EXCEL! Program Academic Success Coach (Hybrid)

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The full salary range for this position is $25.62- $44.11. The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $25.63/hr - $28.42/hr.

Initial applicant review will begin on or around October 15th, 2024. Posting will remain open until filled.

The position is a hybrid schedule, with three (3) days on campus and two (2) remote days per week.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and the first American research university built in the 21st century. With more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced offers an environment that combines a commitment to diversity, inclusion, collaboration and professional development. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships, and community involvement, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide educational opportunities for highly qualified students from the San Joaquin Valley and throughout California. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and supports the economic development of Merced and the region.

The Merced 2020 Project, a $1.3 billion public-private partnership unprecedented in higher education and completed in 2020, nearly doubled the physical capacity of the campus, enhancing academic distinction, student success and research excellence. UC Merced also operates the Downtown Campus Center, a $33 million, three-story administrative building located in the heart of Merced.

The university's mission of educational excellence and rigorous inquiry is powered by three schools and numerous research institutes and centers that seek scientific and social solutions for the Valley, California and the world. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced is preparing the way for a rigorous medical education program.

The course of UC Merced's evolution is piloted by a long-range strategic plan. Enacted in 2021, the 10-year blueprint is guiding how the values of equity and justice influence our pathway to earning Carnegie R1 research status, growing enrollment, upholding our identity as a minority-serving institution, and operationalizing how commitments to equity, diversity and inclusion are enacted in each campus unit.

Under the supervision of the EXCEL! Program Coordinator, the EXCEL! Program Academic Success Coach provides a limited range of academic coaching and advising to targeted students. Works closely with Natural Sciences Academic Advisors and other campus academic advisors in the planning, development, and implementation of coordinated and comprehensive student support services. Provides straightforward coaching and advice to commonly-encountered situations independently, but receives assistance for unusual situations. The Academic Success Coach assists with the development, coordination, and implementation of support services and activities to improve student success. The incumbent will provide services and activities to improve retention, course completion, and graduation rates. The Academic Success Coach will provide administrative and student support to underrepresented, low-income, and first-generation students who are experiencing academic difficulty. The incumbent will assist students with all facets of support, including resources, guidance, and opportunities for success. The Academic Success Coach must be efficient, flexible and able to prioritize workload to accomplish multiple tasks in a timely manner. The incumbent must have good communication skills and ability to effectively interact with students, staff, and faculty. The incumbent must work effectively as a member of a team and must have excellent communication and public speaking skills.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides general academic, personal, financial, and career advising to "at-risk" populations (e.g., low-income, first-generation college, and underrepresented populations). Serve as a point of contact for students in poor academic standing (Subject to Academic Dismissal and Academic Notice). Helps students in critical transition stages, including First Year SD and Academic Notice students, Reinstated from Dismissal students, and students returning from the Educational Leave Program. Serve as the primary contact for students seeking support. Will conduct follow-up and outreach to students within the program. Asses appropriate needs of students, including but not limited to accessibility services, financial aid, career services, academic advising, and tutoring. Serve as an advocate on behalf of student concerns. Develop and lead success workshops (i.e., managing the transition from high school to the university environment, utilizing campus resources, being a successful college student, campus community outreach, personal development, career exploration). Assist with students' educational development using assessment and evaluation tools to assist students in planning for future coursework and experiences with a focus on academic success. Monitors students' academic progress and assists students in developing problem-solving and self management skills. Serve as a resource and provides follow-up as directed by the special program's staff. Establish and maintain partnerships with campus and community programs to provide student resources within the special programs.
• Administrative Support: Responsible for providing administrative support in the day-to-day operations of the EXCEL! Program. Maintains tracking system for student information, progress and contact monitoring. Research, extract, compile, and summarize information from a variety of sources to prepare reports and information for the unit, Program Coordinator, Director of Student Services, and Assistant Dean. Provide support to other projects as assigned.
• Communications and Website: Responsible for updating the website content for the EXCEL! Program. Draft correspondence and communications to internal and external units as requested. This includes memos, letters, reports, presentations and other media that is free of errors and visually appealing. Ensure these documentsare properly routed for signature/approval, if necessary. Communicates with student caseload systematically, frequently, and intentionally through multiple methods, including face-to-face meetings, e-mail, telephone, and other college-supported technologies.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor'sdegree from an accredited university or equivalent experience/training. (Required)
• Advanced degree from an accredited university. (Preferred)
• One year of directly related, progressively responsible experience in a student services job function, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. (Required)

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Knowledge of the theories and practices of university level academic coaching and advising, learning, and career development. (Preferred)
• Knowledge of personal growth and development areas of college students, including critical thinking, effective communication, self-appraisal, self-esteem, clarification of values, appropriate career choices, and leadership. (Preferred)
• Knowledge of the methodologies used to enhance student achievement. (Preferred)
• Knowledge of trends and issues facing low-income and first-generation college, underrepresented, disadvantaged, physically challenged, and under prepared students in higher education. (Preferred)
• Knowledge and experience in analyzing problems and identifying solutions for problem-solving; skills and experience in developing and administering programs. (Preferred)
• Knowledge of University, college, and major requirements, policies and procedures, including policies on handling student records and confidential documents. (Preferred)

Background check will be required.

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California, Merced is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, pregnancy, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran, or other protected categories covered by the UC Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Policy. UC Merced intentionally promotes and maintains a discrimination- and harassment-free workplace by demonstrating it neither condones nor tolerates employment practices that discriminate against or harass any person or specific group of persons on the basis listed above. We seek candidates who will support our vision to cultivate a vibrant, equity-minded, inclusive excellence university community. When applying to UC Merced, we strongly encourage you to reflect on our Principles of Community and our 2021 strategic plan.

Vaccination Program Policy:

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline. For new University of California employees, the applicable deadline is 14 days after their first date of employment.

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/

This position is eligible for the UC Merced Employee Referral Program (ERP). If you were referred by a UC Merced employee, please identify that employee by name in your application as follows:

Step 5 of 7 (on the application) Referrals

How did you hear about the job? (select) "other"

Additional information? (select) "other"

Specific Referral Source? (write in) first and last name of referring employee

Referring employee MUST be named on application for eligibility.