Academic Coach

The Academic Coach provides mentoring, supportive counseling, academic coaching, and advising to students participating in Act 101 (The Pennsylvania Higher Education Equal Opportunity Program), participates in the academic and holistic support program offered to EQUIP academic bridge program students, and offers academic coaching to the general student population.

• Acts as a mentor, advisor, and role model to Act 101 students.
• Meets with Act 101 students on a regular basis to monitor academic progress and personal adjustment, develop plans for success, and provide direct support (e.g., academic coaching).
• Works with the Assistant Director for Opportunity Programs to identify Act 10-eligible students and engages students in the program.
• Maintains accurate and timely records of student program participation agreements, contacts and other program activities, ensuring that PHEAA guidelines regarding documentation are followed.
• Assists academically under-prepared or underperforming in creating and following programs for improvement.
• During the summer EQUIP pre-college summer academic bridge program, teaches one course (typically College Survival Skills) and assists with other student support and administrative activities.
• Participates in the recruitment, selection, and training of Peer Counselors for the EQUIP summer academic bridge program. Assists with supervision when requested by the Assistant Director for Opportunity Programs.
• Conducts workshops for Act 101 students and/or collaborates with other University staff to offer workshops and other enrichment activities for Act 101 and EQUIP students.
• Publicizes Act 101 program activities to students in a timely and effective manner.
• Maintains accurate records of programming expenses.
• Assists with other aspects of Act 101 program administration as identified by the Assistant Director for Opportunity Programs.

Status: Full-time, staff, 40 hours per week, 12 months per year.

• Master's degree in education, student affairs, counseling or a related field and a minimum of one year's experience in academic support, counseling, and/or advising in an institution of higher education are strongly preferred.
• Candidates with a bachelor's degree and significant relevant experience may be considered.
• Experience working with students from educationally disadvantaged, low income, and urban backgrounds is preferred.
• Proven written and oral communication skills, excellent interpersonal skills, and organization and attention to detail are essential.
• Must be available to worksome evenings and weekends and the entire duration of the EQUIP summer program (typically 4-5 weeks late June through early August).
• Must be able to climb three flights of stairs several times a day.