Student Attendance and Retention Manager

The Student Attendance and Retention Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing strategies to improve student attendance and retention rates within the institution. This role will focus on tracking attendance patterns, identifying at-risk students, implementing intervention strategies, and ensuring that students receive the support necessary to succeed academically and remain enrolled. The manager will work closely with faculty, academic advisors, student support services, and other stakeholders to create a positive academic experience that promotes student success and persistence.

Key Responsibilities:

• Attendance Tracking and Monitoring: Oversee and manage attendance tracking systems for all students. Regularly analyze attendance data to identify trends and patterns that may indicate concerns related to student engagement, attendance, and academic performance. Generate and review regular reports to assess attendance issues across various departments, programs, and demographic groups.
• Retention Strategy Development: Collaborate with academic departments and student services to design and implement strategies aimed at improving student retention. Develop proactive outreach efforts for students who demonstrate signs of disengagement, poor attendance, or academic struggle. Coordinate retention initiatives, including mentoring, tutoring programs, and academic support workshops.
• At-Risk Student Identification: Work with academic advisors, counselors, and faculty to identify at-risk students early in the term based on attendance patterns and academic performance. Implement interventions such as counseling, academic support, and personalized outreach to improve student retention and prevent dropout. Monitor student progress and follow up with interventions as needed.
• Communication and Support: Communicate with students about attendance expectations, institutional policies, and available support services. Collaborate with faculty to ensure they are aware of attendance concerns and are using appropriate strategies to encourage student attendance and engagement. Serve as a point of contact for students facing challenges that affect their attendance or retention.
• Data Management and Reporting: Maintain accurate records of student attendance, retention statistics, and any actions taken to address attendance concerns. Prepare and present reports on attendance and retention metrics to senior leadership, faculty, and other stakeholders. Ensure compliance with institutional policies and relevant regulations.
• Program and Policy Development: Assist in the development of policies and procedures related to student attendance, retention, and intervention. Recommend improvements to attendance and retention practices based on data analysis and research. Stay current with best practices and trends in student engagement, retention, and attendance management.
• Collaboration and Professional Development: Work closely with cross-functional teams, including academic advising, counseling services, financial aid, and student affairs, to support student success initiatives. Participate in professional development opportunities to stay informed about current trends and strategies in higher education retention and attendance management.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Education, Student Affairs, Higher Education Administration, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• Experience: At least 2-3 years of experience in student services, retention management, academic advising, or related roles.
• Skills: Strong knowledge of student retention and engagement strategies. Experience with student data management and the ability to analyze and interpret data. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to work collaboratively with students, faculty, and staff. Problem-solving skills and the ability to work with students from diverse backgrounds. Proficient in the use of student information systems (SIS) and data analysis tools.
• Additional Skills: Knowledge of current trends in student success, retention, and engagement. Experience with retention software or tools. Ability to design and implement student success programs and initiatives. Familiarity with academic policies and procedures.

Working Conditions: Full-time position with occasional evening or weekend hours required. May involve working with students who are facing personal or academic challenges. Occasional travel may be required for outreach events or professional development opportunities.