Career Center

Position Purpose
TRIO is a federally funded program providing support services to students who are first-generation, low income, and/or students with a disability. The TRIO Academic Advisor is responsible for recruiting and providing academic advising, career advising, financial advising and personal development opportunities to TRIO-eligible students. The Advisor coordinates the workshops offered by Student Support Services (SSS) and has primary responsibility for delivering services of SSS programming and for identifying opportunities for continual improvement. Additionally, the Advisor serves as the transition coordinator for all SSS students. The Advisor may teach Improving Reading and Study Skills and/or Orientation for SSS participants.

Responsibilities
1. Student Advising. Assess student eligibility for the TRIO Student Support Services program. Responsible for assessing each individual student to identify the barriers and obstacles which may impact college retention, graduation and professional readiness. Assessment tools, transcripts and personal needs assessments are utilized to determine essentials and best course of action to take with students to ensure academic and personal success. The Advisor will develop an Individual Success Plan (ISP) for each approved student. Advisor will meet regularly to review and suggest services and activities. Services and activities must be customized and offered in a number of different modalities and technologies to meet each student's needs.

2. Workshop and Course Coordination. Develop and coordinate educational workshops for TRIO-eligible students on topics such as academic support, career explorations, and financial aid literacy, as specified in the SSS grant. Organize workshops on other topics to targeted subgroups based on an identified need. Collaborate on the development of programming for TRIO Learning Communities for students in specific majors. May be required to teach improving Reading and Study Skills and/or Orientation for SSS participants.

3. Transitions Coordination. Meet annual recruiting goals of the department as assigned by the Director. Develop campus partnerships within colleges, departments, clubs, and organizations to promote and identify new students eligible for TRIO SSS. Facilitate transition of approved incoming SSS students to SCSU. Facilitate entry of SSS students into graduate and professional schools by providing workshops and resources on how to select, apply for, and finance post-graduate education. Conduct welcome interviews with SSS participants and exit interviews with SSS students leaving SCSU.

4. Program Evaluation and Assessment. Contribute to the development, implementation, and oversight of a comprehensive system of SSS program evaluation and assessment. Support the director in conducting periodic reviews and departmental self-study of the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS) Self-Assessment for TRIO and other educational opportunity programs to enhance future program development and to ensure that the SSS program is consistent with SCSU's mission, vision, and goals. Support the coordination of the annual evaluation of program by participating students and other stakeholders.

5. Perform Other Duties as Assigned to ensure the smooth functioning of the department and maintain the reputation of SCSU.

TRIO SSS is a federally funded program dedicated to providing academic, financial, career, and personal support services to increase the retention and graduation of first-generation students, low-income students, and students with disabilities at SCSU. The university recently secured a 5 year TRIO grant award. Applicants with similar backgrounds and/ or who have overcome their own challenges to earn a college degree are encouraged to apply.

Founded in 1869, St. Cloud State is an award-winning regional public university and proud member of the Minnesota State Universities & Colleges system. The 100-acre campus is about an hour northwest of Minneapolis and St. Paul, along the oak-crowned west bank of the Mississippi River. St. Cloud State students prepare for life, work and citizenship by exploring the world around them and making it better. St. Cloud State employees value active and applied learning, community engagement, sustainability, and global and cultural understanding. These commitments complement more than 200 majors, minors and pre-professional programs, 60 graduate programs and 250 student clubs and organizations. St. Cloud State began as a normal school in 1869 and became St. Cloud State Teachers College in 1921. Bachelor's degrees were first offered in 1925. Master's degrees debuted in 1957. In 1975, the institution became St. Cloud State University. In recent years, the University added applied doctoral programs in Higher Education Administration and Educational Administration and Leadership. A diverse mix of students from Midwestern towns and U.S. metropolitan areas are learning alongside more than 1,000 international students from about 80 nations.

Additional information on St. Cloud State University can be found here.

GREAT BENEFITS PACKAGE! The State of Minnesota offers a comprehensive benefits package including low cost medical and dental insurance, employer paid life insurance, short and long term disability, pre-tax flexible spending accounts, retirement plan, tax-deferred compensation, generous vacation and sick leave, and 11 paid holidays each year.