College Adviser

This is a project pay position. Provides professional support. Responsibilities may include general business, science, medical, agricultural or other professional support functions.

The listed $31,000 living stipend is for work performed August 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, with contract renewal depending on funding. There is also an education award of $7395. 

Michigan State University College Advising Corps (MSUCAC) is seeking to help more Michigan students pursue post-secondary education. Recent Michigan State University graduates will serve as College Advisers in selected public high schools across Michigan, particularly those that are located in communities with low socio-economic status and low adult educational attainment rates. In conjunction with school professionals, MSUCAC college advisers will serve and will support students as they make the transition from high school to a post-secondary institutions. Advisers serve full time and focus on low-income, first-generation students, mentoring these students through the complex and costly steps toward college enrollment. Advisers will provide students and their families with relevant information regarding the benefits of a post-secondary education, preparing for college attendance, and the admission and financial aid processes. 

Primary Responsibilities: 

• Interact with high school students and/or families in the assigned high school to provide relevant information about the post-secondary education experience and the college admission/financial aid processes: 
• Encourage each student to consider a broad range of appropriate college choices 
• Develop for each student a comprehensive college timeline, including application deadlines for admission and financial aid 
• Help each student complete and submit admissions and financial aid applications 
• Assist each student in interpreting correspondence from colleges, including offers of admission and financial aid 
• Provide information regarding high school course selection, test taking skills, and basic financial planning to help ensure students are college-ready 
• Organize group events that encourage students and their families to consider, plan for, and apply to colleges and universities 
• Visit classrooms, assemblies, and club meetings to offer services and emphasize the necessity of post-secondary study 
• Collaborate with local community groups—particularly Local College Access Networks (LCANs)—to provide college access services outside school setting and hours 
• Host regular workshops for the families of students to discuss topics relevant to college preparation 
• Establish productive professional relationships with principals, counselors, and teachers in assigned high school as well as other community-based college access representatives 
• Assess, in consultation with MSUCAC leadership, and the communities Local College Access Network, the particular assets and needs of assigned school, and adapt programs and activities to fill gaps, reinforce existing activities, and avoid duplication 
• Actively seek the advice and counsel of the on-site supervisor at assigned high school 
• Assist in the assessment and promotion of the program 
• Assist MSUCAC to identify, collect, and interpret key progress and outcome variables to evaluate the effectiveness of the MSUCAC program 
• Submit regular progress reports to the MSUCAC documenting progress and outcome data 
• Represent MSUCAC, as requested by program staff, to promote the program and the service being done in the schools 
• Maintain regular professional communication with school staff and MSUCAC staff 
• Maintain expertise in admissions and financial aid advising 
• Participate in required training 
• Participate fully in monthly professional development coordinated by MSUCAC supervisors 
• In consultation with your supervisors, seek out and participate in other opportunities for professional development 

Compensation will include: 

Living stipend $31,000.00 

Education Award $7,395.00 

Health Insurance (medical) 

Required Qualifications:  

• Bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University, in any major, within the last 3 years OR Bachelor’s degree from any university, in any major, within the last 3 years AND graduated from a partner high school indicated here: https://linktr.ee/msu_cac 
• Must Successfully pass background check as required by MSUCAC and the assigned school district. 

• Proven ability to connect effectively with students, faculty, and staff, including those from diverse backgrounds 
• Previous experience demonstrating strong leadership abilities, influencing others in a positive manner while achieving goals, and effectively communicating ideas and generating support for ideas 
• Ability to accomplish duties independently and analytically, exercise discretion and good judgment 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; proficient computer skills 
• Ability to manage multiple projects; strong planning and organizational skills 
• Demonstrated program development and management experience 
• Willingness to handle complex and detail-oriented responsibilities 
• Team-oriented attitude toward program design, implementation, and evaluation 
• Exhibits high energy, creativity, and ability to assume responsibility, take initiative and develop new programs 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Resume and cover letter. 

Please answer the following questions in your cover letter in three pages or less: 

• When is your expected graduation date? (Semester and Year) 
• What is your college major? 
• Which partner high school did you graduate from? List indicated here: 
• https://linktr.ee/msu_cac 
• Are you a first-generation college student (You do not have at least one parent that completed a four-year degree) 
• List 3 people who will serve as references 
• Why are you interested in serving as an adviser with the MSUCAC? 
• What will make you an effective adviser for secondary students? 
• How do you believe this experience will benefit you both personally and professionally? 

https://collegeadvisingcorps.msu.edu/