VSI Advisor

The Valpo Success Initiative (VSI) Advisor serves as the main point of contact for the students. The advisor should help students navigate matters holistically to promote student thriving and success. The advisor will oversee the support services provided to VSI students, including planning and coordinating support activities, supervising student interns, and reporting activities related to the academic success of participants. The advisor will help develop bridge and transition programs from the Access College (VSI) to a four-year degree and will provide guidance to students who wish to obtain a bachelor's degree.

Major Responsibilities:

• Facilitate and provide guidance to students whose lower socio-economic backgrounds have limited their family support, positive parental experiences, and guidance necessary to navigate day-to-day college life. Guide students toward academic excellence, self-direction on seeking scholarships, research opportunities, and developing habits that promote academic success.
• Develop and implement programs that address academic behavior, self-regulating learning habits, and effective problem-solving techniques.
• Develop and implement a high-impact retention program that charts students' challenges and strengths, analyze results, and assist students in setting realistic and productive short-term and long-term goals for personal and academic success.
• Develop and implement programs that enhance and support mentoring activities that facilitate the transition to college, persistence, critical thinking skills, and pursuit of excellence.
• Assess, develop and implement programs that enhance and support student motivation, engagement in learning that leads to enhanced self-perception, self-confidence, and self-image.
• Oversee adherence to procedures established for the efficient and effective delivery of services; incorporates strategies to ensure maximum participation in program activities.
• Develop methods to evaluate and monitor the effectiveness of the initiative through pre and post-tests and analysis of student data; prepares progress reports related to student participation and academic success for the university.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Bachelor's Degree in Higher Education, Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, or related field.
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse or underrepresented student populations.
• Demonstrated experience in higher education, student learning, counseling, or related experience with students in an academic setting.

Preferred Knowledge and Skills:

• Master’s in Higher Education, Counseling, Social Work, Student Personnel, Psychology, or related field.
• Demonstrated experience with the target population’s needs and perspectives.
• 1-3 years of experience advising and/or counseling college-age students.

Successful applicants will demonstrate a commitment to cultural diversity and the ability to work with individuals or groups from diverse backgrounds.

All offers of employment with Valparaiso University are contingent upon clear results of a thorough background check. Background checks may include criminal history, motor vehicle reports, prior employment verification, and personal/professional references. If applicable to the position, background checks will also include credit history. Background checks will be conducted on all final candidates for employment.

Valparaiso University requires all employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or apply for and receive a qualified exemption within two weeks of the employment start date.

To be considered for this position you must upload:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• List of 3 professional references
• Answer all the application questions

Please address cover letter to:

Amanda Brobst-Renaud, Interim Director VSI

Valparaiso University

Valparaiso, IN 46383