Job Description

JOB DETAILS:

The University of Wisconsin-Stout is welcoming applications for a TRIO Student Support Services Advisor position. Official UW JOB TITLE: Retention Specialist AE107

11-month academic staff position, annual contract with short work break during the month of July  
50% TRIO Student Support Services Regular Project 
50% TRIO Student Support Services Disabled Project

This position is funded through two federal grants from the Department of Education. Current funding cycle ends August 31st, 2025. UW-Stout has applied for renewal of both grants for the 2025-2030 cycle. This position is contingent upon successful renewal of grant funding.  

Reporting to the Director of Student Support Services and Fostering Success, the SSS Advisor assesses and provides retention activities and services to college students who are first generation, students who meet federal low-income criteria, and students with disabilities in individual, group, classroom, and electronic formats. The SSS Advisor manages a caseload of 100 students in identifying obstacles which affect retention, academic progress, and degree completion. The SSS Advisor provides individualized support and resources that align with student academic needs through an enhancement of services to overcome barriers to college success. The SSS Advisor monitor students' academic progress through Blumen, Access Stout, EAB Navigate, Stellic, and individual student meetings. The SSS Advisor provides resources and training that enhance academic skills, leadership skills, career planning, graduate school exploration and financial aid and literacy education. The SSS Advisor provides comprehensive advising and case management through communication and collaboration with Stout departments, resources, and community providers to create a climate of student success fully and effectively.

QUALIFICATIONS 

Minimum / Required

  • Minimum bachelor's degree required in higher education, social work, education, counseling, educational leadership, or related fields from an accredited college/university
  • Minimum of (2) years of appropriate and relevant professional experience working with a TRIO federal program or similar related program/project   
  • Minimum of (2) years of experience advising and assisting Student Support Services eligible students with postsecondary course selection, academic advising, financial aid information and processes, economic literacy, career development/obtainment, and graduate school admissions 
  • Professional/Personal experience overcoming barriers similar to project participants 
  • Formal training and/or work experience in programming that promotes the annual retention, persistence, academic standing and graduation rates of Student Support Services eligible students 
  • Formal training and or work experience in effective student counseling or advising specifically in the areas of guiding Student Support Services eligible students academic and non-academic goal setting and skill acquisition  
  • Knowledge of academic advising, career, financial aid, economic literacy activities and related services for Student Support Services eligible students 
  • Ability to effectively maintain a caseload of project participants and provide them with services and activities as indicates on their individual student success plan 
  • Knowledge of disability barriers, accommodations, and ADA

    Highly Desired
  • Master's degree in higher education, social work, education, counseling, educational leadership or related fields from an accredited college or university  
  • Experience administering and interpreting career and personality assessments (LASSI, MBTI, CliftonStrengths, Strong Interest Inventory) 
  • Demonstrated understanding and advocacy of the intersectional needs of individuals from diverse cultural, disability, gender, sexuality, and socioeconomic backgrounds 
  • Experience instructing college-level courses in first year experience or academic success skills content 
  • Experience with database and engagement platforms and software such as: Blumen, PeopleSoft, Canvas, Canva, Microsoft Office Suite, EAB Navigate

RESPONSIBILITIES 

  • Maintains regular contact with a caseload of 100 TRIO Student Support Services participants 
  • Assesses and collaborates on the development of participants' individual student success plan and regularly monitor progress towards goal completion 
  • Develops and implements participant programming for required and permissible services to meet the standardized objectives of the TRIO Student Support Services project 
  • Facilitates workshops in multi-modalities on a range of topics related to academic success skills, financial literacy, career development, and goal setting 
  • May instruct TRIO SSS project courses: TRDIS 120 Strategies for Academic Success and TRDIS 121 Strategies for Successful Career Development 
  • Completes documentation to maintain project compliance with appropriate federal regulations and institutional policies and procedures 
  • Assist in the development and execution of Early Bridge program for new first-year participants 
  • Proactively collaborate with college-wide departments, faculty, staff, tutors, and academic support staff to advocate, identify, and meet the academic needs of TRIO Participants

DEPARTMENT INFORMATION

TRIO Student Support Services

TRIO programs are federal outreach and student services programs funded under the Higher Education Act of 1965 to assist marginalized students in overcoming barriers to higher education. TRIO Student Support Services is a federally funded TRIO program designed to increase the retention and graduation rates of first-generation students, students who meet federal low-income criteria, and students with disabilities. The University of Wisconsin-Stout Student Support Services program is comprised of two federal grants - SSS Regular and SSS Disabled Projects

Services we are required to provide participants include: academic tutoring; advice and assistance in postsecondary course selection; information on both the full range of Federal student financial aid programs and benefits (including assistance in completing FAFSA applications); education or counseling services designed to improve the financial and economic literacy of students; and activities designed to assist participants enrolled in four-year institutions of higher education in applying for admission to, and obtaining financial assistance for enrollment in, graduate and professional programs. Additional permissible services include Individualized counseling for personal, career, and academic matters; cultural events; peer mentoring; programs and activities for students who are limited English proficient, students from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in postsecondary education, students who are individuals with disabilities, students who are homeless children and youths, students who are foster care youth, or other disconnected students.

Our mission statement: By creating and maintaining a supportive community and fostering a climate that values the social and cultural capital of our students, we aspire to empower them to maximize their potential and achieve their academic, career, and personal goals. Our staff is committed to continuous professional and personal development in the realm of equity, diversity, and inclusion.

INSTITUTIONAL OVERVIEW  

An innovative leader within the University of Wisconsin System, the University of Wisconsin-Stout offers an unparalleled career-focused education that integrates applied learning, theory and research and real-world experiences to prepare our students for the future. At UW-Stout, our students think and do from day one, and we're proud to produce lifelong learners, ethical leaders and responsible citizens who succeed in a global society.  
 
UW-Stout is recognized nationwide for its operational excellence. We were the first and remain the only four-year public higher education institution in the nation to receive the Malcolm Baldrige Award, and we are dedicated to a process-improvement model that leverages the power of data and the value of our people. We believe in critical thinking and fact-informed decision making. We pursue sustainability in form and function and collaborate across campus and with our partners to solve problems in industry and society. And providing an equitable, diverse and inclusive environment for our faculty, staff and students to live, learn and work is a top priority.
 
We offer 47 undergraduate, 21 masters and 3 advanced programs and more than 30 certificate options in Art, Design & Graphics; Business & Management; Education; Human & Social Sciences; Information Technology & Communications; and Science, Engineering & Math. Our first-class digital infrastructure and learning environments provide our nearly 8,000 students with every avenue to explore and personalize their success. And we invest in people who share our vision to advance our position as Wisconsin's only Polytechnic University and as a regional, national and international leader in higher education.  

Be a part of the future at UW-Stout. Learn more at https://www.uwstout.edu/about-us 

University of Wisconsin-Stout is located in Menomonie, Wisconsin, a community an hour east of Minneapolis-St. Paul. A pillar of Wisconsin's Chippewa Valley and recognized as one of the best small towns in America, Menomonie provides an idyllic combination of natural beauty, outdoor recreation, boutiques and arts and culture with access to a metropolitan area. For more information about the UW-Stout community and region visit: https://www.uwstout.edu/about-us/our-community 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This is a full-time annual contract with the month of July off, renewal intended and contingent on grant funding. The minimum starting base salary for the appointment is $47,000, pro-rated for the 11-month contract; commensurate with finalist's qualifications and experience. This position will be eligible for UW System's comprehensive benefits package, including participation in the Wisconsin State retirement plan.

All qualified candidates meeting application requirements will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against. As an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, UW-Stout welcomes applications from individuals from diverse groups; veterans, individuals with disabilities and from historically excluded populations. UW-Stout provides equal opportunity to all persons and is committed to inclusive excellence. At UW-Stout we value our differences and welcome diverse perspectives as we continually commit to developing an inclusive and equitable environment for all employees and students.

Employment is contingent upon the final candidate's completing a criminal background check and being cleared to work by the Human Resources team.  Employment is also contingent upon the final candidate passing a reference check process. The reference check process includes asking the final candidate and most recent supervisor questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment. Final candidates with previous employment within the UW System and State of WI agencies will be subject to additional reference checks.

Official transcripts required at time of hire.

Must be authorized to work in the United States. Sponsorship is not available for this position. A successful applicant will be responsible for ensuring eligibility for employment in the United States on or before the effective date of the appointment and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact our Human Resources office, Phone: 715.232.2149.

In response to a public records request, the University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in their online application, except that the identity of the successful final candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7)

UW-Stout is committed to providing safety and security of all members of our community in accordance with the Clery Act. For campus safety information and crime statistics visit: https://www.uwstout.edu/life-stout/police-and-parking/clery-information 


APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Complete applications received by end of day, 7/21/2024 are ensured full consideration.  Applications submitted after may be reviewed at the discretion of the search committee.

To apply, click on the APPLY button or go to: https://www.uwstout.edu/about-us/careers-jobs 

Required application materials: 
1. Cover letter (* See below)
2. Curriculum vitae or resume
3. Names and contact information for a minimum of three (3) professional references

*Please use your cover letter to speak to each of the Minimum/Required Qualifications for this position as listed above. For each required qualification, describe your relevant experience, using specific examples from your work history to illustrate how your experience satisfies the requirement.

Applicants must complete all required fields and attach all required documents prior to submitting the online application.

Note: Once you have attached your materials and submitted your application you will not be able to go into the system and change them.

Before starting the online application process, we recommend you preview the frequently asked questions (FAQs) available at: https://kb.uwss.wisconsin.edu/21900 

It is the policy of UW-Stout to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance, or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact us using the information below. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodation for a qualified individual's disability.

For questions regarding this position or recruitment, please contact:
Search Chair: Gabriella Bjurquist
Email: bjurquistg@uwstout.edu   

If you need assistance with the online application process or if you submitted your application prior to uploading all of the required application materials, please contact:
Search Coordinator: Cass (Michael) Arnold 
Email: arnoldm1292@uwstout.edu 

Job Family: Staff



Application Instructions

Please click on the link below to apply for this position. A new window will open and direct you to apply at our corporate careers page. We look forward to hearing from you!

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