Freshman Support Specialist

Bethune-Cookman University

Job Title: Freshman Support Specialist

Reporting Structure: Associate Dean of Students

Division: Division of Innovation and Leadership Development

Job Summary: The Freshman Support Specialist plays a pivotal role in supporting the transition of incoming freshmen (first-year) students. This unique position combines responsibilities focused on student success and campus culture enhancement.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Freshman (First-Year) Support:

• Provide personalized support and guidance to incoming freshmen students to help them acclimate to university life, navigate academic challenges, and access campus resources.
• Develop and implement programs and initiatives specifically designed to support the academic and social integration of freshmen students.
• Conduct regular check-ins with freshmen students to assess their progress, address concerns, and provide mentorship.
• Provide support services to help students navigate their first year of college.
• Develop and implement orientation programs to help new students acclimate to campus life.
• Organize and facilitate workshops or seminars on study skills, time management, and other topics relevant to student success.
• Collaborate with other campus departments to coordinate resources and support for first-year students.
• Monitor and assess the academic progress and well-being of first-year students.
• Serve as a resource and point of contact for first-year students seeking guidance or assistance.
• Support student engagement and involvement in campus activities and organizations.
• Additional duties and responsibilities may be assigned as needed to support the overall success of the first-year experience program and the student population.
  
  
  

Collaboration & Programming

• Collaborate with campus departments, student organizations, and external partners to create engaging and supportive programming for freshmen students.
• Assist in the coordination of events that promote community building, diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus.
  
  
  

Administrative Support

• Maintain accurate records and documentation related to freshmen support programs.
• Manage budgets allocated for freshman support initiatives.
• Prepare reports and assessments to evaluate the effectiveness of programs and make data-driven recommendations for improvement.
  
  
  

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Organizational and time management abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office or relevant software.
• Proficiency in maintaining a social media presence.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Understanding of and commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus environment.
• Proven /demonstrated skills in conflict resolution.
  
  
  

Education Requirements:

• Master’s degree with four or more years of relevant work experience in the public or private sectors.
  
  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience in a similar role
• Experience in student support services, event planning, or related areas.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with diverse student populations.
• Excellent organizational and time management abilities.
• Commitment to promoting student success, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  
  
  

Work Schedule:

This is a full-time position.

The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, sex, retaliation, marital status, religion or disability, or any other applicable local, state or federal regulation. Inquiries regarding provisions for persons with disabilities and equal employment opportunity should be directed to the Office of Human Resources at 386-481-2049.

The university reserves the right to modify job descriptions at any time in its' attempts to improve the operations of the university