Job Information
University of Utah First-Gen Scholars Program Coordinator in Salt Lake City, Utah
Details
Open Date 04/30/2024
Requisition Number PRN38376B
Job Title Coordinator, Administrative Program
Working Title First-Gen Scholars Program Coordinator
Job Grade D
FLSA Code Administrative
Patient Sensitive Job Code? No
Standard Hours per Week 40
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Shift Day
Work Schedule Summary
- Monday – Friday 8am-5pm. Some evenings and weekends.
VP Area Academic Affairs
Department 00785 - First Generation Programs
Location Campus
City Salt Lake City, UT
Type of Recruitment External Posting
Pay Rate Range $45,000-$49,000
Close Date
Open Until Filled Yes
Job Summary
Designed to provide educational equity and opportunity, First-Gen Scholars Coordinator strives to empower first-generation students, students whose parent(s) or guardian(s) do not have a bachelor’s degree or four-year equivalent from a college or university within the U.S., to create a community of first-generation students at the University of Utah.
Positioned in the Office of Undergraduate Studies (US) Center for First Generation Success, the First-Gen Scholars Coordinator will strive to support first-year and transfer first-generation students at the University of Utah. We acknowledge that first-generation student status is only one aspect of an individual’s experience and does not solely define a person or their capacity. We promote a holistic approach to recruitment and retention of students in higher education, taking into account a student’s mental, emotional, physical, and financial well-being.
The primary functions of the First-Gen Scholars Coordinator include support first-generation students in transition/retention/graduation, programming, community outreach, and recruitment.
Student Support: The First-Gen Scholars Coordinator will be one of two student-serving staff working to support first-generation students, including those not formally involved with First-Gen Scholars. The Coordinator is expected to provide in-depth, customized information and support to assist first-years students in the navigation of their educational careers. This professional staff member utilizes an understanding of college student development, learning, and persistence theories to assist new and transfer first-generation students in developing plans to enhance their academic programs while at the University of Utah. Major responsibilities are to foster a successful transition to the university environment, identify services and resources for degree development that meet the student’s needs, assist students in identifying resources for major and career selection, and encourage timely graduation. Assists students in the application process for financial aid by helping them to complete appropriate and required forms; by advising them of their rights and responsibilities concerning financial aid; and by providing them with information about the status of their financial aid applications. Program staff endeavor to create a supportive and inclusive community wherein first-generation students that help them thrive at the University of Utah. This person will use their professional experience to serve as a leader to first-year first -generation students in the creation and execution of educational plans, that enhance their academic experience.
Programming: The First-Gen Scholars Coordinator will develop, execute and assist in office and campus-wide programming events for the First-Gen Scholars program. These efforts include in-program and campus-wide initiatives like First-Generation social events, Alumni events, faculty workshops, First-Generation National Celebration, First-Generation Conference (First-Gen Con), Tri Alpha honor society events and First-Generation Graduation events.
Community Outreach: The First-Gen Scholars Coordinator will work with community partners to provide information at community-based events. Information will range from awareness, advocacy, resources, and individualized, holistic support for first-generation communities, to college access information for students and families. The coordinator will build strong and effective community relationships that enhance student experiences at the U and promote pathways for future students to the U. Incumbent will develop a complete knowledge of community services and resources that can support students and families, and serve as the point-of-contact for community entities into the University and vice versa.
Recruitment: The First-Gen Scholars Coordinator will initiate, facilitate, and oversee the recruitment efforts of incoming first-generation students to the University of Utah into the First-Gen Scholars program. The coordinator will attend college application events, college decision day events, new students orientation workshops and tabling sesions and create other opportunities to provide support and information to incoming students.
Responsibilities
Specific elements of the work include:
Advise new and transfer students and their families, linking them to campus opportunities to enhance their academic experience.
Develop a working knowledge of University of Utah academic advising, financial aid, and career development office services and policies as they relate to this student population.
Engage with departmental and program academic advisors to gain a working knowledge of program requirements to consider when assisting students in connecting with University resources and opportunities
Employ listening and advising practices to assist students from diverse backgrounds in accessing University resources and opportunities, and developing graduation plans
Assist students in proper completion/modification of FAFSA application and other require documentation, including loan applications and institutional forms.
Assist students in accessing non-academic resources necessary to thrive, such as counseling, legal aid, housing, tax support, etc.
Document advising sessions and develop practices and procedures for following up with student advisees
Develop resources (printed literature, web sites, videos, social media sites, etc.) to assist students in exploring opportunities to enhance their academic program at the University of Utah
Develop new programming and workshops specific to this population in areas of legal, academic, financial, and mental health
Serve on University committees and make recommendations that affect advising processes, program development, and published materials
Engage in data compilation, analysis and reporting of program outcomes, including student and resource listservs.
Participate in information sessions, orientations, college application, financial aid, and tabling events on campus and in the community
Assist in the network of campus offices to understand, identify, and coordinate services targeted to this student population
Assist in training to staff, faculty, and students across campus, including managing in first-generation student campaigns
Embrace rapid change and develop new solutions to meet evolving student needs
The incumbent is expected to possess a working knowledge about academic programs, policies and procedures, and student support services. The ability to be sensitive to the needs of diverse student populations, such as non-traditional and minoritized students and students with disabilities is a necessity. Incumbents must also be able to interpret student needs and determine when referral to other University resources.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in a related field plus one year directly related experience or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience). Demonstrated ability to work independently, analyze and make decisions related to program content. Strong coordination and organizational skills required to prioritize conflicting deadlines. Demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills are also required.
Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.
Preferences
● Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Education, or a related field plus one year directly related experience or equivalency required. Familiarity with supporting minoritized (first-generation, low-income, students of color) success and a commitment to helping all students achieve their dreams. Working knowledge of laws and policies affecting related student populations.
● Evidence of successful work with a diverse range of students, including populations typically underrepresented in higher education (e.g. students of color, first-generation college students, LGBTQ students, students with disabilities, and students from lower SES backgrounds).
● Experience building effective working relationships and open communication with students, staff, faculty and University leadership.
● Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally to diverse audiences including administrators, faculty, students, and staff.
● Skills in decision making that allow for quick, informed, and appropriate decisions essential to understanding students’ needs and identifying where those needs can best be met.
● Ability to thrive in a rapidly evolving environment with a positive attitude, embracing change and adapting to student needs.
● Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.
Type Benefited Staff
Special Instructions Summary
Priority Deadline May 15, 2024
The UGS Office for First-Gen Access and the University of Utah value interactions among individuals with varying traditions, cultures, identities, expressions, orientation, religious beliefs, economic backgrounds, and racial/ethnic origins. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who will share and explore this value with our team and the students we serve.
Additional Information
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and patients from all backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education and quality healthcare for historically underrepresented students and patients.
All qualified individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action ( OEO /AA). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at: https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/
Online reports may be submitted at oeo.utah.edu
https://safety.utah.edu/safetyreport This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.