This is professional work in the area of Student Services. The Student Success Coach supports the overall mission of Duquesne University, which entails a commitment to the educational development, growth, and future success of our students. As such, the Student Success Coach supports and guides current students, and contributes to the recruitment of future Duquesne University students.
In light of the expanding scope of student services and its focus on the entire student lifecycle, this position has been created to encompass the following roles and responsibilities:
Advisement for students enrolled in the pre-professional phase of the Doctor of Pharmacy degree traditional pathway program and other undergraduate pharmacy degree programs
Enhanced support for new student recruiting. This includes working closely with the admissions and recruiting staff within the school and university by supporting and participating in remote and in-person new student information sessions, meeting with prospective students and their parents as needed, and other activities as necessary.
An increased emphasis on student retention
A continued focus on career planning/vocational discovery and development, including teaching or facilitation of professional development courses
An active role in program management and development (e.g., collaboration with University offices providing academic enrichment and support, such as the Center for Global Engagement and the Office of Disability Services, articulation agreements in both graduate and undergraduate programs, etc.)
As a condition of employment, Duquesne University requires all new employees —full-time and part-time, including adjunct faculty—to get a COVID-19 vaccine and provide proof of their vaccination upon commencement of employment.
New employees requesting a religious or documented medical exemption from the vaccine must complete and submit a Duquesne University exemption request form for review and approval. To receive the appropriate exemption request form, contact hrservices@duq.edu. Employees with approved exemptions will be required to be tested on a regular basis.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Academic Advising:
Acts as the primary point of contact and first-line customer service representative to students and faculty engaged in the pre-professional phase of the Doctor of Pharmacy degree program and other undergraduate pharmacy degree programs (includes troubleshooting needs and resolving issues)
Addresses student issues with speed (within 24 hours, whenever possible, during normal University business days), urgency and creativity while balancing policies and program requirements; seeks same-day resolution for any escalated issue
Provides academic advisement to students enrolled in the pre-professional phase of the Doctor of Pharmacy degree and other undergraduate pharmacy degree programs
Assists students in course registration and other transition issues
Advises majors, reviews plans of study and progression toward degree, conducts degree audits, prepares students’ schedules, explains professional phase programs and entry requirements, assists in registration, maintains files, and compiles records
Approves and records transfer credits, advanced placement credits, and college-in-high school credits
Provides students with mid-term deficiency notifications
Oversees academic petitions and communicates with students on other advising issues
Interacts with students through multiple modes of communication including, but not limited to, letters, e-mail, telephone calls, web-conferencing, and individual and group in-person meetings
Conducts interviews with students and parents concerning academic requirements and standing
Coordinates student transfer credit requests and ensure appropriate course equivalencies
Certifies students for graduation
Actively contributes to the strategic planning and continuous improvement process within academic advising
Collaborates with other University offices to improve students’ academic experience and support their overall well-being
To ensure availability to students during high-impact periods in the student advising cycle, there will be identified time frames during which time-off may be limited and subject to supervisor approval
Student Retention:
Collaborates with relevant academic leaders to develop and maintain student services that help improve overall experience and retention of students
Benchmarks best practices in student services and brings forward ideas for improvement
Regularly monitors student academic progress through Starfish and other indicators including software programs specific to the School of Pharmacy
Responds quickly with potential solutions and support service/recourse referrals for students who are struggling academically or in need of well-being support
Serves as co-instructor for the pre-professional seminar courses and professional phase orientation courses through the development, coordination, and delivery of course content and materials
Reaches out to and works with students who have not registered for classes during the standard registration period
Maintains regular ‘touchpoints’ with students to check in and offer support
To ensure availability to students during high-impact periods in the student retention cycle, there will be identified time frames during which time-off may be limited and subject to supervisor approval.
New student recruiting:
Supports the area of recruitment and admissions by providing information regarding course and credit transfer, academic requirements, and registration, among others
Meets as needed with prospective students to discuss academic requirements, course and credit transfer, and registration
Attends and participates in school recruiting and internal events, including evening and weekend events
Works closely with the School of Pharmacy admissions team and advisors to facilitate undergraduate student transition into degree programs. This includes providing information to undergraduate students about special programs and other opportunities for graduate education at Duquesne.
Career planning/vocational discovery support:
Collaborates with career counsellors, career coaches, and corporate relations staff at Duquesne to create academic pathways to various careers
Assists students in choosing career-relevant programs of study
Refers students to career resources, including career counsellors and coaches, and professionals
Develops networking activities for students in the assigned program
Supports career-related activities, including various networking events, company visits, and career fairs
Coordinates and delivers classes or seminars pertaining to career/professional development
Program and student management:
Ensures degree audit is current and accurate in RAPP
Supports undergraduate study abroad programs, including potentially coordinating yearly trips and traveling with students internationally
Contributes to the development of articulation agreements and joint degree programs with other schools and universities
Monitors the graduate and undergraduate websites to ensure they are current, accurate and achieving desired results as well as make suggestions for improvement
Updates programs of study information and course catalogues
Assists in developing, distributing and interpreting exit surveys of students
Compiles statistics for school reports; prepares reports on School of Pharmacy students
Attends and participates in significant School and University events such as Accepted Students Day, FAST Summer Program, White Coat Ceremony, and Commencement, among others
Serves on School and University committees as appointed, including service as ex officio member of the School of Pharmacy Student Standing Committee and service as a member of the Academic Support Program Committee
Completes other duties as assigned.
REQUIREMENTS:
Minimum qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree required in related field from an accredited institution and 1-3 years of progressively responsible experience.
Preferred qualifications:
Additional graduate level coursework in education, guidance counseling, or related field. Experience with student services functions associated with higher education in areas such as admissions, academic advising, learning skills, student orientation programs, mentorship, etc. is desirable and preferred.Alternately, the
successful candidate may possess any equivalent combination of experience and training, which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the essential job functions. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:
Knowledge of the techniques and procedures involved in academic advising
Exceptional interpersonal skills, able to interact effectively with students of diverse ages and backgrounds
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Excellent customer service and problem-solving skills
Self-motivated, energetic and able to work independently as well as part of a team; accepts responsibility with limited supervision; manages multiple tasks to completion
Ability to work with students in a mentoring and service-oriented manner
Ability to think strategically and creatively with respect to the operations and programs of academic advising and student recruiting
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students (current and prospective), parents, faculty, administrators, and others in the University community.
Proficient in information technologies, and should display a willingness to learn new technologies relevant to the position. These include Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel & PowerPoint), as well as querying and reporting of specialized databases.
Respect for the confidentiality of student records and protected information
Sensitivity to the need of each individual to be treated with dignity and respect as it relates to diversity in general and the Mission of the University specifically Commitment to the University’s values of diversity, equity and inclusion, and recognition of the importance of treating each individual with dignity and respect consistent with the University’s Mission. Demonstrated experience with, and understanding of, the broad diversity of the University community (students, faculty, staff and others).
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the University Community.
Ability and willingness to contribute actively to the mission of the University and to respect the Spiritan Catholic identity of Duquesne University. The mission is implemented through a commitment to academic excellence, a spirit of service, moral and spiritual values, sensitivity to world concerns, and an ecumenical campus community.
Duquesne University, a private, Catholic institution, prides itself on being mission-centered and mission-driven. Our employees contribute to our culture of academic excellence and our mission of serving God by serving students. In turn, they enjoy a supportive working environment that values individual talents, encourages teamwork and rewards accomplishments.
A nationally ranked top-tier university, Duquesne has established a legacy of excellence in liberal and professional education. Our 14:1 student-faculty ratio allows our students to work closely with expert faculty. Duquesne has also won accolades and recognition among the nation’s top 20 small research schools for our research initiatives and faculty productivity.
Situated on a 50-acre campus within the city, Duquesne provides a small-town feel in an urban setting. The Pittsburgh region offers a variety of cultural, education and professional opportunities, as well as a safe and affordable lifestyle.
We strive to attract, recruit and retain a dynamic, diverse workforce. Our employees benefit from an array of campus resources that provide convenience and cost savings, including a variety of dining options, a full-ser...vice Starbucks, a retail bank and credit union, a fitness center and year-round wellness programs and onsite parking. Employees also may take advantage of the many educational, cultural and sporting events sponsored by the university.