TRIO Program Advisor, First Gen Support Center

Full Time
JR100062

ANNOUNCMENT OF POSITION VACANCY

FLSA Status:
United States of America (Exempt)

Compensation:
$49,000.00-50,000.00
Commensurate with education and experience. Excellent health and retirement benefits package: Click here for more information!

SECTION I - OUR VALUES CULTIVATE OUR VISION AND CULTURE

At CMU, we believe in acting from a foundation of goodwill. This belief gives us the courage to form meaningful relationships, embark on joint endeavors and take risks in the pursuit of new possibilities. It's this courage that enables the Mavily to explore new ways of thinking and doing, knowing that there is no perfect solution, no perfect idea.

From this place of humility and courage, we've built a culture of resilience. We invest in the future by continuously adapting to change, overcoming challenges, and seizing new opportunities. We recognize that change is constant, and our resilience allows us to embrace it with confidence. Endless curiosity drives us to approach the unexpected as if it were expected, seeing opportunities for discovery and renewal in every challenge. In this community rooted in love and dignity, curiosity thrives, leading to endless opportunities for growth and advancement.

Inspired by the soul of the West-the spirit that our region embodies-we emerge as a force for positive change, harnessing our collective power to build a Human Scale University that reflects our values and brings to life our shared vision of the world we aspire to create.

Colorado Mesa University Core Values
Love - Extending oneself for nurturing the growth of self and others
Dignity - Respecting the intrinsic value of each person and believing that others act from a foundation of goodwill
Courage - Taking risks in the pursuit of new possibilities
Humility - Suspending one's ego and pride to recognize that no idea is perfect and being open to the input of others
Resiliency - Investing in the future by adapting to changes, overcoming challenges and pursuing Opportunity
Curiosity - Cultivating awe and exploring the unknown
Power - The strength to act collaboratively with individual agency to achieve our goals

SECTION II - THE SEAT

At CMU, we look at every position as a seat. Every seat is vital and the individual in the seat contributes significantly to our mission of providing an affordable and accessible education and forming meaningful and mutually enriching partnerships that support the well-being and vibrancy of our community. As a human centric organization, a priority is to ensure we have the "right seats" in our organization, and that the expectations, ownership and accountabilities are defined and communicated clearly for the success of the individuals holding the seats.

OVERVIEW AND SCOPE OF TEAM AND/OR TASKS

The TRIO Program Advisor plays a vital role in CMU's First Gen+ Support Center and TRIO Student Support Services Program (SSS), supporting a caseload of first-generation, low-income, and/or students with disabilities. This federally funded program is designed to improve retention, academic performance, and graduation rates of its participants through comprehensive, holistic, and proactive support services.

Working under the guidance of the Director of TRIO Collegiate Programs, the Advisor helps students develop individualized educational plans, navigate college systems, and access campus and community resources. The Advisor collaborates with campus partners and contributes to the success of the First Gen+ Support Center's mission and team.

Utilizing a case management system and Appreciative Advising framework, TRIO Advisors provide holistic and student-centered advising on multiple aspects of student success, such as academic advising and registration, financial literacy, financial aid, personal wellness, and student success skills. TRIO Advisors support and empower students from a wide variety of backgrounds and are expected to maintain a high level of customer service with all interactions.

OVERVIEW AND ROLE SCOPE OF TEAM AND/OR TASKS

Advising & Student Support Tasks

• Provide academic advising and coaching to a caseload of TRIO-eligible students.
  
• Develop and monitor individual "academic snapshots and action plans."
  
• Coordinate and track services including academic and financial aid counseling, graduate program advising and post-grad plans, disability accommodations, tutoring, financial literacy, and course registration.
  
• Provide proactive interventions and success coaching to encourage academic standing, retention, and graduation.
  
• Assist students with career exploration and post-graduation planning.
  
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of student engagement, contact notes, and outcomes in accordance with federal and institutional policies.
  
• Foster a warm, inclusive, and welcoming environment that helps students thrive.
  
Cultivate meaningful and productive relationships with students, staff, and leaders by initiating critical conversations, having a visible presence, and maintaining regular communication.

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Programming & Events Tasks

• Support and facilitate workshops, travel opportunities, and enrichment activities in collaboration with the Engagement Specialist.
  
• Participate in First-Gen+ events such as National TRIO Day, First-Gen Week, beginning of semester kick offs, end of semester celebrations, and various campus events where program outreach can occur.
  
• Help develop and present programming on financial literacy, academic skills, graduate school preparation, post-graduation options and career readiness, personal/professional development, and student wellness.
  
Collaborate in evaluation of TRIO programming and support changes based on outcomes.

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Individuals in this seat support the following teams:

• First-Gen+ Support Center Department - Advisors support the Director of the First-Gen+ Support Center, Program Coordinators, and department operations.
  
• Enrollment Management - Advisors support the overall efforts of the Enrollment Management team regarding student success, enrollment, and retention.
  
• Regularly collaborate with university partner offices, such as IRIS Advisors, Financial Aid, Educational Access Services, Student Wellness Center, Student Services, Registrar, and Student Accounts.
  
• Serve as a representative of CMU's TRIO programs at occasional regional/national TRIO association meetings.
  
Maintain compliance with U.S. Department of Education regulations and CMU standards.

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Leadership, Management, and Accountability (LMA) Responsibilities

• Does not directly supervise staff but may collaborate with student mentors and student employees.
  
• Must manage multiple priorities and use sound judgment in advising underserved student populations.
  
• Accountable for achieving federal program benchmarks related to persistence, academic performance, and graduation.
  
  

Individuals in this seat are required to:

• Demonstrate a high level of discretion and professional judgment in actively assessing and advising students from all backgrounds on key aspects of student success, such as academic advising and registration, student finances, personal wellness, and student success skills.
  
Interpret and apply institutional policies, procedures, and regulations related to academic, financial, and student support programs. As well as federal regulations of the TRIO program.

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Other duties may be assigned as needed by our business.

CAPACITY REQUIREMENTS

• Excellent communication, active listening, and relationship-building skills
  
• Cultural competence and a strong commitment to supporting diverse and underserved students
  
• Discretion in handling sensitive issues and maintaining student confidentiality in compliance with FERPA
  
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage time, priorities, and multiple responsibilities
  
• Proficiency with student systems and the ability to learn new technologies and policies quickly
  
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, high-demand environment with emotional intelligence and sound judgment
  
• Commitment to student-centered service and the Appreciative Advising approach
  
• Skill in presenting complex information clearly to students, families, and campus partners
  
• Ability to develop and deliver engaging programming to a range of audiences
  
• Effective collaborator with the ability to navigate difficult conversations and support strategic decision-making
  
Embraces change, innovation, and continuous improvement

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Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

DISCLAIMER - This position description is only a summary of the typical functions of this seat, and not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and areas of accountability.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in education, psychology, counseling, social work, or related field
  
• One to two years of experience in higher education, counseling, or similar settings
  
• Experience working with diverse student populations, especially first-generation, low-income, academically underprepared and/or groups that are underrepresented in higher education.
  
• Experience in customer service, academic advising, success coaching, college classroom teaching and/or counseling/social work.
  
Strong interpersonal skills, sound judgment, and the ability to work independently as well as be a team player.

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Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in First Year Experience, goal setting, financial literacy, and graduate school/career planning
  
• Background in TRIO or a similar support program
  
• Strong record-keeping and outcome documentation experience
  
Strong computer skills. Proficiency with Microsoft 365, Student Access, Banner, Slate, or other CRM systems

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HOW TO APPLY: Applicants will be asked to complete an online application by creating a profile and then providing personal and demographic information. In addition, please be prepared to upload a:

• Cover letter
  
• Resume
  
• Copy of transcripts for all degrees completed (if your transcripts include a social security number or birthdate, please redact that information before uploading the document. Official transcripts will be required upon hire)

Colorado Mesa University is particularly interested in candidates who have experience working with students from diverse backgrounds and who have a demonstrated commitment to improving the levels of access and success for underrepresented students within higher education.

Colorado Mesa University is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial and/or motor vehicle history. Applicant must be able to verify U.S. employment eligibility. Colorado Mesa University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a culturally diverse faculty, staff and student body. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Any person with a disability as defined by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) may be provided reasonable accommodation upon request to enable the person to complete an employment assessment. To request an accommodation, please contact the CMU Human Resources Office by phone or email. You may be asked to provide additional information, including medical documentation, regarding functional limitations and the type of accommodation needed.