Student Service Advisor - EMBA (29848)

OUR UNIVERSITY

Ottawa University (established in 1865), one of the oldest private liberal arts universities in the United States, is a multi-campus system serving approximately 4000 students through its campuses in Kansas (Ottawa, Kansas- Residential Campus and Overland Park, Kansas- Adult Programs); Arizona (Surprise Residential Campus and OUAZ Adult Programs); Wisconsin (Brookfield Adult Programs); and our OU ONLINE PROGRAM based out of Overland Park, Kansas.


Ottawa University is a regionally accredited, church-related, private university that strives to integrate faith, learning, and life in the academic experiences of students.


JOB SUMMARY

Primarily responsible for the academic and financial advisement of students enrolled in the Executive MBA program using effective enrollment management, financial options, and counseling/advising techniques. Must have excellent customer service skills, through electronic modes of operation, which are aligned with Ottawa University's student-centric philosophy. Serves as the primary service contact between the student and the University in all aspects of the student's life and experience with Ottawa University.


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB (provide list of items which are essential to effective outcomes in this role):

• Advises and supports students to create (or update) and maintain a current Graduation Plan. Tracks the student's progress and maintains regular contact encouraging consecutive term enrollment and continued academic progress.
• Tracks the student's attendance and progress and maintains regular contact with University staff to support compliance with SEVIS requirements (if/when applicable).
• Counsels students effectively regarding financial plans and payment due date requirements. Serves as an expert on the University's financial policies, procedures, and processing system. Assures the timely processing of payment reporting.
• Effectively coordinates proper communications to both new and returning students regarding onboarding, EMBA weekend preparations, payment deadlines, graduation requirements, and policy updates.
• Facilitates New Student Orientation in conjunction with the International Programs Office team during each EMBA weekend.
• Acts as a liaison between departments and coordinates materials for all campus locations hosting EMBA weekend sessions to help ensure an effective learning environment for students while onsite.
• Advises the student related to concerns, questions, and problems as they arise and provides a connection for the learner with appropriate university services. Serves as a coach and fosters a productive University support system for the student. Serves as a central communicator with the student regarding updates and changes to university policies, procedures, and operational processes.
• Meets with the student face-to-face or through virtual format, as needed, to update progress and assess needs for tutoring, mentoring, career counseling, internship, service learning, etc. Connects students with appropriate faculty members for further mentoring as needed. Convenes and is an advocate for the use of additional academic and professional resources for the student when appropriate.
• Develops a strong understanding of international status requirements and effectively collaborates with the International Programs Office when needed.
• Responsible for achieving measurable retention goals and objectives.
• Other duties as assigned

STANDARD UNIVERSITY EXPECTATIONS:

• Model and encourage collaboration among University departments assuring effective communication and operations.
• Understand the University's policies and, procedures, and exercise good judgment accordingly. Assure that University and student information is managed in a confidential and ethical manner in accordance with the University's Code of Conduct and Ethics.
• Provide leadership through conduct, attitude, and professionalism. Represent the University to students, external groups, faculty, and staff in a way that reflects positively on the University.
• Be mindful and supportive of the overall Mission of Ottawa University.
• Exercise Inclusivity in your daily actions accruing alignment within expectations of the University's Mission Statement and Statement of Inclusion, Openness, and Community.

NOTE

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" relationship.

Ottawa University is committed to equal employment opportunity and does not unlawfully discriminate in recruitment or employment on the basis of race, age, sex, color, religion, disability, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

REQUIRED EDUCATION: (education based on essential job duties and requirements consistent with business necessity):
Master's degree in Adult Education, Counseling, Student Services or a related field required.


REQUIRED EXPERIENCE: ( experience based on requirements in role and are consistent with business necessity)
Three years minimum experience in financial advising, academic counseling or sales position, preferably in a college environment.


ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: List required and/or preferred certification, industry specific requirements, required or preferred use of equipment, and all necessary job skills, abilities, and knowledge competencies) Provide a list of items below:

• Customer Service oriented with strong verbal communication skills
• Highly effective interpersonal and life coaching skills
• Ability to facilitate the resolution of problems
• Must possess the skills to self-initiate and manage a diverse set of activities/duties
• Accuracy, organization, and attention to detail
• Ability to work effectively under stressful time sensitive deadlines
• Proficiency with a PC including, word, excel and student database systems
• Ability to work independently, make sound decisions
• Sensitive to cultural differences, and aware of the needs of adult learners
• Must be able to travel to other sites as needed.

WORKING CONDITIONS (Physical attributes required to perform job duties with or without reasonable accommodation - examples: sitting, lifting #, bending, driving, environmental factors or elements, noise level, stairs in a building, or other factors that will affect working conditions). Provide a list of items below:

• Prolonged periods of sitting.
• Must be able to lift 5-15 pounds at a time.
• May require evening/weekend schedule.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: Yes - Travel Required

• If YES, list type and approximate percentage: 15%
• Responsible for driving students and University vehicles as part of job duties (YES/NO): No