POSITION IDENTIFICATION
TITLE Academic Specialist, TRIO-West Plains
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 1233
GRADE 41
CLASSIFICATION Exempt
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR Coordinator, TRIO Student Support Services, West Plains
MAJOR ADMINISTRATOR Dean of Academic Affairs, West Plains
GENERAL FUNCTION
The Academic Specialist TRIO, West Plains assists program participants (low income, first generation, and/or disabled) to succeed in college by helping them determine appropriate academic goals and select academic schedules appropriate for their stated academic goals. The Academic Specialist TRIO, West Plains guides pre-majors in the selection of academic majors and directs students to resources within the University that provide assistance in identifying academic majors and career choices, as appropriate. Additionally, the Academic Specialist TRIO, West Plains coordinates specific activities within the TRIO – Student Support Services Program relating to academic success, transfer planning, financial literacy, disabled student issues, student leadership, tutoring, and study skills.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A Bachelor’s degree is required.
Experience: At least six months of academic advising experience or six months of college, university, or social services employment experience directly related to the job responsibilities of this position is required. Student Services or teaching experience is preferred. TRIO experience is preferred.
Skills: Excellent presentation and written communication skills, interpersonal skills (particularly in working with a diverse student population), organizational, and management skills are required. A working knowledge of various computer applications is required. The ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds is required. Experience with database applications is preferred.
Other: A valid Missouri driver’s license is required. The scope of the position occasionally requires work in the evenings and on weekends. The position appointment is dependent on the renewal of the TRIO grant.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Assists program participants in establishing appropriate academic and personal goals through intrusive academic advising and counseling and encourages the development of program participant study skills through the coordination and/or presentation of study skills workshops and individual study skills assistance.
2. Provides appropriate and positive academic skills and refreshment for program participants by developing, creating, and organizing presenters of workshops.
3. Provides an essential student service of academic advisement by being knowledgeable of academic policies and procedures of Missouri State University, assisting program participants in the development of academic schedules appropriate for their stated educational goals, guiding program participants in decision-making and learning how to accept responsibility for their decisions, assisting program participants seeking academic information, assisting pre-majors in the selection of academic majors, and directing program participants to resources within the University that provide assistance in making career and academic major choices.
4. Coordinates and runs the TRIO Student Support Services Tutoring Program by processing (skill-matching, recruitment and student clearance) and appointing tutor requests, recruiting and providing orientation training for tutors, and recording and maintaining tutor files and records.
5. Facilitates personal and academic development of program participants by encouraging involvement in cultural and leadership activities both on and off campus, referring participants to appropriate resources both on campus and in the community, and motivating program participants to apply to four-year institutions in their chosen field of study.
6. Ensures the effectiveness of the advising process by maintaining both paper and electronic database advisee files for all assigned advisees, regularly updating advisee academic reports and counseling notes, and validating the information contained in the advisee files with the student database.
7. Maintains and updates the program website.
8. Facilitates the Scholarship Program and ensures the use of the scholarship materials by assisting students with their scholarship searches and preparation.
9. Contributes to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.
10. Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses required by the supervisor.
11. Contributes to the overall success of the program and the university by performing all other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
SUPERVISION
The Academic Specialist TRIO, West Plains is supervised by the Coordinator of TRIO Student Support Services, West Plains and may supervise student employees.
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
REVISED JANUARY 2016
