Academic Counselor Upward Bound

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is a student-centered applied-research institution committed to providing its students with a transformative academic and social experience and to elevating its surrounding communities. Founded in 1906 WKU is the third largest public four-year institution in the Commonwealth of Kentucky with approximately 16293 students and nearly 2612 faculty and staff employees.

Western Kentucky University is committed to empowering its campus community. At the heart of our mission we seek to provide holistic education and employment experiences that prepare students faculty and staff to become effective scholars contributors and leaders in our ever-evolving communities.

Located 65 miles north of Nashville TN and just over 100 miles south of Louisville KY WKUs main campus is in Bowling Green KY - a city with approximately 70000 residents. Our population is ethnically diverse with more than 85 languages spoken in and around Bowling Green and people from 35 nationalities call our community home.

Western Kentucky University seeks to attract talented faculty and staff who are inspired individually to contribute to WKUs strategic plans and ongoing success. We offer comprehensive wellness and health benefits to employees and their families including domestic partners and other qualified dependents and take pride in providing a workplace culture that supports balancing the responsibilities of work and family life. Paid-time off for holidays vacation and sick leave and a tuition discount program for employees and dependents are also provided. Learn more about WKU and Bowling Green at Description:

About Upward Bound (UB)

Upward Bound at WKU is a TRIO program grant-funded by the U.S. Department of Education. Upward Bound provides motivational educational and cultural enrichment to potential first-generation and low-income high school students from Allen Butler Edmonson Hart Logan counties (including Russellville Independent School District). Upward Bounds mission is to prepare students for success in post-secondary education.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides guidance academic advisement and mentorship for first-generation low-income participants by:
• Conducting workshops group meetings and one-on-one sessions in: secondary and post-secondary course selection goal setting study skills ACT/SAT test application and preparation college selection financial aid applications college admissions applications scholarship applications career planning and postsecondary enrollment processes.
• Working closely with school personnel to support participants.
• Collaborating with parents/guardians on student progress.
• Works with director to plan and coordinate cultural social and recreational programming.
• Collaborates with director academic coordinator and other program staff to develop and implement academic programming for the approximately 24 school visits ten Saturday Sessions and the six-week pre-college summer program.
• Tracks and maintains records of student progress by:
  • Working with school counselors to collect grades test scores transcripts and other relevant academic data.
  • Maintaining a record of all student contacts and services provided.
  • Assisting director in annual performance report (APR).
• Assists in program recruitment by:
  • Conducting recruitment and information sessions classroom visits tabling and individual student and parent meetings at schools and within the community.
  • Guiding students and parents through the recruitment and intake processes.
  • Travels frequently to target schools (all target schools are within a 50-minute drive from WKU).
• Attends professional meetings and trainings and participate in professional organizations.
• Other duties necessary to meet program needs.

Knowledge and Skills Considered Essential for Success:

• Strong verbal written and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to build relationships and advocate for first-generation and low-income students
• Ability to initiate implement and coordinate projects
• Ability to maintain paper and electronic files accurately

• Bachelors degree in Counseling Education Social Work Human Services core academic content area or related field.
• Possess a valid drivers license with a good driving record.
• Availability to work some evenings and weekends.

Salary Range: $36000 - $39000

Kentucky state law requires all public institutions of postsecondary education to conduct pre-employment criminal background checks to determine suitability for employment.

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is committed to a policy and practice of providing equal employment and educational opportunities to all accordance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Revised 1992 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 no form of discrimination or harassment will be tolerated at WKU on the basis of race color ethnicity national origin creed religion political belief sex sexual orientation gender identity/expression marital status age uniformed services veteran status genetic information pregnancy childbirth or related medical conditions or physical or mental disability in admission to career and technical education programs and/or activities or employment practices.

Persons with disabilities who need reasonable accommodations to participate in the application and/or selection process may contact the Office of Institutional Equity at for assistance. To report concerns related to WKUs Discrimination and Harassment Policy No. 0.2040 and/or WKUs Sex and Gender-Based Discrimination Harassment and Retaliation Policy No. 0.2070 please complete the Discrimination Harassment and Retaliation Reporting Form. Additional information regarding Title IX including contact information for the Title IX Coordinator and reporting options is available on WKUs Title IX website.

Information concerning educational programs offered by WKU are provided at: information related to job postings application status or the hiring process please email.

The following items must be submitted through this electronic talent management system:

• Cover Letter
• Resume

You will receive email confirmation that your submission has been received. The candidate review process will generally begin as materials are received.