WiTEACH Leadership Program
Advisor/Recruiter
Click here for on-line application
The University of Wisconsin River Falls, a member of the University of Wisconsin System, is located in scenic west central Wisconsin, 30 miles from the multi-cultural, multi-ethnic cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Year-round arts, cultural and recreational events are easily accessible from River Falls. UWRF's 6,400 undergraduate and graduate students pursue degrees in four colleges: Arts and Sciences, Education and Professional Studies; Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Science; and Business and Economics. The University provides an excellent environment for learning, emphasizing the importance of faculty-student interaction in classrooms, laboratories, academic advising and co-curricular activities. A favorable student-faculty ratio affords opportunity for meaningful interchange between faculty and students. Strong interests in teaching, research and community service are highly valued.
The Position:
The WiTEACH Leadership program seeks a talented and motivated individual who understands holistic student development to work with the Director of the WiTEACH program to significantly contribute to the state-wide initiative to increase the pool of talented, qualified and well-trained PK – 12 educators from diverse backgrounds as well as the pool of qualified and well-trained PK – 12 STEM educators.
In this position, the individual will support the college's initiatives to recruit and retain students of diverse and underrepresented backgrounds for both the STEM and Diversity initiatives in the Teacher Education program in the School of Education at the University of WI – River Falls .
Position Responsibilities:
In collaboration with the Director, implement activities designed to support students involved in the WiTEACH program
- Monitor academic progress of all program participants and students being recruited for program participation.
- Meet with participants, both individually and as a group at least weekly to advise and support the students.
- Attend classes with participants when needed to provide help with study skills.
- Provide effective interventions when needed.
- Provide information and referral to campus tutoring services, counseling, career exploration/assessment, crisis intervention, and financial resources.
- Arrange for academic support or tutoring when needed.
- Arrange group study sessions and individual tutoring for students in developmental mathematics, reading, English and other topics as needed.
- Maintain continuous contact with program participants.
- Provide guidance and support on college admissions/college transfer, graduation, advising and registration, course selection and completion.
- Provide guidance on the use of scholarship funds and other sources of financial support.
- Coordinate activities for the program participants, such as field trips educational/professional development activities.
- Assist in the coordination of SUMMER INSTITUTE activities for students, faculty and staff.
Assist the Director in recruiting, supporting and screening applicants for the WiTEACH program
- Arrange visits to community agencies, service centers, select high school programs, and events in the community.
- Work with the Director on the development and operation of pipeline (pre-college) programs and summer institutes to encourage and facilitate preparation for pursuing careers in teacher education for underrepresented students and those interested in becoming STEM educators.
- Provide information, support and encouragement to applicants throughout the enrollment process.
- Assist students with the processing of financial aid and scholarship applications.
- Work closely with college support services to evaluate and enhance structures and practices aimed at ensuring the success of a diverse student population in teacher education in general, and STEM-related disciplines in teacher education
- Work with the Director of Admissions and the Marketing Communications Director to support the college's goal for recruitment of underrepresented students in teacher education in general, and STEM-related disciplines in teacher education.
Assist in the development and growth of the WiTEACH program
- Work with the Director to develop a program that can sustain multiple cohorts simultaneously, while maintaining fidelity to program mission
- Assist in the on-going development of strategies for identifying and recruiting diverse students for studies in teacher education, particularly STEM-related disciplines in teacher education
- Provide advice and counsel to students who have questions about teacher education training, educator employment, and fields of education in general.
- Provide advice and counsel to students who have questions about STEM fields, academic preparation for studies in STEM-related disciplines, and/or questions regarding careers in STEM-related disciplines in teacher education
- Provide documentation to track student retention and provide services to enhance their likelihood of continuing their education.
Along with the Director, participate in appropriate college committees and planning in areas effecting multicultural services to underrepresented students in the college overall, in teacher education and in STEM disciplines across campus.
- A member of various councils on Diversity
- Participant in STEM-related committees
- Member of Admissions and Recruitment planning team/advisory committees
- Consultant to the University of Wisconsin – River Falls Foundation
- Consultant to the WiTEACH Advisory board
The position is a professional academic support position. Compensation is based on qualifications, including education and experience.
Qualifications (Required):
- Baccalaureate Degree.
- Demonstrated experience in advising and college recruitment.
- Demonstrated knowledge, background, and experience working with diverse groups of people.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Adherence to confidentiality and data privacy expectations.
- Demonstrated professionalism, self-motivation, self-management skills, and task fulfillment skills.
- Ability to be comfortable with ambiguity in a diverse organization.
- Ability to coordinate and promote campus events.
- A high level of cultural awareness.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Masters degree in relevant field.
- Experiences with college level preparation and success programs.
- Experience in an academic/higher education setting.
- Knowledge of STEM fields and the academic preparation and support needed for success in STEM disciplines, teacher education and professional employment.
- Knowledge of student support in STEM disciplines and teacher education.
- Knowledge of academic programs, technology, financial aid, support systems, the University of Wisconsin system, PK - 12 education in Wisconsin and Minnesota, and needs of target populations is also necessary.
- Significant knowledge and experiences with underrepresented populations in STEM –related disciplines and teaching professions (e.g. women in science (and math), first generation, low income, ethnic populations, non-traditional students).
The individual in this position must have exceptional problem solving, facilitation, and organizational skills. The individual must have the ability to build relationships across campus and with the broader communities with which we work and serve.
Qualifications considered an asset:
- Strong organizational skills with proven ability to perform multiple tasks and meet deadlines
- Excellent customer service, strong oral and written communication skills, exceptional interpersonal skills, attention to detail, creativity, and technical competence
- Commitment to working in a highly collaborative, team-oriented environment
- Demonstrated awareness of and sensitivity to diverse student populations and ability to contribute to the University's commitment to enhancing student awareness and appreciation of diverse ethnic and cultural heritages
To Apply:
Submit a resume (or curriculum vitae), letter of interest specifying qualifications and experience and two separate statements. The first addressing your philosophy of diversity and cultural competence. The second addressing your philosophy of student advising and support, as well as your understanding of student development theory and practice. Include the names, addresses and telephone numbers of at least three references who can specifically comment upon your experience and professional preparation. All finalists will be required to provide unofficial transcripts (official copies will be required if hired). Note: Electronic submission of application materials is required. To apply for this position, please go to the following UW-River Falls on-line application at: https://jobs.uwrf.edu/applicants/jsp/shared/frameset/Frameset.jsp?time=1238609519805
Questions should be addressed to:
Genella M. Stubrud, Ph.D.
genella.stubrud@uwrf.edu
Background checks will be done on all final candidates for all positions.
The names of all nominees and applicants who have not requested confidentiality in writing, and identities of all finalists must be released upon request.
Deadline to Apply: Review of Applications will begin on Tuesday, December 1, 2009 and continue until the applicant pool is approved.
The University is committed to creating an educational community which enhances student awareness and appreciation of diverse ethnicities and cultures and which actively supports tolerance, civility and respect for the rights and sensibilities of each person without regard to economic status, ethnic background, political views, sexual orientation, or other personal characteristics or beliefs. Awareness of and sensitivity to diverse ethnic and cultural heritages are especially sought in applicants.
UW-River Falls is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer subject to all state and federal regulations pertaining to non-discrimination based upon sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, color, national origin, religion, disability, marital status, age, arrest and/or conviction record, veteran status and membership in the national guard, state defense force, or any other reserve component of the military forces of the United States or the State of Wisconsin. All persons, especially women, persons of color, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Employment is subject to federal laws that require verification of your identity and legal right to work in the United States as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act.
For a copy of UW-River Falls campus safety information see http://www.uwrf.edu/public-safety/resources/crime_report.pdf or call Public Safety at (715) 425-3133 for a paper copy. This material includes crime statistics (Annual Security Report) and information on crime prevention, sexual assault and drug/alcohol issues.
