Associate Director, Undergraduate Student Services - School of Business Administration

Widener University is seeking an Associate Director for Undergraduate Student Services in the School of Business Administration. Reporting to the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs, this position will play a pivotal role in supporting student success by coordinating course scheduling, processing of academic actions, student events, and general student advising. In addition, the Associate Director will staff School of Business Administration meetings related to student success.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited to):

Essential Duties:

Student Retention & Advising

• Coordinates with the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs to develop a yearly student retention plan.
• Oversee advising and success/retention initiatives for undergraduate business students, ensuring timely degree completion and high-quality student experiences.
• Supervise professional and graduate assistant staff in the School of Business Administration Advising Center.
• Counsel students in academic jeopardy, develop individualized academic recovery plans, and monitor academic standing, including financial aid appeals and academic progress counseling.
• Partner with faculty and university support services to navigate complex student situations and promote consistency in academic decision-making.
• Train and support faculty advisors in managing their undergraduate advising loads.
• Monitor and report metrics to support data-driven decision-making to track persistence, risk indicators, and intervention outcomes.
• Collaborate with the Dean's office to resolve student issues and promote student success.

Course Scheduling & Academic Planning

• Collaborate with Associate Deans, department chairs, and program directors to develop semester course schedules aligned with student demand and program pathways.
• Use Student Planning and Course Dog reports to align course offerings with student needs.
• Coordinate catalog and curriculum updates, ensuring accuracy of academic policies, degree requirements, and website content.

Student Event Coordination & Student Onboarding

• Plan and implement onboarding and registration experiences for incoming first-year and transfer students, including Pride Days and summer registration events.
• Coordinate SBA participation in major university and student-facing events, including Widener Days (Open Houses), Admitted Student Days, First-Year and Transfer Student Orientation and Registration, Commencement, and Student Project Day.

Academic Actions & Records Management

• Manage academic actions, including transfer credit evaluations, course substitutions, and academic petitions, in accordance with SBA and university policies.
• Oversee the academic review process, track academic standing, and support financial aid and SAP appeals.

Graduation & Curriculum Support

• Review graduation petitions, verify completion of degree requirements, and compile official graduation lists.
• Maintain and update academic catalogs, student handbooks, and website content to reflect current curriculum and policy changes.

University Alert System Oversight

• Lead SBA's strategic use of the University's student success platform.
• Generate reports and analyze student data to inform advising and support strategies.

Secondary Responsibilities:

• Coordinate student-related committee meetings, including agenda preparation and data reporting.
• Track university calendars for relevant deadlines and action items.
• Provide logistical support to Associate Deans and department chairs.
• Assist SBA staff with routine administrative tasks during absences.
• Promote a positive, inclusive culture aligned with SBA's mission.
• Support AACSB accreditation efforts, including site visit coordination and data collection for reporting.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned or directed to support departmental needs and align with the mission of the School of Business Administration.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (education/training and experience required):

Required:

• Master's degree in Education, Student Affairs, Counseling, or a related field.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in higher education, specifically in academic advising.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Ability to quickly learn and adapt to new systems.

Preferred:

• Experience in a business school environment.
• Knowledge of and experience with the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation standards.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR UNUSUAL HOURS:

• Occasional evening or weekend work may be required.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Widener University is committed to fostering an inclusive community in which faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran.

Some positions may be eligible for a hybrid or remote work arrangement that may include a partially or fully remote work location, consistent with Widener's Flexible Work policy.

Widener University, an independent, metropolitan, doctoral-intensive university, connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention and experiential learning are key components of the Widener Experience. Located in Chester, PA, Widener's main campus is nestled between Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE, with Law Schools located in both Harrisburg and Wilmington. For more information about the university, please visit our website at www.widener.edu.

EOE M/F/V/D