals and identify the means to pursue them. Our small classes feature hands-on experiences that not only shape students’ skills and excellence in their chosen fields but also shape their characters through encouraging community involvement, volunteerism and the pursuit of life-long learning.

Visit www.southuniversity.edu today to learn more about what makes us stand apart as a place to Belong, Believe and Become, a place where you can make a difference in the lives of students eager to learn and grow.

South University, the right direction for a brighter future.

Benefits:

*Medical

*Dental

*Vision

FSA/HSA

Tuition Assistant Program

Long/Short Term Disability

Life Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

401K Match

Generous Paid Time Off

12 Paid Holidays

* includes domestic partner coverage

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position is responsible for providing student-centered financial and academic counseling to prospective students through the student lifecycle. This position will also ensure the delivery of effective and quality service to students in the following areas: financial aid eligibility, planning, and packaging, as well as course scheduling, attendance appeals, and Satisfactory Academic Progress appeals. This role will work in conjunction with admissions, serving as both the Financial Aid Advisor and Academic Counselor in our “grad team” model. Responsible for timely response to requests for information, at-risk student interventions, and referrals to University resources, and assisting prior students seeking to return within 60 calendar days from their prior attendance. This is done through adhering to Federal/State regulations for awarding financial aid, advising students of the University’s policies and procedures, and collaborating with Enrollment, Faculty, Program Directors, and University Support Services on the student’s behalf. This position provides comprehensive support services and serves as the primary advocate for the assigned student body, aimed to improve the student experience and retention to graduation.

KEY JOB ELEMENTS:

1. Assist students and parents with understanding and completing all forms and providing relevant documents related to financial aid.
2. Assist with the completion of the FAFSA and review of the resulting ISIR. Assign the appropriate budget to the student as well as ensure timely payment of the student’s aid. Responsible for document collection and uploading to appropriate depository for future access as needed
3. Assist with alternative means of financing any remaining balance after awarding eligible federal, state, or institutional aid
4. Maintain accurate and compliant student records with complete forms and documents to ensure accurate and timely payment of aid.
5. Create financial plans for assigned students in compliance with institutional policies and Federal regulations, communicate the plan to students and parents, and effectively explain the rights and responsibilities of each aid source.
6. Demonstrate proficiency in timely processing and disbursement of aid.
7. Develop course schedules for new, continuing, transfer, and reentry students aligned with course sequencing in the curriculum and provide advisement focused on academic progress toward graduation in the shortest time possible for the student, as applicable to their individual situation.
8. Maintain direct contact with assigned students via phone and e-mail; respond to student inbound communication within established timeframes
9. Monitor student’s attendance, grades, academic progress, and financial responsibilities, and develop success plans for at-risk students or those experiencing challenges in collaboration with faculty, academic leadership, and University support services.
10. Demonstrate proficiency with understanding and communicating policies in the University Catalog, Student Handbook, and Programmatic Handbooks as they relate to assigned students, such as the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy, Attendance Policies, Academic Integrity/Academic Honesty Policies, Conduct Policies, and Appeals Procedures.
11. Provide guidance to assigned students for academic procedures such as grade challenges or appeals.
12. Facilitate new students' acclimation to the academic environment prior to the first class by reviewing the enrollment process, providing an overview of the online classroom, and reviewing graduation progression options. Audit student academic records regularly and determine progression towards and candidacy for graduation.
13. Effectively access and perform assigned duties using the Student Information System, Learning Management System, and relevant databases.
14. Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

JOB REQUIREMENTS (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities):

Knowledge:

• Master’s degree preferred. Bachelor’s degree in a related degree required or Associate’s Degree with 3 years of federal or state financial aid or 5 years of related federal or state financial aid
• Previous experience working with and technical knowledge of student financial aid programs
• Academic advising or academic counseling experience preferred
• Customer Service experience preferred
• Strong basic computer software (MS Office) skills as well as exposure to more concentrated financial aid (Campus Vue/Campus Nexus preferred)

Skills:

• Excellent customer service skills, as well as strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills with student and faculty populations
• Effective organizational and problem-resolution skills.
• Ability to communicate and effectively act as a member of a team.

Abilities:

• Ability to read, comprehend, and comply with federal and state laws, regulations, and policies pertaining to the provision of student financial aid.
• Ability to interact effectively as a member of a team and work collaboratively with other departments.
• Ability to listen to customers (e.g., students, staff, etc.) and to understand and respond positively to their requests
• Ability to work without close supervision and to set one's own priorities and work schedule

ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The term "qualified individual with a disability" means an individual with a disability who, with or without reasonable accommodation, can perform the essential functions of the position.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate professionally in person, over the telephone, through email and other electronic means, move about the office or school, handle various types of media and equipment, and visually or otherwise identify, observe, and assess.

South University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and embraces diversity as a critical step in ensuring employee, student, and graduate success. We are committed to building and developing a diverse environment where a variety of ideas, cultures, and perspectives can thrive.