Student Success Advisor

About Walden University

Walden University, established over 50 years ago, is dedicated to supporting adult learners in reaching their academic milestones and making meaningful contributions to their careers and communities. The university serves students from the United States and over 115 countries, offering a wide range of online certificate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs. Walden provides more than 100 online programs and is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

Walden embraces a hybrid work schedule with four in-office days weekly (Monday through Thursday) to foster a creative, communicative, and collaborative work atmosphere.

Role Overview

The Student Success Advisor plays a pivotal role in promoting student achievement by developing and executing proactive initiatives that support students in meeting their academic objectives. This advisor cultivates personalized, supportive relationships, manages student expectations, and keeps students engaged with the university's online community. They provide guidance on university policies, program and degree requirements, and academic concerns. Collaboration with various university support teams ensures all student inquiries are handled effectively and promptly.

Key Duties

• Act as the main point of support helping students stay aligned with their educational goals.
• Engage new students right after admission to assess their readiness and escalate any unresolved issues impacting their smooth start.
• Help students comprehend and fulfill degree requirements.
• Assist with course registration processes.
• Advise on institutional policies, procedures, and academic program details.
• Conduct outreach to students at risk of failing to maintain satisfactory academic progress.
• Continuously monitor students to spot potential risks and develop, implement, and assess strategies for academic success improvement.
• Coordinate with university staff to ensure timely, strategic responses to student inquiries while upholding academic integrity and policies.
• Guide students cognitively to foster responsibility for their choices and awareness of how decisions influence their success.
• Offer proactive advice enabling students to adapt to graduate life and establish supportive environments and best practices.
• Encourage students to maintain strong connections with the university and its online learner community.
• Serve as a designated Campus Security Authority.
• Perform additional duties as assigned and comply with all institutional policies and standards.

Candidate Qualifications

• Possession of a Bachelor's degree is required.
• A minimum of three years of experience in service-driven environments or academic settings.
• Demonstrated commitment to education with counseling or coaching skills to effectively support online students.
• Strong abilities in problem-solving and time management.
• Capability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Effective issue resolution skills for student concerns from initial inquiry through resolution.
• Experience navigating multiple databases and student information systems.
• Skillful at connecting and building rapport with students from varied backgrounds.
• Innovative, creative, and able to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Self-motivated and adaptable to rapid changes and new situations.
• Familiarity with online education and internet technologies is advantageous.

Compensation and Benefits

The position offers an hourly wage between $24 and $28, with actual pay adjusted based on factors such as experience, training, location, certifications, market conditions, departmental budgets, and responsibility. Benefits include:

• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance plans.
• 401(k) retirement plan with a 6% employer match.
• Fifteen paid vacation days annually.
• Twelve paid holidays plus two floating holidays.

Additional Notes

The role adheres to equal opportunity employment practices, embracing diversity across minority status, gender, disability, veteran status, gender identity, and sexual orientation.