| Position Title: |
Director of Student Academic Affairs |
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| Location: |
Big Rapids (Main Campus) |
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| Department: |
43700 - Ferris State University Seminar
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| Advertised Salary: |
$75,000-$85,000 Salary commensurate with education, experiences and other requirements. |
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Benefits:
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Comprehensive benefits package (health care, vacation, etc.). Please see the following link for a list of benefits offered with this position.
Admin / Admin Temp Benefit Plans
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| FLSA: |
Exempt |
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| Temporary/Continuing: |
Continuing |
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| Part-Time/Full-Time: |
Full-Time |
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| Union Group: |
N/A |
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| Term of Position: |
12 Month |
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| At Will/Just Cause: |
Just Cause |
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| Summary of Position: |
The Director of Student Academic Affairs serves as the chief retention officer for University College helping to ensure effective performance of all administrative activities associated with recruitment, admission, matriculation, program guidance, persistence, and graduation of students enrolled in University College courses and programs. The Director assists students, faculty and staff, assesses and evaluates student academic progress, develops effective programs, and assists with grant activities and other strategic initiatives as assigned.
The anticipated start date of this position is April 2026; however, this is an estimated date and can be revised if needed. |
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| Position Type: |
Staff |
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| Required Education: |
Master’s degree |
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| Required Work Experience: |
Experience in a higher education in a supervisory or leadership role related to student academic affairs, registrar, enrollment, student success, or another area focused on college student support.
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| Required Licenses and Certifications: |
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| Physical Demands: |
- Office Environment
- Bending
- Moving
- Reaching
- Sitting
- Twisting
- Repetitive movement
- Standing
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| Additional Education/Experiences to be Considered: |
Experience in design, implementation, operation, and assessment educational programming
Experience in academic advising, orientation, course scheduling, and registration
Demonstrated ability to use data and make data-driven decisions
Demonstrated ability for problem solving and conflict resolution
Demonstrated ability to generate insight using data
Capacity to use relevant technology (e.g. software packages) |
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| Essential Duties/Responsibilities: |
Serve as chief retention officer for University College.
Oversee processes related to admission standards, enrollment, probation, dismissal, and graduation.
Develop, implement, and assess orientation/registration program for University College students.
Provide initial course placement, testing recommendations (e.g. CLEP/ACCUPLACER) for incoming students.
Create and implement student records system for University College.
Coordinate and support college participation in University recruitment activities.
Work with other academic-service programs to build and support a comprehensive retention program (i.e. ReFOCUS at Ferris, First-Year Experience, TIP, Summer Bridge).
Support academic advising processes within University College.
Work directly with students on academic issues when warranted (e.g. issues related to specific situations such as probation, dismissal, appeals).
Serve as Dean's designee for coordinating academic probation, dismissal, appeal, and reinstatement processes for University College.
Consult with institutional research and other sources to develop relevant reports and effective methods to assess, evaluate, and report on students’ academic progress.
Serve as at-large member on the College Curriculum committee.
Serve as a college Liaison to Academic Affairs, EIO, Student Affairs, Student Financial Services, Financial Aid, MyDegree, Office of International Education, and Admissions.
Collaborate with academic programs and service areas within the college including coordination of processes with the Department of Academic Advising, Honors Program, Student Success Initiatives, and the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies.
Supervise and/or coordinate staff engaged in student support services for University College.
Oversee College use of registrar-related software (i.e. Navigate360, Ferris 360, Banner, MyDegree, etc.).
Coordinate the student complaint and appeal processes.
Assist with grant activities and other duties as assigned.
Maintain the confidentiality of designated information.
Reports to the Dean of University College.
Cultivates an environment of belonging that values, respects, supports, and celebrates individual similarities and differences, allowing students, faculty and staff to thrive authentically.
Support, promote, and develop University student enrollment and retention initiatives.
Any other duties assigned within the position classification area. |
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| Marginal Duties/Responsibilities: |
Participate in university and college committees and working groups.
Maintain engagement with state, regional, national or international organizations as part of ongoing professional development and to remain abreast of current and emerging practices. |
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| Skills and Abilities: |
Demonstrate effective communication that is clear and concise; be able to communicate complicated information in ways that are easily understood and simply translated into a recipient’s ability to act.
Be adept at recognizing and addressing the unique needs of students from various backgrounds. This includes an awareness of cultural nuances, sensitivity to different perspectives, and the ability to promote an inclusive and equitable college experience for students.
Be able to problem-solve and reason analytically; analyze complex situations, identify challenges, and develop effective solutions is crucial in supporting student persistence and graduation. Be adept at assessing individual needs and institutional barriers, strategizing interventions, and adapting approaches to meet the diverse needs of students while working collaboratively with faculty and staff.
Understand student development and be able to provide differentiated support. Possess the skills to guide students through academic challenges utilizing empathy, active listening, and the ability to provide constructive feedback.
Work collaboratively with faculty, staff, students and other stakeholders to support initiatives intended to enhance the overall student experience.
Demonstrated success experience working directly with people from diverse backgrounds, including cultural, educational, socioeconomic and life experiences. |
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| Required Documents: |
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- Unofficial Transcript 1
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| Optional Documents: |
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| Special Instructions to Applicants: |
Unofficial Transcript 1 (REQUIRED): Applicants must attach a copy of unofficial transcript of Master's degree. Transcripts must include Institution name, applicant name, date degree attained, degree awarded. Finalists will be required to submit an official transcript. |
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Initial Application Review Date:
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March 3, 2026 |
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| Open Until Position is Filled?: |
No |
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Posting Close Date:
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March 2, 2026 |
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| EEO Statement: |
Ferris State University, an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, is committed to enhancing equity, inclusion, and diversity within its community. Ferris offers employment opportunities to qualified candidates seeking careers in a student-focused environment that values opportunity, collaboration, diversity and educational excellence. Learn more about the Ferris Mission and community at ferris.edu. The University actively seeks applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups. For more information on the University’s Policy on Non-Discrimination, visit: Ferris Non-Discrimination Statement. |
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Click here to learn more about working at FSU and KCAD. |
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