Academic Program Advisor

The Student Success and Affairs department includes the International and Workforce Development Programs, which are an essential part of the UCSC Silicon Valley Extension division, located at 3175 Bowers Avenue, Santa Clara, CA. These programs serve two types of adult students: International and Workforce Development. Our mission is to provide excellent service to these populations, maximize their experience with us and help them reach their academic and professional goals. In total, the department can serve up to 300+ students each quarter. Generally, department staff will work with these students through their whole student journey with UCSC Silicon Valley Extension, from inquiry to application and through program completion and beyond into their career development.

Benefits to working at UC Santa Cruz SILICON VALLEY include:
* Medical / Dental / Vision Insurance Plans
* UC Retirement Plans
* Life Insurance / Legal Insurance / Discounted Pet Insurance
* 14 Paid Holidays Plus Accrued Vacation & Sick Leave
* Employee Discount Programs and much more...

"Work and live in Silicon Valley and be an employee of UC Santa Cruz!"
"Work location is in Santa Clara, the heart of Silicon Valley."

HOW TO APPLY

For full consideration, applicants should attach their resume and cover letter when applying for a job opening. For guidance related to the application process or if you are experiencing difficulties when applying, please review the Applicant Resources on our website.

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INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

UC Santa Cruz jobs are posted until filled. All application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring team for consideration. NOTE: Applicants who miss the IRD are still encouraged to apply; their materials will still be forwarded for consideration if requested by the hiring team. Application materials cannot be accepted outside of the jobs portal. Applications cannot be edited on an applicant's behalf. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, view this link.

The IRD for this job is: 03-26-2025

ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Student Success and Affairs department includes the International and Workforce Development Programs which are an essential part of the UCSC Silicon Valley Extension division located at 3175 Bowers Avenue, Santa Cara, CA.

These programs serve multiple kinds of students: International students with F-1 visas and Workforce Development students funded through WIOA. Our mission is to provide excellent service to these populations, develop new programs, maximize their experience with us, and help them reach their academic and professional goals. In total, the department can serve up to 300+ students each quarter. Generally, department staff will work with these students through their whole student journey with UCSC Silicon Valley Extension, from inquiry to application, through program completion and beyond, into their career development.

More information can be found at https://www.ucsc-extension.edu/

JOB SUMMARY

Using skills as a seasoned, experienced student services professional, provides the full range of student services within University Extension. Independently advises students and resolves student services-related issues on the full range of academic issues inherent within the organization. Advises faculty and management on a variety of student issues. Works with management to recommend changes to policies, practices, and procedures.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $65,000 - $71,000/year. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.
Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.

Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits

Schedule Information:

• Full-time, Fixed
• Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Fri, with occasional evenings and weekends as needed
• Shift Includes: Day, Evenings, Weekend

Employee Classification: Career appointment

Job End Date: None

Work Location: Silicon Valley (Santa Clara, CA)

Union Representation: Non-Represented

Job Code Classification: 004575 (STDT SVC ADVISOR 3) - Grade 19

Travel: Up to 25% of the time

JOB DUTIES

30% - International Student Advising

• Academic Advising: Advises students on policies and procedures; reviews students' progress and advises students and faculty on requirements for program completion; identifies students with progression problems and recommends interventions; devises curriculum planning in collaboration with Instructors, Program Managers, Program Director, and/or departments.
  Provides program and enrollment/scheduling advising to potential and currently enrolled students.
• Immigration: Takes on the DSO (Principal Designated School Officer) role for UCSC Silicon Valley Extension and is one of the contacts for SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System), DHS (Department of Homeland Security), and USCIS (United States Citizen and Immigration Services). Creating I-20's for new student applications, SEVIS registration, providing travel signatures, and other various student requests.
• Student Conduct: Responsible for interpreting organization policies and advising students on student conduct. Works in collaboration with Instructors, Program Managers, Program Director, and/or departments on student grievances, disputes, and issues regarding discrimination.

30% - Workforce Student Advising

• Academic Advising for Workforce students: Processes inquiries for prospective students for Workforce Development and works closely with the workforce agency and case manager. Provides guidance and assistance to students from inquiry to enrollment. Advises students on policies and procedures; reviews students' progress and advises students and faculty on requirements for program completion; identifies students with progression problems and recommends interventions; devises curriculum planning in collaboration with Instructors, Program Managers, Program Director, and/or departments. Provides program and enrollment/scheduling advising to potential and currently enrolled students.
• Stays in contact with workforce agency case managers; assists with financial invoices for program costs; and provides progress reports as requested.

20% - Applications

• Recruitment and Admissions for programs that include but are not limited to International Programs, Workforce Programs, Certificate Programs, main campus collaborations, etc. Plans and implements outreach programs with specifically targeted institutions; advises prospective applicants on necessary academic preparation and appropriateness of program as it pertains to the prospective applicant's goals; utilizing in-depth knowledge of the organization's programs, admissions criteria, helps rank applicants for admissions; evaluates domestic and international transcripts for degree eligibility; initiates and arranges student recruitment visits.
• International: Processes applications for International Program prospective students. Provides non-legal advising, guidance and assistance to students from inquiry to enrollment.
• Takes on a DSO role for UCSC Silicon Valley Extension and is one of the contacts for SEVIS, DHS and USCIS. Creating I-20's for new student applications, SEVIS registration, providing travel signatures, and other various student requests.
• Meets tight deadlines with a high attention to details.
• Other: Processes applications for other student programs as needed.

10% - Outreach, Events, Career & Student Services

• Events: Coordinates and implements non-complex student events and assists in the planning and implementation of complex events.
• Outreach to international recruitment agent partners and international students; presents Extension programs at virtual and in person events as needed; keeps track of outreach and recruitment efforts.
• Student Orientation: Oversees and conducts orientations of new students.
  Assists with organization of Job Fairs. Identifies and cultivates potential employers for Job Fairs and/or Internships. Plans, designs, and provides workshops for students, such as information about the organization or academic strategies and enrichment programs. Develops and enhances an alumni recruitment network.
• Applying professional student services concepts, provides the full range of student services to the student populations served by the organization.
• Career Counseling: Advises department/college/school students on the job market process, and the standards and norms specific to the student's field of study; advises on internship programs; develops and maintains network of departments and updates the internship partner company list. Assists students applying to OPT.

10% - New Programs

• Assists with organizing and implementing processes for new programs in the international department. This includes collaboration with UCSC Main Campus departments and University Extension. The new programs could include short study programs, pathways programs, main campus collaborations and other new developments as they arise.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
• Experience as a DSO (Designated School Officer) or PDSO (Principal Designated School Officer).
• Working knowledge of advising and counseling techniques with keen interest in helping students meet their academic and career goals.
• Skills in judgment and decision-making, problem solving, identifying measures of system performance and the actions to improve performance.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Multicultural competencies; ability to work with diverse populations.
• Ability in problem identification and reasoning.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in related discipline: TESOL, Higher Education Administration, International Education, Adult Education, or related area.
• Ability to exhibit a positive growth mindset.
• Ability to develop original ideas to solve problems.
• Knowledge of University-specific computer application programs and knowledge of University and departmental principles and procedures involved in risk assessment and evaluating risks as to likelihood and consequences.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Selected candidate must pass the employment misconduct disclosure process.
• Exercise the utmost discretion in managing sensitive information learned in the course of performing their duties. Sensitive information includes but is not limited to employee and student records, health and patient records, financial data, strategic plans, proprietary information, and any other sensitive or non-public information learned during the course and scope of employment. Understands that sensitive information should be shared on a limited basis and actively takes steps to limit access to sensitive information to individuals who have legitimate business need to know. Ensure that sensitive information is properly safeguarded. Follow all organizational policies and laws on data protection and privacy. This includes secure handling of physical and digital records and proper usage of IT systems to prevent data leaks. The unauthorized or improper disclosure of confidential work-related information obtained from any source on any work-related matter is a violation of these expectations.
• Ability to work long periods of time at a computer with or without accommodation.
• The selected candidate will be required to work a hybrid work schedule and must be able to work successfully from a home/remote office and fulfill the requirements of the UCSC telecommuting agreement.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as directed.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• Ability to travel to multiple work locations on and off campus.
• Ability to maintain appearance and conduct suitable for working in a professional setting.
• The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California vaccine program.
• Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment. CANRA Penal Codes, and related definitions, requirements, and responsibilities may be obtained here.

MISCONDUCT DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENT

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

a. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

- UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
- UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
- Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

SAFETY STATEMENT

All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY

EEO/AA

The University of California is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. UC Santa Cruz is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees.

For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20

For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination