Graduate Admissions Counselor

About the Position

The Office of Admissions processes and evaluates applications at the freshman, transfer, and graduate student levels focusing primarily on domestic U.

S. residents. The office provides some support for the processing of International applications. The Office works closely with Cal State East Bay staff, faculty, and members of the community-at-large.

Admissions staff process applications and related documents, determine residency, render admission decisions, and proactively communicate with students in an accurate, timely and efficient manner.

Under the general supervision of the Director of Admission and supervising Associate Director, the Admissions Counselor positions coordinate the processing, evaluation, and advising of applicants for assigned groups.

Counselors must follow a wide and complex range of relevant policies when making final admissions decisions. The positions are also responsible for advising on Admission requirements, policies and procedures to various audiences including prospective students / applicants, high school / community college counselors, faculty and staff.

Working with other Cal State East Bay offices, counselors also participate in the campus-wide effort to recruit prospective students as well as supporting the transition of admitted applicants to enrolled students.

Responsibilities

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.

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.

Condition(s) of Employment

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including LiveScan, as appropriate), that may include, but is not limited to : criminal records check, verification of academic credentials, licenses, certificates, credit history, professional references and / or verification of work history is required for employment.

Cal State East Bay will issue a conditional offer of employment to the selected candidate, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and / or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information.

Unsatisfactory results may also affect the continued employment of current Cal State East Bay employees who were conditionally offered the position.

All background checks are conducted through the university's third party vendor, Accurate. LiveScan is conducted through the University Police Department.

EEO Statement

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Cal State East Bay does not discriminate on the basis of any protected categories : age, ancestry, citizenship, color, disability, gender, immigration status, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran's status.

The University is committed to the principles of diversity in employment and to creating a stimulating learning environment for its diverse student body.