Department Purpose

The Academic Retention Initiatives (ARI's) at UC Davis aims to improve academic outcomes by amplifying and encouraging historically marginalized student populations through culturally relevant academic programs and resources. The Chicanx and Latinx Retention Initiative (CLRI) is committed to guiding and supporting scholars toward academic success by creating a culturally based learning environment. We utilize an asset-based and student-centered holistic approach that values our scholars' social, cultural, and personal development. At its core, CLRI seeks to empower our scholars to thrive through the following three objectives: Transformational Growth, Self-efficacy, and connections. The Chicanx and Latinx Retention Initiative advocates for institutional transformation through student-informed retention practices that empower scholars to engage in community, resources, and advocacy. We provide access and guidance to support their success as future leaders in their professional careers.

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Director of the Strategic Chicanx Latinx Retention Initiative (SCLRI) and the Center for Chicanx Latinx Academic Student Success (El Centro), the Academic Success Advisor position is the subject matter expert regarding all academic advising aspects of (SCLRI). The Academic Success Advisor will be responsible for providing academic interventions and identity-conscious support using data driven proactive outreach strategies. The Academic Success Advisor will encourage and facilitate student involvement and success in campus life, student organizations, academic excellence, and community engagement. The Academic Success Advisor will organize and provide leadership on all advising functions, confidential issues and materials involving interaction with university administrators, deans and faculty, staff, students, and the general public. In partnership with all academic advising units, the incumbent will work to implement campus-wide academic advising initiatives, Chicanx Latinx academic success initiatives, and act as the representative of the unit in discussions with other student oriented units, including all four undergraduate colleges. The position will support (SCLRI) in providing culturally relevant opportunities in the areas of academic support and intervention, conflict resolution, career development, counseling, and advocacy for the ChiLat community on the UC Davis campus.

POSITION INFORMATION

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to sit for long periods of time
• Ability to utilize a computer and other peripheral equipment
• Ability to frequently lift up to 50 pounds

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work occasional evenings/nights.
• Work occasional weekends and holidays.
• The Smoke and Tobacco Free Environment policy is intended to provide a healthier, safer, and more productive work and learning environment for the entire UC community. The University of California prohibits smoking and tobacco use at all University owned or leased properties, or facilities operated by UC staff or faculty. Smoking and tobacco use are strictly prohibited in indoor and outdoor spaces, parking lots, residential space, and University vehicles. https://ucdavispolicy.ellucid.com/documents/view/271

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Education/Experience:

• Experience advising and counseling students in a University setting including academic planning and course selection techniques, study skills, and policies and procedures.
• Experience assessing high school, community college and university transcripts and accurately calculating course grades and grade point averages, balances and deficiencies. Knowledge of university, college, major, design, general education and NCAA policy requirements and their application to specific programs. Knowledge of transfer admissions criteria and applicability of credit from other institutions; course registration procedures and other information and available forms.
• Experience developing, organizing and implementing educational programs, academic interventions, workshops or seminars to enhance student development and retention within the Chicanx/Latinx student community.
• Experience addressing the financial, emotional, and academic specific needs of Chicanx/Latinx students in an institution of higher learning.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA) :

• Interpersonal and communication skills to communicate effectively including writing, editing and proofreading skills to clearly and accurately answer correspondence, write reports and develop informational materials.
• Knowledge of Chicanx/Latinx dynamics within a University setting, and the academic environment and pressures encountered by Chicanx/Latinx students at a major research university, and of the personal and social problems commonly encountered by Chicanx/Latinx college students of all backgrounds.
• Knowledge of assessment to evaluate student learning and educational effectiveness.
• Bilingual/Bicultural skills to conduct advising sessions in Spanish when needed and give presentations and engage in family programming for monolingual Spanish speaking families

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA) :

• Knowledge of UC Davis Academic Senate rules and regulations as they apply to undergraduate education including campus administrative reporting deadlines and procedures related to advising and instructional processes.
• Knowledge of UC policies regarding affirmative action and privacy of information.
• Skills to retrieve, correlate, and analyze information for the preparation of reports, schedules, correspondence, etc, utilizing campus data management systems
• Knowledge of evidence based approaches used to enhance student achievement and success. Proven skill using effective strategies for designing, planning, and implementing academic and holistic support programs for minoritized and/or first-generation college students.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Background Check

This position is a critical position and subject to a background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background investigation including criminal history and identity checks.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're solving life's most urgent challenges to bring a fuller, healthier, and more resilient world within reach. We grow from every challenge we take on and we don't just maintain - we improve. We recognize that creating an inclusive and intellectually vibrant organization means understanding and valuing both our individual differences and our common ground. The most comprehensive solutions come from the most diverse minds, and you belong here. As you consider joining UC Davis, please explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education, and our latest efforts to outgrow the expected. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20.

For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.