Graduate Admissions Counselor

at  California State University

Job no: 543405
Work type: Staff
Location: East Bay
Categories: Unit 4 - APC - Academic Professionals of California, Probationary, Full Time, Student Services

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Experience:

• The equivalent of two (2) years of professional experience in one of the student services program areas or in a related field.
• Experience should give evidence of competence and indicate the potential for further growth.
• A Master’s degree in a job‑related field may be substituted for one year of professional experience.

Education:

• Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university in one of the behavioral sciences, public or business administration or a job‑related field.
• Additional specialized experience during which the applicant has acquired and successfully applied the knowledge and abilities shown above may be substituted for the required education on a year‑for‑year basis.

Knowledge and Abilities:

• Working knowledge of the practices, procedures and activities of the program to which assigned; general knowledge of the methods and problems of organizational and program management
• General knowledge of research and interview techniques; and of the principles of individual and group behavior.
• Ability to interpret and apply program rules and regulations.
• Use initiative and resourcefulness in planning work assignments and in implementing long-range program improvements.
• Obtain factual and interpretive information through interviews.
• Reason logically; collect, compile, analyze and evaluate data and make verbal or written presentations based on these data.
• Advise students individually and in groups on routine matters where required.
• Recognize multicultural, multi-sexed and multi‑aged value systems and work accordingly.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with faculty, CSU administrators, student organizations, private and public agencies and others in committee work, and student advising and community contacts; and, rapidly acquire a general knowledge of the overall operation, functions and programs of the campus to which assigned.
• Demonstrated ability to make decisions and carry through actions having implications with regard to other program or service areas Services Office.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• A Master’s degree in college student personnel administration, education, counseling, social work, or related area.
• Two (2) or more years of progressively responsible student services experience.
• Knowledge of individual and group dynamics to be used when engaging students.
• Knowledge of university policies and procedures regarding admissions and financial aid.
• Knowledge of, experience with, and ability to serve a diverse student population.
• Ability to act and use excellent judgment in a fast paced, service-oriented daily operation.
• Ability to work in a highly collaborative, diverse, and team-oriented environment.
• Skills in communication including listening, writing and speaking which includes public speaking.
• Skills in organization used to execute multiple projects and assignments simultaneously with an emphasis on accuracy and detail orientation.
• Skills in customer/client service with an emphasis on problem solving to deliver services in a timely and professional manner.
• Ability to generate and maintain collaborative working relationships with campus and community stakeholders.
• Ability to work as part of a team, and take initiative when applicable.

Advise Students and Departments on Admission Requirements, Policies and Procedures:

• Advise prospective applicants regarding application processing and eligibility requirements.
• Provide basic information to prospective and current students needed to successfully prepare for admission, apply, or progress as a Cal State East Bay student.
• Communicate with applicant populations in individual and small group settings both on and off campus.
• Communicate admission requirements to educational counselors and departments as needed.
• Counsel denied applicants regarding options and alternatives.
• Participate in campus events including Graduate Fairs, Preview Day, Welcome Day, Orientation, and related activities.
• Attend and represent Admissions in departmental and campus-wide meetings such as the GAC meetings, among others as appropriate.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with applicants, counselors, faculty and staff.
• Coordinate staff and faculty with various forms of communications to complete an applicant’s admission process

Process Graduate Applications:

• Obtain all required information to determine eligibility using electronically submitted application data and transcript information.
• Assess and interpret self-reported applicant information and academic records for determination of eligibility for admission.
• Independently solve problems with individual applications by obtaining additional information from applicants, counselors, faculty and staff.
• Interpret and apply policies to unusual cases and determine when to refer such cases to supervisors.
• Plan the processing and evaluation for an assigned portion of the total applicant pool, simultaneously prioritizing work for different terms of entry.
• Verify admitted applicants eligibility for enrollment.

Evaluate Academic Documents and make Final Admissions Decisions:

• Evaluate applications according to all applicable policies and make final admissions decisions regarding basic CSU Eligibility for Post-Baccalaureate standing.
• Work closely with assigned Graduate Programs to process final department recommendations for admissions and complete final admissions decisions.
• Interpret transcript information and update student records regarding University Writing Skills Requirement as appropriate.
• Complete graduate transmittal form (GTF) and forward to appropriate department for review with appropriate coordination and follow up as needed.
• Assist in the training of support staff as needed.

Advise Students and Departments on Admission Requirements, Policies and Procedures:

• Advise prospective applicants regarding application processing and eligibility requirements.
• Provide basic information to prospective and current students needed to successfully prepare for admission, apply, or progress as a Cal State East Bay student.
• Communicate with applicant populations in individual and small group settings both on and off campus.
• Communicate admission requirements to educational counselors and departments as needed.
• Counsel denied applicants regarding options and alternatives.
• Participate in campus events including Graduate Fairs, Preview Day, Welcome Day, Orientation, and related activities.
• Attend and represent Admissions in departmental and campus-wide meetings such as the GAC meetings, among others as appropriate.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with applicants, counselors, faculty and staff.
• Coordinate staff and faculty with various forms of communications to complete an applicant’s admission process.

Other duties as assigned.