Advisors

ADVISOR DESCRIPTION

The Neighborhood Partnership Program (NPP) is looking for highly motivated Oxy students to serve as College and Academic Advisors for the GEAR UP 4 LA program.

GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) 4 LA is a federally funded program that works with youth in the Belmont, Bernstein, and Kennedy Zones of Choice to significantly increase student success in middle and high school and persistence in college. As a partner to GEAR UP 4 LA, Occidental College provides support for program goals by providing academic and college advisors for the cohort schools and hosting GU4LA students and families on campus several times a year.

The NPP Advisor program is designed to help students from educationally and economically disadvantaged backgrounds prepare for post-secondary education. The mission of Occidental’s Neighborhood Partnership Program is to enrich the Occidental students’ college experience through partnerships with schools and community agencies in the Los Angeles area. These partnerships emphasize the value of a post-secondary education by promoting community engagement, civic responsibility, self-empowerment, education, and leadership in adherence to Occidental’s mission. Advisors work at partner school sites in the Los Angeles area to provide students with college preparation. Additionally, Advisors can be placed in academic classrooms to help support students in Math and English subjects.

DUTIES:

• Implementation of NPP services
• Research and gather knowledge of different aspects and information related to higher education:
  • Admissions requirements
  • Financial resources
  • College and University information
  • Entrance exams
  • Academic resources
• In-class tutoring
• Develop effective working relationship with assigned teacher to ensure best environment for tutoring
• Complete and organize Advising logs
• Assist GEAR UP 4 LA staff with position related tasks
• Other duties as assigned 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Strong interpersonal, problem-solving, and decision making skills
• Ability to work with students in classroom setting and/or one on one
• Flexibility and an ability to work under pressure
• Maturity, respect for youth, and an ability to listen with patience
• Collaborate with GU staff and peers
• Collaborate with teachers to enhance their knowledge in assigned courses
• Interpersonal, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Interact effectively with a diversity of individuals
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Follow program procedures and complete all necessary paperwork

Advisors must commit to work at least one semester and are encouraged to stay longer if possible. Consistent, ongoing support is necessary for the students with whom we work. All Advisors are expected to honor the term of their commitment. Hired students must complete required paperwork and TB testing. All Advisors (new and returning) are required to complete training (beginning of semester). Advisors will be evaluated on a regular basis by NPP staff and onsite program staff. 

Advisors are expected to carpool with transportation organized by NPP. Any Advisors with a clean driving record and a driver’s license for more than 2 years, must apply to be an Occidental College Authorized Driver. Those who are Authorized Drivers will receive compensation for driving. Driving compensations can be revoked if applicant chooses not to follow through with all stated responsibility of a program driver.