Associated Students AS

Applying for positions within Office of the Vice President of Academic Affairs

Position(s)

  • Director of Retention

Director of Retention

About Associated Students

 

The Associated Students of the University of California, San Diego are the elected and appointed representatives of the UC San Diego student body. The ASUCSD works to promote student engagement through its services and leadership opportunities. The ASUCSD seeks to foster a cohesive community through active interaction and communication with students, the administration, and the greater San Diego Community. Our mission is to facilitate and encourage students to grow and develop through their involvement in student government, its services, and auxiliaries. We promote student engagement in all areas of campus life through leadership, advocacy, and service in order to build and strengthen our community.

 

About the Office of the Vice President of Academic Affairs

The Office of the Vice President of Academic Affairs is the center of academic advocacy within the Associated Students of UC San Diego. Led by the Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs, the office works to ensure student voices are represented in decisions around curriculum, advising, faculty relations, and academic policy.

Staff members support this mission by serving as liaisons between students, faculty, and administrators, addressing academic concerns, and promoting resources that enhance student learning. The office’s directors and coordinators manage internal operations, build external partnerships, and advance projects that improve the academic experience for all undergraduates.

By working in the Office of the Vice President of Academic Affairs, students gain hands-on experience in academic advocacy, project management, and outreach while developing professional skills in communication, leadership, and collaboration. Together, the team fosters a supportive and effective academic environment that empowers students and strengthens their success at UC San Diego.

Director of Retention

Compensation: $60/week for 25 weeks

Hours: Approximately 10-15 hours per week

Position Description


The Director of Retention is responsible for developing and implementing initiatives that support student persistence, academic success, and holistic well-being. This includes creating programs and resources that address barriers to student retention, connecting students to support services, and promoting practices that help students thrive throughout their academic journey. The Director of Retention ensures that the office’s work responds to the diverse needs of the student body and uplifts historically underrepresented communities.

The Director works closely with the Vice President of Academic Affairs, Associate Vice President of Internal Affairs, Director of External Affairs, Directors of Academic Divisions, and campus partners to design and carry out initiatives that foster student success and reduce equity gaps.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and coordinate programs, workshops, and initiatives that support student retention and success
     

  • Collaborate with academic departments, student organizations, and campus services to connect students with resources
     

  • Identify challenges to student retention and propose strategies to address them
     

  • Lead outreach to at-risk or underserved student populations to ensure equitable access to support
     

  • Collect student feedback to inform retention strategies and measure impact
     

  • Assist in office-wide campaigns related to academic resources, wellness, and persistence
     

  • Work with other Associated Students offices to strengthen retention-focused advocacy and outreach
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