The Office for Outreach and Student Access seeks to hire recent college graduates to serve as hybrid college advisers in high-need Region 19 high schools. Under moderate supervision, the college advisers will serve either 9-10th graders or 11-12th graders through virtual and in-person 1-on-1s and via text and email to reinforce critical milestones in postsecondary access and success. Advisers also support the design and development of content that gets delivered to the students they serve. College advisers will report to program staff and to an on-site liaison in their respective high school placement sites. The College Advisers will be expected to tailor programs and activities to support the achievement of school-based targets related to Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to increase college enrollment and persistence for students. Advisers ensure that students have the information necessary to explore the full range of college options and are also responsible for diligently recording and tracking student engagement and programmatic milestones leading to college enrollment. Advisers will assist with the institutional student admissions process. Advisers will provide both academic advising as well as strategies and techniques that will direct students toward completion of their academic program.

This is a grant funded position. Grant funded positions are contingent upon available grant funding.

Responsible for advising prospective students, parents, educational administrators and other interested persons regarding enrollment requirements, policies and procedures. Corresponds via phone and email with students to ensure retention and student success.

Explains the University's admissions, housing and financial aid process to students and parents. Maintain expertise in admissions and financial aid advising. Help students complete and submit admissions and financial aid applications.

Analyzes each student’s situation in order to develop and implement an individualized academic plan that promotes student success and continuously evaluates academic plans throughout the student lifecycle, and makes appropriate adjustments to ensure successful student outcomes.

Assess, in consultation with Program Director and partner school personnel, the particular needs of each school and adapt programs and activities to meet these needs.

Maintains accurate enrollment, continuation, and graduation information for students; assesses risk factors that may contribute to attrition and work to mitigate those risk factors.

Record up-to-date service activity data using the College Advising Corps’ web-based system, GRACE. Submit progress reports to the program director documenting progress and outcome data. Analyzes reports and student feedback to identify academic concerns affecting student progression; and creates a plan of action to address these concerns.

Assists in developing and planning strategies for student registration to include effective administration of assessments and dissemination of information needed for increased access and motivation of entering students. Develops and implements various student support initiatives designed to assist students with the successful completion of degree programs.

Works in collaboration with school personnel to promote the college-going culture at the school, including but not limited to organizing a Decision Day event to celebrate the college-going decisions of graduating seniors. Establish productive working relationships with principals, counselors, and teachers in assigned partner schools. Collaborates with other departments (i.e. learning support/tutoring, and others) to ensure that all students have accessible and appropriate support.

Helps students explore alternatives to overcome issues or problems that may be barriers to perseverance or graduation and assess the needs for other services in order to make appropriate referrals when necessary. May assist with educational goal setting and development of semester schedules; identifies barriers that could impede academic success; incorporates developmental and multicultural advising skills. Serves as mentor, advocate, and contact for students; participates in retention and intervention programs for students; manages academic career choices for students.

Makes decisions requiring initiative and judgment in responding to individual student needs; uses discretion in finding solutions, and works independently on significant matters; monitors students’ academic information and curricula; maintains accurate records on students’ academic progress; may create databases for student records; creates and executes communication plans to students; sends correspondence.

Develops relationships with students, parents, faculty, staff and other community members; replies to phone calls, correspondence, and e-mail from prospective students and their family members. Work to engage families or guardians in support of their students’
college-going outcomes as appropriate.

Conducts campus tours for students, parents, and other community members. Visit classrooms, assemblies and student organization meetings to offer college advising services and emphasize the importance of post-secondary education. Organize events and activities that encourage students and their families to consider, plan for, and apply to college and universities.

When possible, participate in extracurricular activities in the school/community in an effort to build relationships with students and families.

In consultation with the program director, seek out and participate in opportunities for professional development. Participate fully in pre- and in-service training.

Upon successful completion of the one- or two-year term of service, advisers receive an education award for each year of service in the form of loan forgiveness/repayment or future credit for education.

Serves as a liaison with other departments.

Maintains a high degree of confidentiality on all of the sensitive information this position is privy to. Occasional travel is required. Valid Driver’s License with a reliable vehicle.
Knowledge of all Microsoft Office software and able to learn and use institutional software systems. Complies with all State and University Policies.
Other duties may be assigned.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Bachelor’s degree from four year college or university within area of assigned responsibility.

One to two years related experience and training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Familiarity with student admissions processes; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Ability to make effective presentations to students, family members and other institutional and academic personnel.

Must have the ability to work well in a fast paced environment and possess excellent business acumen.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl. The employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and move up to 25 pounds.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

In keeping with its Access and Excellence mission, The University of Texas at El Paso is committed to an open, diverse, and inclusive learning and working environment that honors the talents, respects the differences, and nurtures the growth and development of all. We seek to attract faculty and staff who share our commitment.

The University of Texas at El Paso is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or sexual orientation and gender in employment or the provision of services in accordance with state and federal law. Discrimination on the basis of sex includes an employee’s or prospective employee’s right to be free from sexual harassment under Title IX of the Higher Education Amendments of 1972.

For accommodation information for employees and applicants with disabilities, please contact UTEP's Equal Opportunity Office at eoaa@utep.edu.