Admissions Evaluator (Remote)(Multiple positions, 6-month contract)

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The full salary range for this position is $24.76 - $42.67.  The budgeted hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $24.80 - $27.11/hr.

Initial applicant review will begin on or around November 10, 2023. Posting will remain open until filled. 

Remote/Hybrid eligibility: These positions are fully remote. 

Please note: These are 6-month part-time contracts. 

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and the first American research university built in the 21st century. With more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced offers an environment that combines a commitment to diversity, inclusion, collaboration and professional development. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships, and community involvement, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide educational opportunities for highly qualified students from the San Joaquin Valley and throughout California. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and supports the economic development of Merced and the region.

The Merced 2020 Project, a $1.3 billion public-private partnership unprecedented in higher education and completed in 2020, nearly doubled the physical capacity of the campus, enhancing academic distinction, student success and research excellence. UC Merced also operates the Downtown Campus Center, a $33 million, three-story administrative building located in the heart of Merced.

The university’s mission of educational excellence and rigorous inquiry is powered by three schools and numerous research institutes and centers that seek scientific and social solutions for the Valley, California and the world. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced is preparing the way for a rigorous medical education program.

The course of UC Merced’s evolution is piloted by a long-range strategic plan. Enacted in 2021, the 10-year blueprint is guiding how the values of equity and justice influence our pathway to earning Carnegie R1 research status, growing enrollment, upholding our identity as a minority-serving institution, and operationalizing how commitments to equity, diversity and inclusion are enacted in each campus unit.

Under direction of the Associate Director of Admissions and supervised by the Assistant Director for Evaluation and Operations, the Admissions Evaluator is responsible for advising and determining admission eligibility of freshman and transfer applicants. As part of the Admissions team, participates in the development and implementation of admission policies and selection criteria. Serves as an adviser to high school and college counselors on UC and UC Merced admission policies and procedures. Represents the University of California and the Merced campus. Provides academic advising and guidance to prospective students and parents, current applicants, matriculated students, faculty, staff and the general public. The Evaluator keeps the Assistant Director, Associate Director and Director advised of updates and issues regarding admissions evaluation, student preparedness and the public's perception of UCM and UC admissions regulations, procedures and outcomes. The incumbent must work well under pressure, meeting multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines, completing all projects in a timely fashion and interacting with the public in a professional manner. Within the context of broadly written admission policies and regulations determined by the Board of Admissions and Relations with Schools (BOARS) and the UC Merced faculty, the Admissions Evaluator: 1) under director supervision will apply broadly written admissions policies, guidelines and practices for freshman, transfer, continuing and returning students, both domestic and international; 2) under direct supervision will work with Assistant Director to solve problems requiring interpretation of existing guidelines, practices and procedures; 3) acts on and enforces university and campus policies and procedures; 4) represents the university and campus in outreach, recruitment, and professional activities; and 5) develops a comprehensive working knowledge and understanding of UC admission policies, procedures and practices, which is required to successfully work in this position..

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Evaluation/Admission Decision-Making: Under direct supervision, will be responsible for all aspects of admissions decision making, transcript evaluation and related advising for freshmen and transfers. After training will serve as a resource for Admissions/Relations with Schools & Colleges’ admissions counselors, campus staff and faculty, concerning the UC-systemwide guidelines and procedures related to admissions. Under the direction supervision, will use professional judgment and the evaluation guidelines from UCOP and UC Merced faculty to evaluate the quantitative information about an applicant (personal history, extracurricular activities, leadership, awards, work experience, etc.) together with the academic information and rate applicants; identifying students who would contribute to the quality and diversity of the UC Merced campus community. Participates in the development and implementation of admission policies, procedures and practices based on UC admission guidelines. Under direct supervision will determine the transferability of credit from other institutions in the United States and abroad using appropriate UC guidelines. Performs preliminary evaluations and give advice to students and counselors regarding appropriate transfer courses required for UC Merced General Education requirements and transfer admission guarantee requirements. Responsible for verification of self-reported academic record and admissions status prior to enrollment. Performs preliminary degree check, assigning credit based on articulation guidelines, in collaboration of academic units. Serves as a resource and assist with training for Admissions/Relations with Schools & Colleges’ admissions counselors, staff, and campus staff and faculty concerning the admissions module of the student information system. Remains informed about local, state and national trends in practices relative to evaluating domestic and foreign records and selection policies to create a diverse student population.
• Admissions Advising: Under direct supervision, will conduct individual counseling sessions for freshman and transfer students and parents, professional educators and outside agencies on a drop in basis, by e-mail, telephone and by appointment. This service is offered to current applicants and Transfer Admission Guarantee contract holders for admission, and to matriculated students for transferability of course work taken at institutions outside UC Merced. Obtains information about academic background, current enrollment, and courses planned. Consults with supervisor to determine whether exceptions to standard practices are warranted. Provides academic planning advice for applicants. Responds to the continual change in academic offerings, major changes, and personal circumstances of counselees. Responsible for initial admission based on self-reported information including provisions of admission. This process takes into consideration both the prior and current academic status of the student, other activities in which the student is involved, eligibility for special programs, and the students’ potential for success in the University. Responsible for giving a clear and accurate explanation, both orally and in writing, to the advisees. Must be able to explain the nature of any change and the policies necessitating change. Advises students not qualified for admission to the University and assists in program planning for future UC eligibility. Deals with sensitive and confidential matters that require ability to communicate professionally with a broad cross-section of students and parents, in a variety of circumstances. As an official representative of the University, is available to prospective and admitted students, their families, the campus community and the general public to interpret, enforce, and explain University policies and regulations. Represents Admissions/Relations with Schools & Colleges and the University at workshops, counselor conferences, and a variety of on and off campus events. Assists with training on admissions policies and practices and the use of Banner Admissions for Admissions/Relations with Schools and Colleges admissions counselors and staff.
• NON-ESSENTIAL TASKS: Serve as liaison with academic advisors to resolve problems with continuing student transcripts. Typical issues include transferability and duplication of course work and clearing University Level Undergraduate Writing (formerly Subject A) and American History and Institution requirements. Participate in in-service training activities to enhance incumbent’s knowledge of the UC system, UC Merced, and of educational issues. Serve as speaker and resource person at on and off campus programs, events, conferences and meetings, often involving admission presentations to large groups with many attendees. Assists in the development of publications, correspondence and electronic messages. Other duties as assigned, to meet the goals of the Student Affairs Division at UC Merced.

EDUCATION and REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in related area from an accredited institution.
• One (1) year of directly related experience, or equivalent experience/training.
• Valid driver's license.

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Knowledge and experience working with a diverse student population.
• Working knowledge of UC, and the ability to interpret policies and procedures to prospective applicants and the public.
• Working knowledge of academic programs, including curricula, admissions requirements, and financial aid programs at UC.
• Ability to maintain cooperative relationships with schools, universities, community organizations and other institutions.
• Working knowledge of admissions requirements for campus / school / college.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Background check and fingerprinting will be required.

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact [email protected].

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California, Merced is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, pregnancy, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran, or other protected categories covered by the UC Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Policy . UC Merced intentionally promotes and maintains a discrimination- and harassment-free workplace by demonstrating it neither condones nor tolerates employment practices that discriminate against or harass any person or specific group of persons on the basis listed above. We seek candidates who will support our vision to cultivate a vibrant, equity-minded, inclusive excellence university community. When applying to UC Merced, we strongly encourage you to reflect on our Principles of Community and our 2021 strategic plan.  

Vaccination Program Policy:

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy .  All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline.  For new University of California employees, the applicable deadline is 14 days after their first date of employment. 

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace.  Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu .

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an  Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland  Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/