The Student Success Advisor assists students in navigating transitions, exploring options, and overcoming academic challenges. After learning VUSN's rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and academic curriculum, the advisor ensures students are equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive.  To assess student success and identify areas for further support, the Student Success Advisor assists faculty in tracking student progress, generating insightful reports. Additionally, this position spearheads the development, maintenance, and enhancement of internal projects that drive student success, tailoring programming to address the specific needs of diverse student populations. 
 

Actively engaged in the VUSN community, the Student Success Advisor participates in and supports key events, such as orientation and graduation. They also assist with student composite photography, maintain student records from matriculation to graduation, and promptly address student inquiries related to transfer credit, leave of absence, and registration.  This is a hybrid position. 

 

About the Work Unit: 
The Vanderbilt University School of Nursing (VUSN) values excellence and innovation in preserving and advancing the art and science of nursing in the scholarly domains of education, practice, research, and informatics. These values are pursued through personal interactions and the integration of technology, while embracing cultural and academic diversity. The School of Nursing is the largest professional school at Vanderbilt University. The academic function within the school of nursing is expansive with the mission of educating lifelong learners who have knowledge and skills relevant to rapidly changing environments and complex health needs of individuals and populations by offering leading-edge curricula built upon a foundation of multi-disciplinary research and scholarly practice. 

 

Key Functions and Expected Performance: 

Student-facing duties: 

•    Meeting individually and in small groups with students as needed.

•    Providing students with effective and timely referrals to other college and external support services.

•    Monitoring student performance and taking appropriate action if necessary; resolving students’ problems regarding curricular requirements.

•    Supervises the operations of the VUSN student mentors, by ensuring timely submission of timesheets and other related HR processes.

Implementation of policies and procedures:

•    Interpreting college and university academic policies and procedures and ensuring students receive accurate guidance.

•    Meticulously tracking student retention and progression data and providing relevant reports that will drive informed decision making.

•    Closely monitoring student success initiatives and utilizing data to enhance programs.

•    Working with faculty, review student academic progress, success, and retention while ensuring deadlines are met for completing various coursework requirements, graduation, and other specific program requirements.

•    Compiling information on program services, activities, and students. Maintain accurate, organized, completed, and detailed records and develop and maintain reports as required or assigned.

•    Providing students with clear and reliable information regarding student support services, school and university policies, as well as program procedures and guidelines.

Larger duties to promote student success and school functioning:

•    Coordinates and implements a new student orientation program to ensure seamless transition for new students.

•    Collaborates with faculty to provide training and resources consistent with best practices in academic advising.

•    Facilitates workshops and assist with test proctoring and related activities.

•    Identifies, develops, and executes programming that supports the academic and personal success of nursing students.

•    Coordinates tutoring and mentoring programs to connect students with appropriate resources.

•    Partners with the administration to support data collection and analysis efforts using the insights gained to further retention and graduation initiatives.

•    Serves on School of Nursing  committees as needed, contributing expertise and perspective to broader institutional initiatives.

•    Facilitates referrals and partnerships across campus formal support services and centers.

•    Performs other related duties as assigned by the supervisor, demonstrating a willingness to take on additional duties that align with the needs of the school.

 

Supervisory Relationships: 

This position will have direct supervisory responsibilities over the operations of the VUSN student mentors.  This position reports to the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs.   

 

Education and Certifications:

A Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as education or counseling from an accredited institution of higher education is necessary.  Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.  A Master's degree in a relevant field such as education or counseling from an accredited institution of higher education is preferred.

 

Experience and Skills:

•    2 years of academic advising or closely related experience preferred.  Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

•    Exceptional written and interpersonal communication skills coupled with a high level of professionalism.

•    Demonstrated knowledge of academic advising, coaching, and student learning/development theories applied to practice.

•    Experience working with a diverse student population in a college or university setting.

•    Proficient computer literacy and the ability to effectively utilize technology and computer applications such as Microsoft Office products, student information systems, online resources, and other related tools.

•    Strong administrative and organizational skills with the proven ability to multi-task and prioritize projects.

•    Demonstrating a professional and pleasant attitude with the ability to work with considerable tact, diplomacy, and judgment when interacting with students, faculty, and staff is required.

•    Excellent problem solving and critical thinking abilities.

 

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are.  We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education. 

Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.