JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Associate Director of the Student-Athlete Success Program, 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 position will provide ongoing academic counseling and monitoring of academic progress as it pertains to the university and NCAA benchmarks. 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. The incumbent will be expected to 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.

This position will be hired at either the Academic Counselor level (Classification: Student Success Counselor, P4) or the Assistant Academic Counselor (Classification: Student Services Program Coordinator, P3) level dependent upon the incumbent's experience, skills, abilities, and training as determined by the University. The Academic Counselor level will perform duties with greater independence, working under general supervision, and handling most work situations within established practices and procedures. The Assistant Academic Counselor will perform a similar scope of duties (with differences outlined below) and will work under more direct supervision.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Works with specific cohorts to provide individualized academic success plans for students to support their educational needs, career goals, and professional development.
• Assist in assessing the academic needs of student-athletes, and coordinate and carry out appropriate strategies and interventions.
• Advise and monitor students through regular meetings, progress reports, outreach to faculty, and interactions with advisors and Registrar’s office to are progressing towards degrees and meeting both University and NCAA benchmarks.
• Works effectively with students, support networks, coaches, and campus partners to enhance an educational atmosphere that fosters student success.
• Makes appropriate referrals to other student success services such as SASP Learning Services, Student-Athlete Development, Career Services, and Mental Health Services.
• Demonstrates a clear knowledge of University and NCAA rules, regulations, and course requirements as they affect student-athlete academic progress. Attends regular university and NCAA training.
• Establishes and maintains communication with designated academic advisors within various schools/colleges.
• Meets with prospective student-athletes and their support networks to provide an overview of the university and the Student-Athlete Success Program.
• Works in conjunction with the Orientation Liaison to ensure compliance with the University Orientation program.
• Coordinates and monitors individual & team study hall/tutor attendance and performance.
• Creates, maintains, and appropriately updates files, records, and student documentation and assists in compiling reports regarding departmental needs, NCAA bylaws, APR, and GSR.
• Travels (when appropriate) with the team to provide support (some weekends).
• Participates in university activities, committees, workshops, community outreach, and professional development opportunities.

Additional duties as an Academic Counselor:

• Demonstrates knowledge of all factors that influence the overall development and academic achievement of the student-athletes
• Collaborates with the SASP Executive Team to develop and administer policies and procedures that promote student success.
• Assists in evaluating how services are delivered and provides recommendations for improvement.
• Works closely with Husky Advantage staff to create opportunities for student development.
• Be the SASP liaison to various schools/colleges and specific campus partners.
• Serve as an instructor for UNIV 1820, a course designed for first and second-year students.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Academic Counselor Only:

1. Master's degree in a subject area related to the program specialty and at least four years of experience (in the past six years) as an academic counselor at a Division 1 academic institution.
2. Demonstrated ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment on routine and complex tasks.

Assistant Academic Counselor Only: 

3. Bachelor's degree in a related field and three to four years of position-related experience in advising and/or counseling students or in providing academic support, OR advanced degree in a related field and one to two years of related experience in advising and/or counseling students or providing academic support.

Both Levels:

4. 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.
5. Demonstrate a concrete working knowledge of NCAA eligibility rules and regulations.
6. Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and decision-making skills.
7. Ability to work and communicate effectively with a diverse population of students, faculty, staff, and university partners.
8. Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team setting.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS – Both Levels

1. Experience in creating programming, which fosters an environment of academic success.
2. Skilled application of the Microsoft Office Suite. Retain, Canva, and Blackboard experience a plus.
3. 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.
4. Direct experience in monitoring NCAA eligibility for student-athletes.
5. Demonstrated ability to evaluate transfer students for NCAA and university progress toward a degree.

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/health-benefits/.

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 #498752 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 December 4, 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.