UC Santa Barbara - Student Advisor

KSE GLOBAL Education - UC Santa Barbara Connect Program

The UC Santa Barbara Connect Program, offered by UCSB Professional and Continuing Education in collaboration with KSE Global Education, provides a two-year pathway for global high school graduates to enroll at the University of California, Santa Barbara. The program offers a structured, comprehensive college curriculum built specifically for international students and a pathway to four-year degree programs.

We are looking for an advisor who deeply understands TAG (Transfer Admission Guarantee) and ideally has worked at a California community college such as SBCC (Santa Barbara City College), and who can guide students through course selection on the community-college-to-UC transfer pathway.

Learn more about the UCSB Connect Program: https://ucsb-connect.ksedu.co

Learn more about KSE Global Education: https://ksedu.co/programs

How to apply:

Interested candidates should email their resume to: hr@ksedu.co

UCSB Connect Student Advisor

Full-time - onsite Residential

Under the general direction of the Director of Admissions, the Student Advisor provides comprehensive advising to program participants with the goal of ensuring student success. The Student Advisor assists students with course selection, transfer planning, academic policy guidance, progress monitoring, referrals to campus resources, and community building among program participants.

The UCSB Connect Student Advisor also provides leadership in the development and implementation of career advisement programs, initiatives, policies, and procedures to ensure successful outcomes for all UCSB Connect students.

This role requires the UCSB Connect Student Advisor to reside onsite with participating students for the duration of the program. Housing accommodations will be fully provided by KSE Global Education.

Key Responsibilities

• Transfer (TAG) advising: Advise students on the UC Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) pathway from California community colleges, building and maintaining individualized course-selection plans that satisfy both TAG eligibility and intended-major prerequisites.
• Course planning tools: Guide students through UC-transferable course planning using ASSIST.org articulation agreements and the UC Transfer Admission Planner (UC TAP), tracking unit, GPA, UC-E (English), and UC-M (math) requirements toward junior standing.
• Deadline management: Manage TAG application timelines and deadlines (September TAG filing window, October–November UC application, January Transfer Academic Update), keeping students on track term by term.
• Orientation: Assist with annual orientation, including move-in and logistical matters such as setting up bank accounts, cell phone numbers, and accessing health insurance.
• Registration & policy: Guide students through class registration, add/drop processes, and related academic policies, including course petitions, substitutions, and academic procedures.
• Major & pathway guidance: Assist students in identifying potential majors and minors, and navigating academic pathways aligned with their goals and TAG major-match requirements.
• Individual check-ins: Meet individually with each student at least twice per term for regular check-ins; when necessary, connect students to resources such as faculty, teaching assistants, tutoring, transfer advising, and wellness.
• Cultural acclimation: Support students in cultural acclimation by offering guidance and, when needed, language assistance or translation support.
• Progress monitoring: Monitor student academic progress each term and provide proactive support. When necessary, meet with students, parents, and staff to design solutions that promote academic success.
• Community building: In cooperation with the Associate Director of Program Management, proactively engage with students to foster community among program participants, including events, study groups, etc.
• On-call support: With the support of the Associate Director of Program Management, act as the “on call” staff person to assist in resolving disputes and supporting students in crisis.

Ideal Qualifications

• Master’s degree in higher education, student affairs, counseling, or a related field; applicants currently completing a Master’s degree will be considered.
• 1–3 years of experience in academic advising, student affairs, academic program development, teaching, international education, or residential life. Demonstrated, working knowledge of the UC TAG program and the California community college to UC transfer process, including ASSIST.org and UC TAP UC Transfer Admission Planner.
• Direct experience advising or counseling students on community college course selection and transfer planning.
• Working knowledge of undergraduate major selection and career-pathway planning; ability to design advising programs and initiatives that address students’ academic and pre-career development needs.
• Demonstrated understanding of, commitment to, and skill in fostering an equitable and inclusive campus community of belonging for all students, staff, and faculty.
• Experience engaging global cultures; Mandarin language skills are highly desired.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior work experience as an advisor, counselor, or transfer specialist at a California community college (e.g., Santa Barbara City College / SBCC or a comparable CCC transfer center).
• Familiarity with UCSB TAG requirements and major articulation, and experience supporting international students through the transfer pathway.

KSE Global Education • UCSB Connect Program