Title: Academic Student Navigator

Employee Classification: Academic Student Navigator

Campus: University of North Texas - Health Science Center

Division: HSC-Provost & Exec VP

Sub Division-Department: HSC-CBTS-Office of the Dean

Department: HSC-CBTS-Office of the Dean-302000

Job Location: Fort Worth

Salary: Commensurate with experience

FTE: 1.000000

Retirement Eligibility: TRS Eligible

About Us - Values Overview:

Department Summary

The College of Biomedical and Translational Sciences at UNTHSC has three multidisciplinary departments that include Physiology & Anatomy, Pharmacology & Neuroscience and Microbiology, Immunology & Genetics. CBTS takes great pride in shaping the future of the biomedical workforce with three focus areas: education, student service and research. Our students are educators, researchers, and health care professionals of tomorrow. The research areas of CBTS are diverse and include cardiovascular, neuroscience, health disparities, vision science, genetics, immunology, molecular biology, nanotechnology, pharmacology, and numerous other areas.

Position Overview

The Academic Student Navigator supports student success, academic coordination, and semester planning for online Specialized Master’s Programs (SMPs), including MS in Medical Science and Clinical Research Management. This role serves as the primary point of contact for online students, course directors, and faculty in assigned programs, ensuring proactive academic guidance, seamless communication, and accurate implementation of policies and procedures. The Navigator collaborates closely with academic leadership to monitor student progress, manage course readiness, and support the student lifecycle from orientation to graduation.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree and two (2) year of related experience; or any equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated effectiveness in applying student leadership theory/practices
• Demonstrated effectiveness in program development, implementation, and evaluation
• Ability to communicate with a diverse population

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and four (4) years of related experience in academic advising, student services, or higher education administration; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience supporting online students or learners in hybrid environments.
• Demonstrated ability to problem-solve and communicate effectively with both students and faculty.
• Skill in service orientation by actively looking for ways to help people.
• Ability to work effectively and patiently with students.
• Skill in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail.
• Ability to analyze, organize and prioritize work while meeting multiple deadlines.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information.
• Proficiency with CANVAS Program.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced academic environment.

Required License/Registration/Certifications

Job Duties:

• Serve as the main liaison for online SMP students by providing advising, communicating deadlines, and connecting students with appropriate academic resources.
• Coordinate online course operations under the guidance of course directors, including calendar creation, Canvas setup, syllabus preparation, and student roster management.
• Monitor academic performance using systems like Canvas and Dropout Detective to identify at-risk students, initiate early alerts, and refer to appropriate support services.
• Lead the planning and execution of online New Student Orientation and virtual student engagement activities, including faculty advisor assignments and Canvas community management.
• Draft and send communications related to academic policies and procedures, review absence requests, and coordinate make-up exams for online students.
• Support academic reporting, course completion tracking, and survey administration to evaluate student satisfaction, graduation milestones, and program outcomes.
• Send reminders and follow-up communications to students via email, Canvas messaging, or phone calls to ensure timely completion of academic tasks and program requirements.
• Assist with face-to-face SMP activities such as proctoring quizzes and perform other duties as assigned to support student success and academic operations.

Work Schedule:

Monday – Friday; 8:00am-5:00pm with a limited remote work option.

Driving University Vehicle:

No

Security Sensitive:

This is a Security Sensitive Position.

Special Instructions:

Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted. 

Benefits:

For information regarding our Benefits, click here.

EEO Statement:

The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit -- and takes actions to prevent -- discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking) and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application, employment practices and facilities; nor permits race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sex discrimination and harassment in its admissions processes, and educational programs and activities, facilities and employment practices. The University of North Texas System promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. The University of North Texas System also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist or participate in an investigative proceeding or hearing.