Student Engagement Specialists

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At Arizona Online, we understand that life doesn’t pause when you pursue your education. Many of our students balance work, military service, family care, or other responsibilities alongside their studies. No matter what your daily life looks like, we’re here to support your academic journey.

That’s why every Arizona Online student is connected with a dedicated Student Engagement Specialist. From enrollment through graduation, this team provides personalized support — offering guidance, encouragement, and resources whenever you need them.
 

What Is a Student Engagement Specialist?

A Student Engagement Specialist plays three roles in the life of an Arizona Online student:

• Partner
• Liaison
• Navigator

Once you enroll in Arizona Online, a Student Engagement Specialist introduces you to key systems, reviews academic goals and discusses motivations. Throughout your education journey, a Student Engagement Specialist will be proactive with providing support. During these sessions, they will support you with resources to reach your goals, celebrate successes and assist you with registration.

How does a Student Engagement Specialist Differ from a College Advisor?

Student Engagement Specialists work in tandem with College Advisors — they help both you and the advisor. Given that, there are a few differences. 

Student Engagement Specialist

• Operates within universal service model where all undergraduate and graduate students have an assigned coach from enrollment to graduation.
• Focuses on persistence and completion, including goal setting, overcoming obstacles and retention.
• Does not make curricular decisions, but helps student navigate advisement report and reinforce advisors’ recommendations.
• Provides proactive outreach with struggling students, celebrates accomplishments and milestones and encourages timely progression.
• Student Engagement Specialist services are highly encouraged, but not mandatory.

College Advisor

• Operates within universal service model where all undergraduate students have an assigned academic advisor based on their academic program/college.
• Focuses on academic progression, including course selection, degree progression, transfer credit and college-specific culture or policies.
• Makes curricular decisions and course recommendations.
• Provides some proactive outreach depending on college or department conditions and advisor capacity.
• Advisor services are mandatory.