JOB SUMMARY:
The TRIO Advisor reports to the Director of TRIO SSS. The Advisor will provide guidance to TRIO SSS students on curriculum requirements, academic achievement, course scheduling, and university policies and procedures. This position will also be responsible for working with a wide variety of academic and student service units across campus and the implementation of retention-based initiatives for TRIO SSS students.
This is a grant-funded position that will end on August 31, 2027.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provide information and assistance to students concerning academic programs, curricula, academic requirements, and related policies and procedures.
- Advise students in the selection of an academic program and related course selection.
- Assist students in monitoring academic progress.
- Maintain student records pertaining to academic advisement services.
- Review potential SSS applications for eligibility and document/verify eligibility criteria.
- Interview and evaluate eligible applicants and prioritize those who comply with grant requirements and exhibit the strongest need for services.
- Establish and maintain an SSS program waiting list to fill vacancies due to attrition.
- Collaborate with other State projects to serve as many eligible students as possible.
- Facilitate registration for SSS students each semester.
- Work with students to complete and submit their FAFSA for the upcoming academic year.
- Develop an Individual Cardinal Plan with each SSS student.
- Participate in programs and services for new students (e.g., summer bridge program).
- Establish and maintain regular contact with SSS students during formal ICP meetings and bi-weekly contact.
- Provide appropriate assistance and intervention support services for targeted student populations.
- Direct students toward appropriate support services and help centers.
- Other duties as assigned to impact student success and retention initiatives.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Supervision is received from the Director TRIO SSS program.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED: May supervise student employees.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Two years of related work experience
- Excellent written and oral communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work independently and under occasional pressure.
- Ability to work as a team with administration, faculty, and staff.
- Ability to work a flexible and varying schedule, including two afternoons per week.
- Ability to develop and implement creative strategies for program-specific recruitment.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn new software quickly.
- Experience and ability to positively interact with all members of the campus community
- Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Knowledge of all SVSU curricula.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Duties are performed indoors and not normally exposed to adverse conditions.
- All work associated with this role must be performed within the state of Michigan.
The above reflects the general details considered necessary to describe the essential functions of the job and shall not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements that may be inherent in the job. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.
About SVSU:
Saginaw Valley State University is a comprehensive university with more than 100 programs of study for its roughly 7,000 students. Located on a suburban campus in Michigan’s Great Lakes Bay Region, SVSU is committed to a supportive and empowering environment for students, faculty and staff. SVSU was recognized as a “Great College to Work For” for 9 consecutive years (2016-2024).
SVSU emphasizes undergraduate teaching and learning, and community-based research. SVSU earned the Community Engagement classification from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, a distinction achieved by only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities. By their senior year, 84 percent of students have engaged with community employers and agencies in internships, field placements or some other component of their academic preparation.
SVSU is establishing itself as a leader in STEAM education for the Great Lakes Bay Region, partnering with businesses, foundations and school districts to improve students’ performance in math, science and the arts at the middle school, high school and university levels. SVSU is constructing the first university research facility on Lake Huron to improve public health and the economy in the Saginaw Bay watershed.
More than 70 percent of SVSU freshmen live on campus in student housing that has been rated No. 1 among public universities in the U.S. (2018-2025). SVSU fields 20 varsity sports at the NCAA Division II level. The average class size is 23 students. For more information, please visit our website, http://www.svsu.edu.
