Academic Advisor And Success Coach

POSITION TITLE: Academic Advisor and Success Coach

COMPENSATION RANGE: 47,600.00 - 49,500.00 USD per year

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Professional Administrative

DEPARTMENT: HSS Student Success Resource Center

TARGET HIRE DATE: 8/5/2024

BENEFITS: UNC's Career Hub

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 07/08/2024.

Position Summary

By building meaningful relationships and enacting intentional advising practices, Academic Advisors/Success Coaches in UNC's College of Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) provide holistic, inclusive, and equitable support that helps undergraduate students navigate the institution to meet their academic and personal goals. They aim to cultivate academic behaviors and strategies associated with student success and implement advising practices that ensure all UNC students can make informed decisions in their pursuit of graduation. The role's compound title accurately captures the responsibilities to (a) advise students in course selection and academic planning consistent with the approved program curriculum and each student's interests and abilities, and (b) improve the retention of students and support meaningful connections with faculty and staff that lead to persistence and degree completion. In addition to these primary functions, those in the role can expect to assist with the recruitment of prospective students and work collaboratively with colleagues to provide front-facing support for the College (HSS).

Programs within the College of Humanities and Social Sciences include Africana Studies; Anthropology; Communication Studies and Journalism; Criminology and Criminal Justice; Economics; English; Gender Studies; Geography, GIS, and Sustainability; Chicana/o and Latinx Studies; History; Philosophy; Political Science and International Affairs; Sociology; and World Languages and Cultures. Advisor/Coach caseloads typically include holistic support of a subset of programs/units within the College; substantial collaboration with faculty can be expected.

This role reports to the Director of the HSS Student Success Resource Center (SSRC): https://www.unco.edu/humanities-social-sciences/student-success/. The Student Success Resource Center collaborates with HSS faculty and staff, as well as campus partners to support students' academic success and retention. Driven by our values of holistic student support, the SSRC strives to provide equitable opportunities for UNC students to develop skills that promote academic growth, increase campus knowledge, and persist to graduation.

After a three-month training period, HSS staff members are typically permitted one day of remote work each week. Occasional night and weekend work will be required in alignment with recruitment events, SSRC programming, and HSS celebrations.

Job Duties

Function I: Advising, Retention, and Case Management (Essential Function) 75%

• Conduct advising, coaching, and retention interventions for assigned caseload of undergraduate students; develop a rapport through ongoing outreach and cultivate a culture of equitable and student-centered support;

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge and timely distribution of college and university advising policies and procedures;

• Create and maintain customized undergraduate Degree Plans for each student and assist them in making accurate and timely enrollment decisions;

• Promote early success momentum strategies, such as registration consistent with completing 30 credit hours a year and early connections with faculty to discuss future internship and career opportunities;

• Collaborate with faculty, especially unit leaders/chairs, within the HSS advising model to maintain up-to-date program knowledge, advocate for students' curricular needs, and facilitate connections between students and faculty;

• Complete and submit appropriate student-related forms, e.g., major/minor changes;

• Collaborate with faculty and the Registrar's Office to assist students with navigating and applying their qualified prior learning credit (including transfer coursework) to UNC degree program(s);

• Support the successful transition of new first-year and transfer students through individual meetings, new student orientation programs, and campus resource referrals;

• Be an expert on the programs and software used for advising/retention practices such as Ellucian Degree Works, Degree Planner, Transferology, UNC's Ursa platform (Ellucian Banner), Slate, Insight, and EAB Navigate, and adapt to new software as it is adopted; serve as a subsequent trainer and technical resource for these programs as needed;

• Ensure that accurate advising records are maintained for compliance, reporting, and assessment purposes;

• Maintain student data security while adhering to FERPA and other relevant institutional, state, and federal policies and guidelines, e.g., Course Program of Study (CPOS) regulations and the conditions of academic probation.

Function II: Academic Success Coaching & Programming (Essential Function) 15%

• Assist with the development and implementation of workshops and worksheets on student-related topics, such as but not limited to, time management, study skills, and other academic success strategies;

• Support coaching interventions for HSS majors placed on academic probation including outreach to students who are on probation, reviewing academic policies with students, facilitating discussions that help students identify their reasons for academic difficulty, and assisting students with creating strategies to regain academic good standing;

• Have detailed knowledge of other support services on campus, such as but not limited to, Tutorial Services, the Student Counseling Center, Bear Central, the Disability Resource Center, Student Outreach and Support, the Center for Career Readiness, and the cultural and resource centers;

• Serve as a resource to students in immediate crisis and refer them to other UNC support services as needed;

Participate in campus-wide success campaigns such as academic progress reports, targeted registration nudge campaigns, and early alert campaigns;

Function III: Recruitment and Operations Support (Essential Function) 5%

• Attend and actively participate in recruitment activities and admissions programs for prospective students (e.g., engagement during on-campus academic and resource fairs);
• Present College and program overviews to varying groups of prospective students and their families/support people;

As needed, cross-train colleagues within the College of Humanities and Social Sciences to ensure high level of student support;

• Collaboratively staff the HSS Student Success Resource Center while providing assistance to those who seek support in the space;

• Assist with developing digital platforms and outreach to students via social media, website, newsletters, and other portals, in conjunction with the HSS Communication Specialist and Recruitment and Operations Specialist.

• Assist with the development and implementation of procedures to assess student needs and the impact/outcome of advising and retention services;

• Attend and actively participate in University committees and leadership meetings;

• Participate in professional development on campus, particularly within the Professional Advising Network and trainings offered by the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion;

• There may be opportunities to provide direct support for both undergraduate and graduate student staff, including supervising a graduate assistant as funding allows.

Function IV: Other Duties as Assigned (Essential Function) 5%

Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in a relevant discipline, i.e., education, a major within the humanities and social sciences, psychology, or another related field

AND

At least one year of experience working in higher education or student services/support; a demonstrated ability to work well with students/faculty and provide equitable support with effective written and interpersonal communication/presentation skills, problem-solving ability, aptitude for using multiple software programs, and strong attention to detail

Preferred Requirements:

Earned a master's degree from an accredited university in a relevant discipline, i.e., higher education and student affairs, college student personnel, a program within the humanities and social sciences, psychology, social work, counseling, or another related field

Ideally, applicants will have experience in or adjacent to academic advising; a high degree of organization, proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite applications, experience using a variety of higher education software platforms (e.g., EAB Navigate, Slate, Banner, and Ellucian DegreeWorks/DegreePlanner); a strong work ethic; the ability to engage with others for long periods of time; experience working with students from historically marginalized identities, and a demonstrated ability to work well with parents/families and collaborate with staff across the university. A commitment to equity, inclusion, and social justice is central to the position and an ability to provide support in both English and Spanish is preferred.

Requested Start Date:

08/05/2024

Contact and Application Deadline:

Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis with priority review beginning July 8th. The position will be open until filled.

Benefits:

Benefits available include health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance, as well as a selection of several defined contribution retirement plans for all full-time positions. Employees at UNC receive sick leave, and other leave options may be available based on position. Full-time employees are eligible to receive tuition waiver benefits, as well as dependents and spouses of UNC Employees who are employed at 0.5 FTE or above are eligible for undergraduate dependent tuition grants of up to 50%. These tuition grants will cover in-state tuition charges. Further requirements may exist. Other benefits may be available based on position.

About UNC

The University of Northern Colorado is a public doctoral/research institution located in Greeley, Colorado. UNC's commitment to education began in 1889 and continues to be a transformational force for our students. According to CollegeNet's Social Mobility Index, UNC ranked #1 in social mobility (2022). UNC is also committed to providing our faculty and staff with the support they need to succeed as professionals, educators, and in life. Please visit UNC's Career Hub,to learn more about UNC's strategic plan, school programs, and employee benefits. Go Bears!

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

The University of Northern Colorado believes diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging is the pathway to achieving an inclusive community and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. UNC supports the growth of individuals who care about race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, lifestyle, age, educational background, national origin, religion, or physical ability - to honor the intersectionality of our campus. Please visit UNC's Career Hub to learn more about UNC's commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Background Check

Satisfactory completion of a background check, educational check, and authorization to work in the United States is required after a conditional offer of employment has been made. The successful candidate must submit original transcripts within one (1) month of hire.

This position is contingent on funding from the Colorado State Legislature, approval by the Board of Trustees, and subject to the policies and regulations of the University of Northern Colorado.

Clery Act

In compliance with the Clery Act, the most recent University of Northern Colorado Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online. A paper copy can be requested at the UNC Police Department. This report contains crime statistics and policy statements related to safety, conduct processes and Title IX investigations.

AAEO Employer

The University of Northern Colorado is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer that is committed to a culturally diverse staff, faculty, and student body.

The University will not engage in unlawful discrimination in employment or educational services against any person because of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Veteran status and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. It is the University's policy to prohibit discrimination in employment or educational services on the basis of sexual orientation or political affiliation. The University will likewise take affirmative action to ensure that student applicants and enrolled students are treated during the enrollment at the University without regard to race, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability or veteran status. Such affirmative action shall include, but not be limited to the following: employment, upgrading, demotion or transfer, recruitment or recruitment advertising; layoff, retirement, or termination; rates of pay or other forms of compensation; and selection for training, including apprenticeship. Furthermore, the University will post in conspicuous places, notice setting forth the provisions of this University's Equal Opportunity Policy.

Federal regulations require that the University of Northern Colorado retain all documents submitted by applicants. Materials will not be returned or copied for applicants.