UConn Careers

JOB SUMMARY

The Student-Athlete Success Program (SASP) is seeking a full-time, professional Academic Counselor (Student Success Counselor). This position will provide academic counseling for men’s and women’s track and field. This person would join a dynamic team of academic counselors who are deeply committed to supporting our student-athlete population as they strive to achieve excellence both in the classroom and in their sports.

This position will assist students in navigating their transition throughout the college experience as well as supporting their exploration of various educational and career goals. This person will also work with students, SASP team members, and campus partners to develop and administer academic enhancement strategies that increase student retention and academic success. This position will provide ongoing academic counseling and monitoring of academic progress as it pertains to the University and NCAA benchmarks. Academic counselors should have a strong knowledge of the principles, practices, and trends of academic advising for student-athletes and individual counseling techniques. This position will be expected to communicate with prospective students, coaches, athletic administration, faculty, and other campus partners to ensure a high level of student support and success.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Provides academic support to student-athlete cohorts.
2. Recognizes and complies with relevant rules and regulations of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the University of Connecticut.
3. Demonstrates a clear knowledge of University and NCAA rules, regulations, and course requirements as they affect student-athlete academic progress. Attends regular NCAA training.
4. Assesses academic needs of student-athletes, coordinates, and carries out appropriate strategies and/or interventions.
5. Demonstrates a strong understanding of academic integrity issues and how to actively monitor those challenges.
6. Monitors academic development of students through student meetings, outreach to faculty, and interactions with advisors and the Registrar’s Office to ensure students are progressing toward degrees and meeting both University and NCAA benchmarks.
7. Works effectively with coaches and faculty to enhance the educational atmosphere that fosters academic achievement.
8. Interacts with the Learning Team regarding testing and potential accommodation needs of the cohort.
9. Coordinates and monitors individual & team study hall/tutor attendance and performance with the Director and/or Tutorial Coordinator. May include working some nights and weekends.
10. Makes referrals regarding potential learning deficiencies or disabilities to learning specialists.
11. Establishes and maintains communication with designated academic advisors within various schools/colleges and assists with scheduling and drop/add.
12. Works in conjunction with the Orientation Program to ensure compliance with the University Orientation program.
13. Demonstrates knowledge of all factors that influence the overall development and academic achievement of the student-athletes.
14. Meets with prospective student-athletes to provide an overview of the University and the Student-Athlete Success Program.
15. Provides Compliance Coordinator, Director, and Registrar with necessary and timely academic information as it pertains to NCAA rules, APR, and GSR.
16. Collaborates with the Director to develop and administrate policies and procedures that promote student success.
17. Participates in University activities, committees, workshops, community outreach, and professional development opportunities.
18. Travels (when appropriate) with the team to provide support (some weekends).
19. Provides and disseminates information about opportunities to promote student development.
20. Works in conjunction with SASP’s Tutoring Coordinator and follows appropriate tutorial policies and procedures.
21. Performs related duties.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in a related field.
• At least four years of experience (in the past six years) as an academic support counselor at a Division 1 academic institution.
• Demonstrated concrete working knowledge of NCAA eligibility rules and regulations.
• Ability and knowledge to support undergraduate students, including first-generation college students and students from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds, and familiarity with the academic and social issues faced by students.
• Ability to build rapport with students, coaches, faculty, and University partners.
• Demonstrated strong leadership abilities, organizational, and communication skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Working knowledge of factors that influence the overall development and academic achievement of student-athletes and the proven ability to support those students at the Division 1 level.
• Experience in creating programming, which fosters an environment of academic success.
• Skilled application in the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Skilled experience in Retain, Canva, and Blackboard.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, permanent position. The University offers a competitive salary, and outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment. For additional information regarding benefits visit: https://hr.uconn.edu/benefits-beyond-pay/. Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA).

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #498129 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on May 12, 2024. 

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same.  All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.