Academic Counselor Gateway to College & On-Site Dual Enrollment

Position: Academic Counselor for Gateway to College & On-Site Dual Enrollment - Quinsigamond Community College
Job Description:

General Statement

Using developmental advising as the foundation, the Academic Counselor for Gateway to College & On-Site Dual Enrollment is responsible for activities pertaining to academic advisement, support, and assessment. The Academic Counselor collaborates on developing and delivering co-curricular programming for all high school students. This may include but not be limited to students enrolled in Gateway to College (GTC), Attend College Early (ACE), and select Early College Pathways students pursuing on-campus coursework.

The Academic Counselor will provide academic advisement to a caseload of students. He/she/they will collaborate with departments across campus to plan, conduct, and/or participate in academic programs and workshops to support student persistence, retention, and success. The Academic Counselor will collaborate to ensure consistent support for students and will perform administrative tasks associated with programmatic activities.

Supervision Received

Reports directly to the Executive Director of High School Dual Enrollment Programs and Partnerships.

Supervision Exercised

Supervises work-study students and student mentors.

Duties and Responsibilities

* Use the developmental advising approach and employ proactive and sustained outreach strategies to ensure the success of a caseload of students enrolled in an alternative pathway to high school graduation, promoting their persistence through completion, and/or transfer to a college degree or certificate program.

* Perform all functions related to supporting on-site high school students as they complete their education requirements. Functions include, but may not be limited to individual and group advising sessions, career exploration and academic planning, diploma audit consultations, short- and long-term goal planning, early alert monitoring and follow-up, articulation of policies and procedures, collaboration with faculty and program advisors, course selection, and registration, etc.

* Maintain professional knowledge in the field, research new trends and advances in the profession, read professional literature and attend workshops and training sessions. Research and identify best practices in the field of student support services, academic advising, mentoring, retention, and persistence initiatives. Collaborates with the Dean, Executive Director of High School Dual Enrollment Programs and Partnerships, the Gateway to College and Onsite Dual Enrollment Program Specialist and others as appropriate on the implementation of best practices with a focus on continuous program improvement.

* Collect, analyze, and report data, internally and externally, associated with the persistence and retention of all students enrolled in an alternative pathway to high school graduation. Collaborates with the Dean, Executive Director of High School Dual Enrollment Programs and Partnerships, the Gateway to College and Onsite Dual Enrollment Program Specialist and with Institutional Research on refining/enhancing program strategies and practices based upon this data.

* Collaborate with program team in building meaningful relationships with students by creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where every individual feels a sense of belonging.

* Conduct individual and group developmental advising sessions to provide support for academic and personal concerns, create action plans for success, and maintain all relevant records to student profiles and progress.

* Motivate and encourage students through day-to-day interactions and discussions, and regular follow-up on action plan progress and/or when an academic alert is raised by a faculty member.

* Identify risk factors and appropriate interventions, with an emphasis on student strengths, retention, and persistence. Address and diffuse situations of conflict and crisis and make appropriate referrals when needed. Proactively collaborate with other departments to recognize and resolve identified patterns of concern with students.

* Create linkages among academic and student support programs/services to build a holistic network that provides options, referrals, and alternative solutions for students facing obstacles and challenges. Collaborate with campus and community-based resources to provide responsive wrap-around services for students.

* Create, implement, and facilitate workshops, events, and information sessions; develop and deliver programs and activities designed to cultivate academic self-confidence, community engagement, 21st-century life skills, and self-advocacy amongst caseload students; foster a community of support by celebrating the cultural wealth our students bring to the College.

* Coordinate with other offices to provide workshops around career exploration/development, college decision days and next steps, and other opportunities suitable for high school students.

* Assist in the development and delivery of parent and student orientation programs in fall and spring semesters.

* Work to…