Copy of Transition Programs & Commuter Services Specialist

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION: 

Supports University engagement initiatives through the development and coordination of transition programs and commuter services for students.

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES: 

Provides primary support for transition programs and commuter services initiatives, programs, and events. Assists in developing, planning, implementing, and assessing initiatives and programs that support the academic, co-curricular engagement, and outreach and support services for new students transitioning into the CI community, and the commuter student population. Regularly utilizes student development theory, research, best practice, and assessment tools in order to identify and understand the needs of students transitioning to university life, and of commuter students, in developing and implementing initiatives to serve these student populations. Provides consultation, guidance, mentorship, leadership, support, and coordination, through programming and advising efforts, to potential and current students in Commuter Services and Transition Programs. Assists with developing and supporting co-curricular opportunities, events, and programs to enhance student engagement, pride, and sense of community. Creates planning guides for the implementation of transition and commuter events, such as Commuter Coffee, Transfer Connections, Student Service Summit, Welcome Celebration, Ask Me Campaign, Dolphin Days, as well as additional events specific to transfer and commuter student initiatives. Assists with establishing and implementing organizational goals, objectives, and operating procedures as related to University engagement initiatives. Monitors and evaluates programmatic and operational effectiveness through the Division's Comprehensive Program Review assessment model and develops procedures to implement changes required for improvement. Assists with overseeing the development of future programs based on constituent needs, national trends, and best practices. Serves as an educator and resource to support student growth and development. Coordinates regular student satisfaction, benchmarking surveys and stays abreast of current trends in Commuter Services and Transition Programs. Assists with the maintenance of the program budget. Partners with various offices across campus in order to expand academic connections and create seamless co-curricular programmatic learning experiences for all students, particularly in the development of a transition experience program. Collaborates with various offices across campus to assess student needs among the commuter student body, to promote student programs throughout campus to increase engagement and student success, and connect commuter students with resources on an off campus that meet their unique needs. Works closely with, and provides support to New Student Orientation Programs to ensure seamless experience for students from orientation through the first year of enrollment. Selects, trains, schedules, and provides day-to-day oversight of student staff, graduate assistants, interns, and volunteers associated with programs. Performs additional related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISOR/OTHER WORK RELATIONSHIPS:

Reports directly to the Director of Student Transition & Engagement Programs. Works collaboratively with staff within Campus Life, the Division of Student Affairs, the Division of Academic Affairs, Parking & Transportation Services, and related campus and community partners.

REQUIREMENTS OF POSITION: 

Bachelor’s degree in college student personnel, higher education or related field required; Master’s degree preferred. At least two years of professional experience in college student program development, including events and activities based on meeting student needs required; a master’s degree in a related field may be substituted for one year of experience. Ability to recruit, train and supervise students, and volunteers to organize, prioritize and schedule work assignments. Knowledge of student development theory and performance management skills. Knowledge of student support programs and services. Knowledge of customer service standards and procedures. Ability to plan and evaluate co-curricular programs. Ability to plan, organize and direct multiple programs and activities. Knowledge of retention literature and strategies. Ability to use independent judgment when communicating program information to various constituents. Ability to foster a cooperative and positive work environment. Strong interpersonal communication skills as well as the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community. Must be organized and follow directions with minimal supervision and handle multiple tasks. Must possess a high degree of enthusiasm for and experience with the development of educational and social activities that effectively engage college students. Ability to adapt quickly in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities and deadlines. Ability to interpret and apply policies and procedures independently and use judgment and discretion to act when precedents do not exist. Experience with acquiring event sponsorship is preferred. Must maintain the confidentiality of student information at all times (as per FERPA). Must demonstrate inclusivity and be able to communicate effectively with a diverse population of students, faculty, staff and community members.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with the CSU. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for the position.

The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.