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
Responsible for managing a portfolio of students through leadership and collaboration and for contributing to the intellectual life of a liberal arts institution in a unit that promotes diversity and fosters academic excellence, while offering holistic and individualized services to students. Provide and document advising to assigned undergraduate students. Convene resources and advocate on students’ behalf, and in collaboration with others. Contribute to the programming and presentation of PGD workshops.The Student Support Specialist serves as the primary resource for students seeking academic accommodations and support services. This position serves as a key advocate for student access and success by evaluating documentation, determining eligibility for accommodations, and partnering with students, faculty, and staff to ensure appropriate academic support.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB (provide list of items which are essential to effective outcomes in this role):
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Manage a portfolio of students from freshman year to graduation with the explicit intent of assisting students to persist through the start of their degree to graduation.
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Advise students related to concerns, questions, and provide problem solving; providing a connection for the learner with appropriate and applicable university services. Serves as a coach and fosters a productive University support system for the student. Serves as central communicator with the student regarding updates and changes to university policies, procedures, and operational processes.
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Review and evaluate medical documentation to determine eligibility for academic accommodations for OUAZ students.
- Facilitate, communicate, and track academic accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for OUAZ students.
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Implement established procedures toward providing timely eligibility and funding information to students to guide their financial planning. Assure that all required documents are complete, and audits are facilitated as required. Understand and continuously expand knowledge of Title IV regs.
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Work with athletics, academic affairs, student affairs, and financial aid office as necessary to gather and disseminate information about students in the assigned portfolio in order to ensure their success.
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Meet with the student as needed to update progress and assess needs for tutoring, mentoring, career counseling, internship, service learning, etc. Connects student with appropriate faculty members for further mentoring as needed.
- Act as an ombudsman on behalf of the students in resolving issues, coaching, and intervening where and when necessary to enhance student success and the student experience. Advocate for the use of additional academic and professional resources for the student as needed.
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Represent and communicate university policies and procedures and coach students as necessary regarding compliance and properly represent key functional areas in their dealings with students.
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Convene meetings with individuals and groups as necessary to interface productively with students. Intervene when and where appropriate to achieve student and university objectives.
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Assist students in developing their life-plan narratives as well as specific goal statements for each year of matriculation.
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Act as a policy and advisory resource to internal elements of the university organization based on experiences they encounter and observe. Increase the responsiveness of the organization to student concerns and obstacles.
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Other duties as assigned
STANDARD UNIVERSITY EXPECTATIONS:
- Model and encourage collaboration among University departments assuring effective communication and operations.
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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.
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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.
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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):
Bachelor’s Degree or extensive career/professional experience required.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE: (experience based on requirements in role and are consistent with business necessity)
Five (5) years of experience required; prior experience in higher education strongly preferred.
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:
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Highly effective interpersonal and life coaching skills
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Competent working in and knowledgeable of academic and curricular issues
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Skilled in the use of assessment tools and the application of assessment data
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Strong organizational skills
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:
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May require evening and weekend activities for certain events and meetings.
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Prolonged periods of sitting must be able to lift 5-15 pounds at times.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: No - Travel Required
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If YES, list type and approximate percentage: None
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Responsible for driving students and University vehicles as part of job duties (YES/NO): No
