Online Student Advocate (A) - Remote
University of Miami

Job Info

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Job Summary

The Online Student Advocate facilitates student success by defining and implementing proactive strategies that help new students stay on track to fulfill their educational and professional goals. Working both independently and collaboratively as part of a larger team, the Online Student Advocate plays an important role in UOnline programs achieving enrollment and retention goals by providing an excellent student experience. The Online Student Advocate is responsible for decreasing student melt through a variety of onboarding efforts after the student submits their enrollment deposit through the end of the student's first term by assisting with follow-up on official documents, onboarding, and academic support. This position reports to the Assistant Director - UOnline Enrollment Manager.

Job Description

Responsibilities:

• Engage with new, first-year online graduate students to provide support needed for successful completion of programs including, but not limited to: residency, funding resources, financial aid, orientation, new student requirements, advising and program requirements, registration/enrollment, payment processes, accessibility resources, and ongoing success/retention.
• Develop and implement highly proactive outreach services, with particular attention to retention and online student success.
• Provide online students with holistic onboarding support by developing plans for student success including training and empowering online students to understand their own degree requirements.
• Monitor student progress and performance through first two semesters. Analyze problem areas, determine solutions and conduct intervention activities and processes focused on online students.
• Identify and successfully resolve online student concerns through prompt problem resolution and coaching, designed to improve student retention and decrease student melt.
• Demonstrate advocacy and commitment to student success and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by online students.
• Answer and resolve service inquiries with regard to Admissions, Financial Aid and Scholarships, Office of the University Registrar, Student Information Systems, and other University-wide programs. These inquiries may come from multiple modalities including, but not limited to, phone, email and chat. Appropriate resolutions will include:

• Correctly answering questions regarding policies and procedures for respective offices, particularly when these policies or procedures require anticipatory questioning to determine the fundamental issue and/or related issues.
• Researching question or concerns as necessary.
• Escalating concerns to the appropriate person or office as needed, including transfers when appropriate.
  • Coordinate and work collaboratively with the Financial Aid Office, Registrar's Office, and Student Accounts to ensure an excellent student experience.
  • Advise new online students on academic support resources and creates electronic/web resources for students.
  • Follow up with new students via phone, email, online/social media/chat and direct mail to properly onboard each student in attempts to decrease student melt.
  • Assist students with the onboarding process and remain point of contact through first term.
  • Build rapport and provide guidance for students towards persisting in a degree.
  • Consistently review student records to ensure they are informed of any missing official documents, requirements, and deadlines.
  • Think creatively and work with students/prospective students to solve problems and provide ideal solutions to their needs.
  • Project a positive, friendly, professional experience, particularly when the issue is not easily resolved or requires lengthy explanation.
  • Communicate effectively, including articulating potentially complicated topics to the student/prospective student in terms easily understood by lay people and using verbal/written feedback to ensure understanding has been achieved.
  • Communicate effectively with other University personnel, including following up with faculty, staff and other stakeholders as applicable.
  • Facilitate coaching appointments with students and follow up on interventions.
  • Counsel students on conflict resolution strategies to resolve difficulties that impede their educational progress.
  • Conduct regularly scheduled beginning and mid-semester advising with current students to ensure positive retention rates
  • Contact every enrolled student prior to start of classes; provide feedback to appropriate Admissions Representative to ensure positive retention rates.
  • Make daily retention calls and set appointments with potential readmits to meet weekly goals.
  • Initiate and maintain individual student files as appropriate, updating and evaluating file as new information is received.
  • Attend all Student Orientation sessions.
  • Proactively utilize multiple methods of communication (e.g., phone, email, instant messaging, video, social networking sites) to maintain consistent communication with prospective and current online students, providing social networking/community building opportunities, engagement with the university, and awareness of student responsibilities.
  • Responsible for knowledge of information related to university, college, and program policies and procedures, as well as information related to community resources to provide online students with information, guidance and assistance in making informed decisions.
  • Ensure federal laws, organizational policy and procedures are followed regarding security and confidentiality pertaining to student records and the collection/or use of personally identifiable information. Strictly adhere to organization procedures regarding security and confidentiality of student financial and FERPA protected information.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Exceptional telephone etiquette
• Excellent written skills and verbal communication skills
• Ability to communicate effectively via internet-based media or social media while ensuring student outcomes are not affected
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Strong ability to work well under time pressure and meet deadlines and goals
• Excellent time management, attendance and ability to take on additional responsibilities, exceptional attention to detail and organization
• Ability to foster a cooperative work environment
• Exceptional coaching, counseling or mentoring skills
• High level of interpersonal and communication skills needed to foster relationships and support
• Commitment and demonstrated excellence to providing the highest level of customer service to achieve student success
• Commitment to a flexible schedule, including nights and weekends, which may include working more than 40 hours per week to meet the needs of students

Education & Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree or working toward completion of a college degree
• 1-3 years of professional work experience, preferably in higher education or in a customer service environment
• Exceptional customer service experience in either an inbound and/or outbound telephone centered environment highly preferred

The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Females/Minorities/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities are encouraged to apply. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law. Click here for additional information.Job Status:Full timeEmployee Type:StaffPay Grade:A6

This job has expired.