This position has as its focus supporting the retention of at-risk students (students on academic warning, probation 1 and probation 2) at AURAK. The Early Warning/Academic Advisement (EWAA) Officer functions with the mind-set of a “social-worker” by reaching out to students and conducting regular follow-up to engage at-risk students through support and encouragement to help them remain connected to their academic pursuits at the university. The EWAA Officer also supports keeping students connected to UPAS 100, an academic study skills course, required of students who are on Academic Warning. The position works in a cross-functional manner with administrative support for initiatives of the Office of Student Affairs. The work environment is student-centered, solution-oriented and constantly evolving, with high expectations for accuracy and follow-through with assigned tasks.

Early Warning/Academic Advisement Officer

American University of Ras Al Khaimah

General information about institution

The American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) is an independent co-education institution of Higher Education that provides an integrated American-style, undergraduate and graduate education. All programs are accredited by the Ministry of Education of the UAE; additionally, it is accredited by the U.S. regional accreditation association, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The American model of higher education ensures not only skills in specific academic fields, but also a general education curriculum that exposes students to new ideas and ways of thinking critically about local and global issues. AURAK is a young and rapidly growing university.  AURAK is located in Ras Al Khaimah, one of the Northern Emirates and a rapidly growing region.  The beauty of Ras Al Khaimah is reflected in its traditions and diverse landscapes — its white sandy beaches, the majestic Hajjar Mountains, the expansive desert and its sands dunes, and the many historical sites.

AURAK values diversity, inclusiveness and cultural authenticity where all individuals are treated based on their merits and abilities.  AURAK is proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from all qualified applicants irrespective of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or age.

Job Purpose & Responsibilities

This position has as its focus supporting the retention of at-risk students (students on academic warning, probation 1 and probation 2) at AURAK. The Early Warning/Academic Advisement (EWAA) Officer functions with the mind-set of a “social-worker” by reaching out to students and conducting regular follow-up to engage at-risk students through support and encouragement to help them remain connected to their academic pursuits at the university. The EWAA Officer also supports keeping students connected to UPAS 100, an academic study skills course, required of students who are on Academic Warning. The position works in a cross-functional manner with administrative support for initiatives of the Office of Student Affairs. The work environment is student-centered, solution-oriented and constantly evolving, with high expectations for accuracy and follow-through with assigned tasks.

Minimum Qualification and Education

Essential: Bachelor’s degree required and master’s degree in social work, counseling, college student development or higher education administration preferred.

Required Knowledge and Skills

• Experience in a university setting working to support student-centered programs and projects.
• Basic understanding of student development and academic affairs practices.
• General knowledge of programming and event planning in a university setting.
• Have or be willing to adapt a student-centered philosophy for programs, projects and services that are developmental and educational in nature.
• Excellent administrative and managerial skills for an office setting that requires solution-oriented thinking
• Computer proficient with a strong working knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet manipulation.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook) is a must and willingness to learn and use online university SIS/office management software.
• Excellent communication skills in English, both spoken and written, are mandatory.
• Know how to organize information and set priorities, including scheduling.
• Must possess good communication, organizational, interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
• Possess the ability to work with sensitive and confidential information.

Work Experience

Ideally, 1-3 years’ experience working in a campus environment, student advising, Residential Life, Student Support Services or closely related field.

Language proficiency required

Fluent in English (Arabic is an advantage)

Competencies

• Service Excellence-
• Professional Ethics and Integrity-
• Problem-solving-
• Time Management-
• Teamwork-

Reporting line

Associate Provost for Student Affairs