Academic Advisor

Type of Appointment: Full-Time, Probationary

Collective Bargaining Unit: APC – Unit 4

Job Classification: Student Services Professional II

Classification Salary Range: $4,610- $6,556 per month

Anticipated Hiring Amount: $4,610 - $5,259 per month

Work Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00am-5:00pm

Recruitment Closing Date: May 30, 2023

THE DEPARTMENT

Student Support and Equity Programs (SSEP) aims to make a positive difference in the lives of nontraditional students through high quality programs and services that promote access, equity, and educational opportunities in support of student learning and success. The department oversees various programs and service areas that support underserved populations that are primarily first generation, low-income, underrepresented students such as, the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), Renaissance Scholars (RS), and Undocumented Students Services (USS).

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as the academic advisor for students participating in the Educational Opportunity Program
• Provide supplemental advising and coaching for large caseload of assigned EOP students and other underserved populations.
• Build trusting relationships with a diverse student population through personalized, constructive, engaging, motivating, and informative advising and coaching sessions each semester.
• Guide EOP students in developing educational plans to enhance their learning and empower them to meet degree requirements and persist to graduation.
• Support students by providing information, referrals, and other assistance by explaining university policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Monitor academic progress and commitment to fulfilling requirements as specified in the EOP/Renaissance Scholars partnership agreement/s.
• Refer students experiencing academic and/or personal difficulties to appropriate campus and community resources for assistance such as CAPS, Financial Aid, Disability Resource Center, the Care Center, etc.
• Establish and maintain positive relationships with administrators, faculty, staff, alumni, and student groups within an academic college to promote effective partnerships in working with EOP students.
• Track individual advising contacts, referrals, and follow-up activities for reporting and evaluation – often through CPP Connect and other electronic file systems.
• Assist with reviewing prospective EOP student applications to assess incoming class needs.
• In collaboration with the SSEP Advising Team, design, plan, and implement various group advising programs for first year and transfer EOP students participating in summer transition programs
• Collaborate with the Advising Team to identify essential topics relevant to student development and transition to college.
• Create advising agendas and activities for Summer Bridge and Transfer Bridge Advising Seminar sessions.
• Facilitate Summer Bridge Advising Seminars which introduce new EOP students to the university's academic policies and regulations, campus resources, financial planning, and how to succeed in college. Consult with faculty on student progress, develop intervention strategies, and meet individually with students to assess progress and set personal goals.
• Advise a group of Summer Bridge students by helping them review their fall course schedule and supporting with any additional questions regarding scheduling and registration.
• Contribute to designing and implementing department programs, including facilitating presentations and tours, orienting students to program expectations and services, and conducting small group advising sessions
• Participate in meetings, committees, and professional development activities
• Meet regularly with Lead; follow up on action items as appropriate.
• Participate in SSEP and Advising Team meetings, in-service training sessions, retreats, planning conferences, and other professional development activities.
• Serve on appropriate committees and in various campus organizations, representing the interests of SSEP and its constituents.
• Participate in professional organizations and keep abreast of new developments in academic advising, educational counseling, postsecondary access and equity programs, and student development and retention theory, research, and practice.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university in one of the behavioral sciences, public or business administration, or a job-related field. Additional specialized experience during which the applicant has acquired and successfully applied the knowledge and abilities shown below (section F) may be substituted for the required education on a year for year basis.
• Possession of the required knowledge and abilities is typically demonstrated through the equivalent of two years of professional experience in one of the student services program areas or in a related field; experience should give evidence of competence and indicate the potential for further growth. A master's degree in a job-related field may be substituted for one year of the professional experience.

Working knowledge of the practices, procedures, and activities of financial aid; general knowledge of the methods and problems of organizational and program management. General knowledge of research and interview techniques; and of the principles of individual and group behavior. Ability to interpret and apply program rules and regulations; use initiative and resourcefulness in planning work assignments and in implementing long-range program improvements; obtain factual and interpretative information through interviews; reason logically; collect, compile, analyze and evaluate data and make verbal or written presentations based on these data; advise students individually and in groups on routine matters where required; recognize multicultural, multisexed and multi-aged value systems and work accordingly; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with faculty, CSU administrators, student organizations, private and public agencies and others in committee work, and student advising and community contacts; and, rapidly acquire a general knowledge of the overall operation, functions and programs of Cal Poly Pomona. Demonstrated ability to make decisions and carry through actions having implications with regard to other program or service areas.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of critical issues impacting higher education, deep commitment to educational equity and student success, and skill in working effectively with multiple and diverse constituencies to create and sustain positive learning experiences for students.
• Excellent interpersonal, public speaking, and written communication skills. Strong organizational skills, high level of energy and flexibility, and the ability to handle multiple assignments, manage time effectively, and work independently and as part of a coordinated team.
• Experience in academic advising, coaching, teaching, and/or counseling; experience working with low income and diverse student populations; proficiency in PeopleSoft and Microsoft applications.
• Ability to juggle multiple tasks at once while remaining composed
• Ability to retain and utilize large amounts of detailed information and quickly access and utilize additional information in the moment
• Strong verbal and written communication skills including phone and in-person, emails, texts, etc.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, meet deadlines, handle and prioritize simultaneous requests
• Self-starter who advocates for self
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills
• Creative and analytical thinker with strong problem-solving skills
• Ability to interact and maintain good working relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds
• Ability to exercise independent judgment
• Ability to cultivate strong interpersonal customer and co-worker relationships and work effectively cross functionally
• Ability to read and interpret complex information, talk with customers, and listen attentively
• Must protect the confidentiality of student personal information and comply with Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
• Must comply with all university procedures and policies

COVID-19 Vaccination

Individuals who access in-person on- or off-campus University programs or activities are strongly recommended to follow the COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the California Department of Public Health and to follow any campus safety measures that may be recommended or required by Cal Poly Pomona to decrease the likelihood of COVID-19 transmission or illness and allow the core mission and activities of the campus to continue.  The complete text of the policy may be viewed at COVID-19 Vaccinations and Other Safety Measures . 

Out of State Work

The California State University (CSU) system is a network of twenty-three public universities providing access to a quality education through the support of California taxpayers. Part of CSU’s mission is to prepare educated, responsible individuals to contribute to California’s schools, economy, culture, and future. As an agency of the State of California, the CSU’s business operations almost exclusively reside within California.   The CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU-related work outside California. See policy at https://calstate.policystat.com/v2/policy/10899725/latest/ . 

Background Check

Cal Poly Pomona will make a conditional offer of employment, pending the satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check). The conditional offer of employment may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information.  In determining the suitability of the candidate for the position, Cal Poly Pomona will give an individualized assessment to any criminal conviction history, considering such factors as the nature, gravity and recency of the conviction, the candidate’s conduct, performance or rehabilitation efforts since the conviction and the nature of the job applied for. See policy at https://www.cpp.edu/eoda/employee-labor//documents/employment-policies/hr2017-17.pdf .  

I-9

Cal Poly Pomona hires only individuals lawfully authorized to work in the United States. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.  See Form I-9 Acceptable Documents at https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents .

Child Abuse/Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA)

The person holding this position is considered a “mandated reporter” under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. See policy at https://calstate.policystat.com/v2/policy/10927154/latest/ .

Smoking

Cal Poly Pomona is a smoke and tobacco-free campus.  See policy at  https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/6591951/latest/ . 

Clery Act

In compliance with state and federal crime awareness and campus security legislation, including The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act, California Education Code section 67380, and the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA), the Cal Poly Pomona Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available at: https://www.cpp.edu/campus-safety-plan.shtml .

Reasonable Accommodation

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact the ADA Coordinator by email at [email protected] . More information is available at: https://www.cpp.edu/eoda/employee-labor//access-accommodations/index.shtml .

EEO

Cal Poly Pomona is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer. The university subscribes to the pay transparency nondiscrimination provision and all state and federal regulations that prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity/gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, age, disability, genetic information, medical condition, and covered veteran status. More information is available at: https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/OFCCP/pdf/pay-transp_%20English_formattedESQA508c.pdf and at https://www.cpp.edu/eoda/employee-labor/documents/aa-eeo-doc/policy-statement_2022-aap-for-california-state-polytechnic-university-pomona_confidential_20220127.pdf