EOP Academic Counselor

HOW TO APPLY

For full consideration, applicants should attach their resume and cover letter when applying for a job opening. For guidance related to the application process or if you are experiencing difficulties when applying, please review the Applicant Resources on our website.

• How to Apply
• Troubleshooting
• Tips for Applicants
• FAQ's

INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

UC Santa Cruz jobs are posted until filled. All application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring team for consideration. NOTE: Applicants who miss the IRD are still encouraged to apply; their materials will still be forwarded for consideration if requested by the hiring team. Application materials cannot be accepted outside of the jobs portal. Applications cannot be edited on an applicant's behalf. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, view this link.

The IRD for this job is: 10/20/2025

ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Educational Opportunity Programs (EOP) provides a variety of academic and personal support programs designed to improve the retention and academic success of first-generation college students from low-income and historically underserved backgrounds to ensure they successfully complete their undergraduate education and acquire the skills to prepare for graduate and professional school, as well as future leadership roles. This position has a specialized focus on serving students who are participating in the EOP Wellness Program as well as works with the student staff to collaborate with departments across the campus to implement wellness activities that build transformative student experiences. EOP resides within the Division of Student Affairs and Success at UC Santa Cruz.

The Student Success and Equity (SSE) portfolio of departments is a branch of DSAS focused on academic support services, advising/counseling, student life/co-curricular programming, student identity development and retention/student success initiatives. Student Success and Equity provides services to the campus community with over 17,000 undergraduate and graduate students and has over 64 career employees and 475 student staff employees operating in 8 facilities/locations. The Student Success and Equity area includes a wide array of multi-disciplinary academic and non-academic units including: Disability Resource Center (DRC), Educational Opportunity Programs (EOP), Learning Support Services, Services for Transfer and Re-entry Students (STARS), Renaissance Scholars Program (including Foster Youth), Veteran Resource Center, African American Resource and Cultural Center (AARCC), American Indian Resource Center (AIRC), Asian American/Pacific Islander Resource Center (AA/PIRC), Chicano/Latino Resource Center (El Centro), Women's Center (WC), the Lionel Cantu Queer Center (LGBTQ+), Undocumented Student Services (USS), the UCSC Hispanic Serving Institution Initiatives (HSI), African Black and Caribbean Student Success, Career Success, and campus committees/programs, and the Administrative and Business team for the unit.

The Student Success and Equity area includes all of the units and over 125 state, federal, student service fees and gift fund sources and an annual operating budget of nearly $18 million dollars.

The UC Santa Cruz Division of Student Affairs and Success (DSAS), led by the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Success, consists of nearly 250 team members spanning 3 major units and 21 departments. Our division provides campus-wide coordination and leadership for student success programs, activities, and initiatives. We also do our work through a range of resource centers dedicated to providing direct student support. Our work is grounded in educational equity, institutional responsibility, and an unfettered commitment to supporting the whole student. We aspire to ensure every student feels welcome, supported, and a sense of belonging during their time on campus. Our efforts are informed by robust and dynamic relationships with campus leadership, faculty, students, and staff from across the campus, reflecting the broad campus commitment to ensuring student success. Beyond UC Santa Cruz, our team is involved in numerous professional organizations and highly engaged in the local community.

More information can be found at: https://belong.ucsc.edu/low-income-first-gen/eop/

JOB SUMMARY

Under the general direction of the EOP Director and general supervision of one of the EOP Assistant Directors, the EOP Academic Counselor provides direct services to EOP students with programs to support the academic success, retention and graduation of EOP students. The EOP Academic Counselor serves as the project lead and resident expert in one of the following initiatives/programs within the EOP department; Undocumented Students Services (USS), First-Gen, and Wellness initiative. An area of focus/emphasis will not preclude the incumbent from awareness of the other EOP student demographics, as most of our EOP students fit more than one category.

The EOP Academic Counselor will provide academic and personal counseling/guidance and manages student cases to propel their development and success as university students. In addition, the EOP Academic Counselor collaborates with campus partners including the Colleges, Academic Departments, faculty, student service units and student organizations on retention/student success initiatives. The EOP Academic Counselor will be readily accessible to faculty, staff, students and parents/family members to communicate as allowable concerning student case management. The EOP Academic Counselor will advise student, implement retention programs and special projects. The EOP Academic Counselor will supervise and train student staff and engage in professional development to implement best practices and research-based methodologies.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $76,000 / Annually. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.
Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.

Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits

Schedule Information:

• Full-time, Fixed
• Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Fri
• Shift Includes: Day

Employee Classification: Career appointment

Job End Date: None

Work Location: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus

Union Representation: Student Services and Advising Professionals (SSAP) - SV Union

Job Code Classification: 004501 (ACAD ACHIEVEMENT CNSLR 3) - Grade 20

Travel: Never or Rarely

JOB DUTIES

50% - Academic/Personal Counseling and Case Management

• Provides multicultural academic counseling across disciplines and colleges / schools to "at risk" populations (e.g.,low-income, first-generation college, undocumented, underrepresented populations, and pell-eligible students, etc.).
• Leads efforts to plan and provide programming, advising, support services, wellness and referrals low income, first-generation, undocumented, wellness, underrepresented populations, and pell-eligible students at the University of California, Santa Cruz.
• Collaborates with campus partners to create a welcoming environment that inspires academic success, personal growth, college retention and graduation for low income, first-generation college, undocumented, underrepresented populations, and pell-eligible students from low-income, historically underrepresented, or educationally disadvantaged backgrounds.
• Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with student service and academic units on campus to resolve sensitive and complex student issues on financial aid, billing, housing, advising, health care, personal issues, etc.
• Conducts comprehensive analyses of students' issues and needs and provides solutions and alternatives to problem areas.
• Helps students develop strategies to solve academic and personal problems.
• Works with academic departments, faculty, and department management to help resolve specific student academic issues.
• Advocates on behalf of students concerns and when needed/required refers students to appropriate specialized programs and resources.
• Assesses and diagnoses underlying and root issues/challenges that interfere with student success.
• Develops, facilitates and monitors student action plans to increase academic and social success.
• Escalates student cases as appropriate to the Slug Support Team, Counseling and Psychological Services and EOP supervisors as appropriate.
• Engages with colleagues in departments such as faculty, academic staff, the Colleges, Financial Aid, Housing, Student Business Services and others to advocate on behalf of students and to seek resolutions to a myriad of issues impacting the retention and graduation pathway of students.
• Meets with students individually and in small groups to provide support, guidance, coaching, and counseling in the areas of academic planning, course selection, as well as, adjusting to the university, campus life and academic setting.
• Communicates regularly with students including students who are on leave or have taken time-off and ensures they have an action plan to return and complete their studies.
• Maintains an institutional relationship with students who take time off.
• Requests and submits departmental awards for students experiencing Financial hardships.

25% - Program Development and Coordination

• Organizes EOP Programming, which includes the planning and implementation of specialized programs to assist EOP students in identifying and overcoming barriers to student success.
• Develops and edits materials for publication in academic journals, program websites, brochures, and marketing materials.
• Implements and organizes effective collaborative programs and strategies for EOP Students.
• Facilitates group discussion sessions.
• Hires, trains, and supervises the work of graduate interns and paraprofessionals.
• Supervises and guides EOP student staff on program implementation and support.
• Hires, trains and evaluates interns.
• Collaborates with EOP programs and campus departments to implement wellness activities for student cohort programs and the larger EOP community.
• Assesses student financial need for wellness related awards.

10% - Project Management

• Implements special projects and initiatives related to educational equity, retention and graduation of EOP students.
• Serves on campus committees to inform and provide the perspective of EOP student experiences.
• Collaborates with campus units to increase the utilization and inclusion of EOP students.
• As assigned, liaises and collaborates with student services units, academic departments and off-campus partners.
• Disseminates best practices and associated student outcomes to the campus community and at conferences.
• Coordinates and assists with other duties as assigned.

10% - Professional Development and Training

• Under the direction of the Assistant Director, develops and implements specialized programs and initiatives that are designed to enhance student success, are related to educational equity, and the retention and graduation of low-income, first-generation college, undocumented, underrepresented populations, and pell-eligible students.
• Facilitates workshops and group discussion sessions to assist first-generation low-income, first-generation college, undocumented, underrepresented populations, and pell-eligible students in identifying and overcoming barriers to student success.
• Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with public and private social services, community groups, and agencies.
• Mentors and guides student interns on program implementation and support; participates in recruiting, training, and supervision of student interns in various roles.
• Keeps abreast of student trends in higher education, particularly low-income, first-generation college, undocumented, underrepresented populations, and pell-eligible students populations.
• Serves as a trainer and content expert on issues related particularly low-income, first-generation college, undocumented, underrepresented populations, and pell eligible populations.
• Educates the campus community on effective counseling practices for EOP students.
• Develops, delivers and evaluates training programs to build the capacity of student staff and colleagues that provide direct services to EOP students.
• Participates in ongoing professional development to continually evolve best practices and stay abreast of innovative and research-based practices.

5% - Program Evaluation and Reporting

• Provide leadership in creating strategic goals for low-income, first-generation college, undocumented, underrepresented populations, and pell-eligible students which align with the Student Affairs and university strategic plans.
• Reviews and analyzes data on low-income, first-generation college, undocumented, underrepresented populations, and pell eligible students student data and learning outcomes using various reporting systems to identify trends and evaluate factors such as retention, persistence, graduation rates and learning outcomes to assess students academic progress and success rates.
• Prepares monthly, quarterly and annual reports documenting patterns and trends in student cases and emerging best practices/solutions in serving students.
• Contributes to monthly, quarterly, and/or annual reports documenting partners and trends in student cases and emerging best practices in service students.
• Regularly tracks, reports and briefs the Assistant Director and campus colleagues on the status of student cases.
• Researches, monitors and tracks policy issues and practices related to student success, retention and graduation.
• Develops forms and instruments for in-take, monitoring and reporting on student cases.
• Participates in the development of annual goals and calendar of the EOP office and the Division of Student Success.
• Utilizes EAB's Student Success Collaborative (SSC), Slug Success, and other tools to report and track student outreach, interactions, and overall engagement.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in related area.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the theories and practice of counseling, learning, human and career development.
• Knowledge in how to enhance students' intellectual and personal growth and development, including critical thinking, effective communication, self-appraisal, self-esteem, clarification of values, appropriate career choices, and leadership.
• Knowledge of the methodologies used to enhance student achievement, such as collaborative teaching / learning models, strategies for effective counseling and peer mentoring, small group facilitation and training, coaching, mentoring, and advocacy.
• Knowledge of trends and issues facing low-income and first-generation college, underrepresented, disadvantaged, physically challenged, and under-prepared students in higher education.
• Knowledge and experience in analyzing complex situations and identifying solutions for problem-solving.
• Skills and experience in developing and administering programs designed to meet the diverse needs of students.
• Knowledge and experience in researching, compiling and analyzing data, and generating reports.
• Knowledge of research methodologies and research designs.
• Knowledge of and experience in conflict management and intervention strategies.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local requirements to provide for access, health, confidentiality, and safety.
• Knowledge of legal and ethical issues governing the delivery of counseling services.
• Demonstrated experience and achievement advising and/or counseling students who are first-generation to college, low-income, underrepresented, non-traditional, and/or immigrant backgrounds.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively collaborate with people of diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrated experience in case management with students on a college campus.
• Demonstrated ability to initiate, develop, and coordinate services/programs for students.
• Outstanding written, digital, and oral communication skills including the ability to make effective group presentations, describe programs, and provide information with clarity.
• Demonstrated ability to interact effectively, productively, and sensitively with students, faculty, staff, and parents/family/guardians per the standards and practices of the Family
• Educational Rights Privacy Act (FERPA) and other relevant policies and best practices.
• Ability to encourage others toward common and individual goals and to motivate others to follow.
• Ability to be highly reliable, follow through on all assignments and prepare reports in a timely manner and be punctual for meetings and appointments.
• Experience and proficiency in using computers and technology for word processing, internet research, maintaining an electronic calendar, and effective and professional email communication.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in education, counseling, social work or related field.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Selected candidate must pass the employment misconduct disclosure process.
• The selected candidate will be required to work primarily on campus, with periods of remote work possible based on operational needs. If a hybrid work schedule is confirmed, the selected candidate must be able to work successfully from a home/remote office and be able to fulfill the requirements of the UCSC telecommuting agreement.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as directed.
• Ability to maintain appearance and conduct suitable for working in a professional setting.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California vaccine program.
• Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment. CANRA Penal Codes, and related definitions, requirements, and responsibilities may be obtained here.

MISCONDUCT DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENT

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
  • Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

SAFETY STATEMENT

All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY

EEO/AA

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.