Academic Counselor, Upward Bound - Western Kentucky University

Company: Western Kentucky University
Location: Bowling Green
Posted on: May 3, 2021

Job Description:

Location: Bowling Green, KY Category: Staff Posted On: Tue Apr 6 2021 Job Description: About Upward Bound (UB): Upward Bound at WKU is a TRIO program grant-funded by the U.S. Department of Education. Upward Bound provides motivational, educational, and cultural enrichment to potential first-generation and low-income high school students from Allen, Butler, Edmonson, Hart, Logan counties (including Russellville Independent School District). Upward Bound's mission is to prepare students for success in post-secondary education. Primary Duties and Responsibilities: + Provides guidance, academic advisement, and mentorship for first-generation, low-income participants by: + Conducting workshops, group meetings, and one-on-one sessions in: secondary and post-secondary course selection, goal setting, study skills, ACT/SAT test application and preparation, college selection, financial aid applications, college admissions applications, scholarship applications, career planning, and postsecondary enrollment processes. + Working closely with school personnel to support participants. + Collaborating with parents/guardians on student progress. + Collaborates with director, academic coordinator, and other program staff to develop and implement programming for the approximately 24 school visits, ten Saturday Sessions, and the six-week pre-college summer program. + Tracks and maintains records of student progress by: + Working with school counselors to collect grades, test scores, transcripts, and other relevant academic data. + Maintaining a record of all student contacts and services provided. + Assisting director in annual performance report (APR). + Assists in program recruitment by: + Conducting recruitment and information sessions, classroom visits, tabling, and individual student and parent meetings at schools and within the community. + Guiding students and parents through the recruitment and intake processes. + Travels frequently to target schools (all target schools are within a 50-minute drive from WKU). + Responsible for program's social media accounts. + Attends professional meetings and trainings, and participate in professional organizations. + Other duties necessary to meet program needs. Knowledge and Skills Considered Essential for Success: + Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills + Ability to build relationships and advocate for first-generation and low-income students + Ability to initiate, implement, and coordinate projects + Ability to maintain paper and electronic files accurately Job Requirements: + Bachelor's degree in Counseling, Education, Social Work, Human Services, core academic content area, or related field. + One year of work experience with the target populations (high school, low-income, and/or first-generation students) + Possess a valid driver's license with a good driving record. + Availability to work some evenings and weekends. . Additional Information: Salary Grade: 107 Salary: $35,568 Kentucky state law requires all public institutions of postsecondary education to conduct pre-employment criminal background checks to determine suitability for employment. Western Kentucky University (WKU) is committed to a policy and practice of providing equal employment and educational opportunities to all individuals. In accordance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Revised 1992, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, no form of discrimination or harassment will be tolerated at WKU on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, age, uniformed services, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, or physical or mental disability in admission to career and technical education programs and/or activities, or employment practices. Persons with disabilities, who need reasonable accommodations to participate in the application and/or selection process, should notify the office of Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action/University ADA Services (EEO). To request an accommodation, report/express a complaint, or ask questions regarding WKU''s Discrimination and Harassment Policy (#0.2040), please contact Mr. Joshua Hayes, EEO Director/Title IX Investigator/University ADA Coordinator, via email at or by phone at (270) 745-5121. The University is also required to investigate complaints of sex and gender-based harassment, also a form of discrimination, and has designated the Title IX Coordinator as the individual responsible for coordinating the investigation and response to such complaints. The Title IX Coordinator for the University is Ms. Deborah Wilkins, who can be contacted via email at or by phone at (270) 745-5396. Additional information regarding Title IX is accessible via WKU''s ku.edu/titleix/ website. Information concerning educational programs offered by WKU are provided at: ku.edu/atwku/academics.php

Keywords: Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green , Academic Counselor, Upward Bound - Western Kentucky University, Other , Bowling Green, Kentucky