Description

Position Overview

The Student Support Services program supports the success of undergraduate students at the University of Central Oklahoma who identify as a first-generation college student, someone who has financial need, or someone who has a disability or diagnosed condition. An undergraduate or graduate student at the University of Central Oklahoma will gain essential work and educational experience needed to obtain full-time employment in higher education, student affairs, and TRIO programs within the higher education field. The Program Assistant is required to work 15-20 hours per week in this role and must maintain a minimum 2.50 GPA and be enrolled in at least half time credit hours for the fall and spring semesters. Student Support Services is a program that is funded to serve first-generation students who come from any major or background.

Hours per Week

• 20 hours per week (flexibility offered)
• The SSS Office is open Monday – Friday from 8am – 5pm
• This position is primarily in person with potential for work after office hours and weekends

College/Department Overview

Participants in the Student Support Services program receive individualized coaching services: advising, financial aid advising, FAFSA one-on-one assistance, financial/economic literacy workshops, tutoring, near-peer mentoring, study skills workshops, graduate prep curriculum, research opportunities, cultural events, and grant aid for financially eligible students.

Department Specific Job Functions

Under the direction and supervision of the Project Director and Retention Coordinator, the Program Assistant has the responsibility of:

• Evaluating eligible participants, conduct intake interviews, administer assessments, and develop Individual Learning Plans
• Monitoring and track participant records via secure electronic database
• Providing academic advisement, financial aid counseling, and personal coaching individually or through workshop settings
• Documenting unit-level services provided for each student to chart data for tracking and monitoring program objectives and goals

Secondary Responsibilities:

• Attend both SSS program and SSS all staff monthly staff meetings and trainings hosted by SSS
• Attend TRIO Workshops and other UCO Related Programming to support SSS Participants
• Attend required trainings and events supporting federal program objectives and services
• Work evening/weekends as needed

Special Instructions for Applicants

Applicants selected for an interview will give a 5-minute speech or presentation about their philosophy on first-generation and low-income students obtaining a four-year degree. Email ncontreras@uco.edu for questions about this position.

Enrollment Requirements

Fall/Spring Semesters: All student employees must be enrolled at least half time to be eligible to work any UCO student position. Half time enrollment for Fall/Spring is considered 5 hours for graduates and 6 hours for undergraduates. International students shall be enrolled full time to be eligible to work as a student worker. Full time enrollment is 9 credit hours for graduates and 12 credit hours for undergraduates.

Summer Semester: Student employees working regular student positions must be enrolled in at least 3 credit hours to be eligible to work during the summer. Students not enrolled in summer classes must be enrolled in Fall classes in order to work on campus, but they (and the department) will be required to pay FICA taxes. Student employees working FWSP positions must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours (if undergraduate) or 5 credit hours (if graduate) in order to work during the summer in a Federal Work Study Program position.

Enrollment Exception: If the number of credit hours needed to graduate is less than the minimum number of hours required for student employment, the student must obtain a letter from their Academic Advisor (stating the number of hours needed to graduate and anticipated graduation date) and submit it to Human Resources. This pertains to both regular and Federal Work Study Program positions. Contact jobs@uco.edu for more information.

Qualifications/Experience Required

Currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate student classification status at UCO.

Qualifications/Experience Preferred

• General knowledge of UCO departments and campus life/getting involved on campus
• Experience mentoring young adults and adults
• Flexible schedule, ability to work evenings and weekends
• Should be open to various cultures, practices, and orientations and display sensitivity to controversial topics

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge retention strategies for college success, best practices, and population-based theories and models
• Demonstrated knowledge of evidence-informed mentoring and coaching strategies
• Demonstrated skills in a variety of educational methods including presentations, workshops, trainings and small group discussion/facilitation
• Strong interpersonal skills and a desire to work with college students
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Have sensitivity of intercultural communication
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Dependable and thorough
• Detail oriented

Physical Demands

Reasonable accommodations (in accordance with ADA requirements) may be made, upon request, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.