General Statement of Duties:

Under the general direction of the Associate Director of Advising & Student Success, the Retention Counselor serves as the primary point of contact for a caseload of students. This caseload is determined in alignment with MWCC's Strategic Plan and retention initiatives. The Retention Counselor assists students through the enrollment life cycle, which may include initial advising (post-admission) through completion (graduation), by providing academic advising services to students in person and via college resources such as phone, email and video chat, as scheduled or as walk-in meetings, consistent with the established best practices.

Responsibilities:

• Use developmental advising/mentoring/coaching approach and employ proactive, sustained, and strengths-based strategies for a caseload of students designed to increase persistence through completion and/or transfer.
• Perform new, transfer, and readmitted student intake advising and assist students with educational planning including, but not limited to: academic, career, and transfer resources of the College.
• Support students through all components of the registration process.
• Create a success plan for each student, schedule regular meetings to track academic progress, and ensure access to support services. Works with students to collaboratively develop a plan of action to reach academic, career and transfer goals.
• Provides information regarding academic and financial aid standing and strategies to improve standing when applicable. Advises students about alternative and possible consequences of academic decisions, especially as they relate to academic standing or Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
• Foster linkages between academic and student support programs/services to build a holistic network that provides options, referrals, and alternative solutions for students facing adversity or challenges. Collaborate with campus and community-based resources to provide responsive wrap-around services for students.
• Establish meaningful relationships with students focused on academic and personal success (inside and outside of the classroom) while creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where students feel they have an opportunity to set and reach their individual goals.
• Act as a resource for returning students dealing with Restart and Grade Amnesty, and for both returning and continuing students navigating the Appeal process. Consults with the Academic and Financial Aid Review Board(s) for recommendations on student reinstatement or suspension.
• Lead programs and activities designed to cultivate academic self-confidence, community engagement, 21st century life skills, self-advocacy, and a sense of participatory involvement on all aspects of campus and academic life.
• Identify risk factors and appropriate interventions with an emphasis on student strengths, retention, and persistence. Manage and resolve conflict or crisis situations, providing effective solutions and making necessary referrals to appropriate resources. Collaborate with other departments to support student success.
• Work with MWCC Advising teams to foster a culture of inclusion, success, confidence, self-advocacy, and positive identity.
• Participate in enrollment events (such as Enrollment Express, Accepted Student Registration Days and Open House), orientation and other college-wide efforts to enhance the student experience.

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Minimum Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Education, Counseling, Psychology or closely related field;
• Three (3) years experience and/or training involving college admissions, academic advisement, career development, or program/project management; or
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Travel to other campuses as required

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience work with community college and/or adult learner populations;
• Bilingual

Equivalency Statement
Applicants who do not meet the qualifications as stated above are encouraged to put in writing precisely how their background and experience have prepared them with the equivalent combination of education, training and experience required for the responsibilities of this position.

Campus Title: Retention Counselor
Salary: $69,821.00-$119,012.00 Effective 1/12/2025

**** Actual Salary determined by education, experience, and any applicable grant limitations per the collective bargaining agreement. Applicants should be aware it is unlikely the salary will be at or near the top of the range.

Grade : 5

Employee Status:Full Time
Benefits: Yes
Hours per Week: 37.5

Hours: 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. -4 p.m. Friday.
Number of Weeks: 52

Mount Wachusett Community College is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, disability, religion, age, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy or related conditions, gender identity, sex characteristics, sex stereotypes or sexual orientation in its programs and activities as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable statutes and college policies. The College prohibits Sex-Based Harassment. Inquiries or complaints concerning discrimination, harassment, or retaliation shall be referred to the College's Affirmative Action Officer and/or Title IX Coordinator, the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission or the United States Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights.