POSITION IDENTIFICATION
TITLE Director, Darr College of Agriculture Student Success and Advisement Center
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 2339
GRADE 46
CLASSIFICATION Exempt
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR Dean, Darr College of Agriculture
GENERAL FUNCTION
The Director, Darr College of Agriculture (DCOA) Student Success and Advisement Center directs, plans, implements, and coordinates the activities and operations of the Center. This position serves as a liaison between faculty and academic departments to foster college-wide communication and to support the mission and strategic initiatives of the College and University as they specifically relate to academic advising, student success, and retention. The Director, DCOA Student Success and Advisement Center manages the center’s budget and staff, hires, supervises, trains, and evaluates staff, and ensures advising resources are effectively utilized to provide comprehensive academic advising and support services for undergraduate students within the College. In collaboration with DCOA administration, this role establishes long-and short-range goals and objectives related to student recruitment and retention activities, including coordinating DCOA representation/participation in various student events, utilizes college-wide data to maximize student success practices and procedures, serves as a liaison between the College and University to proactively support and participate in campus-wide efforts to facilitate retention and graduation, and serves on the College leadership team.
EDUCATION
Education: A Master’s degree in a discipline related to education, higher education administration, or a related field is required. A working knowledge in the field of higher education agricultural programs is preferred. An equivalent combination of years of experience and education may be considered for substitution of educational requirements.
Experience: At least five years of experience is required in higher education, which includes academic advising and administrative duties. Teaching experience is preferred. Experience advising various student populations, including academically at-risk students, is preferred. Experience with federal, state, and higher education policies and procedures is preferred. Experience in the field of agricultural programs is preferred. Demonstrated success in student retention, program development, and collaboration with faculty and staff is highly valued.
Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, interpersonal skills (particularly in working with a diverse student population), and strong organizational and management skills are required. Computer literacy is required. The ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds is required.
Other: The scope of the position occasionally requires work in the evenings and on weekends.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Ensures that the essential student service of quality academic advisement is provided to students in DCOA by establishing a student-oriented advising environment.2. Ensures the success of the DCOA Student Success and Advisement Center through the development of policies, procedures, and advisement guidelines, the preparation of long- and short-range goals and objectives, setting priorities for meeting student advising needs, and evaluating progress toward accomplishment of those goals and objectives.
3. Assigns advisor training and development activities to ensure that academic advisors are provided with accurate information about campus resources, rules and regulations, and academic programs.
4. Ensures that faculty and primary role advisors are familiar with research on the importance of academic advising, different approaches to academic advising, and can develop appropriate advising relationships with a diversity of students.
5. Coordinates the services of the DCOA Student Success and Advisement Center with units within the College by regular communication with academic unit leaders, faculty, and staff.
6. Provides an essential student service of academic advising by being knowledgeable of academic policies and procedures unique to Missouri State University, assisting students in determining academic goals, choosing courses appropriate for those goals, supporting students in decision-making and learning how to accept responsibility for their decisions, assisting all students (not just advisees) seeking academic information, and directing students to resources within the University that provide further assistance in making career, major, and academic choices.
7. Develops a competent and effective advisement staff by providing opportunities and support for professional development, assigning appropriate academic advising responsibilities, and evaluating individual performance.
8. Manages funds by planning, developing, and controlling the DCOA Student Success and Advisement Center budget.
9. Ensures the effectiveness of the advising process by maintaining electronic advising files for all assigned advisees and using information from the University’s database to advise students appropriately.
10. Aids DCOA efforts in advising, student success, and retention events and activities such as Major’s Fair, Showcase events, SOAR, and career fairs/expos and workshops.
11. Consults and collaborates with recruiting and marketing efforts of the DCOA.
12. Coordinates the development and maintenance of partnerships with high school dual credit programs and community college programs and transfer agreements.
13. Participates as a member of the University community by serving on committees as requested by the DCOA Dean.
14. Contributes to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.
15. Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses as directed by the DCOA Dean
16. Contributes to the overall success of DCOA by performing all other duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION
The Director of DCOA Student Success and Advisement Center supervises professional, clerical and support personnel, graduate assistants, and student employees, as well as faculty advisors with assignments in the Advisement Center.
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2024
