Enrollment Management & Student Access
POSITION TITLE: Graduate Assistant for Retention Initiatives
SUPERVISOR TITLE: Manager of Early Alert & Special Projects
EMSA MISSION STATEMENT:
Our mission is to work in partnership with the University community in delivering high quality services to facilitate the
recruitment, retention, and graduation of a diverse student population. We strive to provide prospective and currently
enrolled students a seamless transition from initial inquiry, to enrollment, and through to graduation.
POSITION DESCRIPTION:
The Graduate Assistant for Retention Initiatives for the Division of Enrollment Management and Student Access
will assist with programs designed to support academic success and persistence to graduation. These programs
will include a coaching program for first-year students identified as at-risk for departure for the institution, and
scholarship program targeted at first-generation college students.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
 Work with the Manager of Early Alert & Special Projects to establish a coaching program for first-year student
populations identified as “at-risk” for early departure. This will include recruitment and training of coaches,
matching of students with coaches, assessment of program objectives and communication with university
partners. There may be opportunity to publish with this particular initiative. (25% Essential Function)
 Research and implement “grit messages” for first-year students. (15% Essential Function)
 Assist with Summer Melt program initiatives. (15% Essential Function)
 Assist individual students who enter the EMSA office on a walk-in basis who are in need of advocacy and
referral to campus resources. (10% Essential Function)
 Work with the Reisher Family Scholarship recipients to support successful academic progress and celebration
of achievement. (25% Essential Function)
 Provide enrollment and retention related research, white papers and/or literary reviews to assist with the
advancement of EMSA initiatives. (10% Essential Function)
NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Assist with EMSA office duties as needed.
Provide EMSA office coverage when necessary.
REQUIREMENTS:
Masters student in Educational Leadership or Higher Education and Student Affairs Leadership.
Additional training required with University departments including: Financial Aid, Registrar, CHE, and others as
needed.
Demonstrated commitment to Social Justice.
Commitment of at least one full academic year.
Twenty hours required per week.
OTHER SKILLS/ABILITIES:
Knowledge of University processes, requirements, deadlines, etc.
Knowledge of some HTML and Adobe-based software.
Working knowledge of SunGard Banner and URSA.
Ability to work with a diverse group of new and continuing students.
UNIVERSITY of NORTHERN COLORADO
TOBEY-KENDEL HALL, CAMPUS BOX 38, GREELEY, CO 80639  Office 970-351-2721 Fax 970-351-1950 www.unco.edu
NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as
negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.
COMPENSATION:
This is an Academic Year position, requiring 20 hours / per week of work. Summer work may be negotiated on an
hourly basis. This position pays Tuition and some Fees plus a Stipend (2014-15 rate $13,042 master’s level,
$15,410 doctoral level).
ROLE MODELING:
 Graduate Assistants must display professional behavior and commitment to the Division and the University.
 As an employee with EMSA, it is expected that staff act in a professional manner at all times. If a conflict or
disagreement occurs, speak directly with your supervisor about the issue and discuss the situation. It is
inappropriate to gossip or complain to peers about job related items.
 Maintain a positive attitude and appreciate others whose views and attitudes are different than your own.
 Create a work environment where all students and desk staff, regardless of race, religion, ability, gender or
sexual orientation can learn and be engaged in the life of the institution.
PROFESSIONALISM:
 Maintain an effective working relationship with supervisor and co-workers.
 Demonstrate good written communication skills in reports, correspondence, etc.
 Demonstrate good oral communication and listening skills.
 Demonstrate quality decision making and evaluative skills.
 Serve as a role model for students and staff in areas of ethical decision making and mature choices.
 Project a positive attitude toward the position, department, and institution.
 EMSA staff members are expected to positively contribute to our division’s Culture of CARE (Connect,
Attitude, Respect, and Empathy). Culture of CARE emphasizes empathy, community building, civility,
recognition and exceptional customer service.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
 GAs are required to be full-time graduate students at UNC while in the position.
 GAs must be in good conduct standing with the University and not be on any probationary period through
conduct sanctioning.
 The GA will have on-going feedback and evaluations throughout the course of employment with EMSA and the
GA must maintain satisfactory performance of duties as well as academic conditions in order to continue
employment.
 Outside projects, jobs, internships and extracurricular activities must be preapproved by supervisor.
The University of Northern Colorado is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution that does not
discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, creed, religion, sexual preference or
veteran status. For more information or issues of equity or fairness or claims discrimination contact the UNC AA/
EEO/ Title IX Officer at UNC Human Resource Services, Carter Hall 2002, Greeley, CO 80639 or call 970-351- 2718.
UNIVERSITY of NORTHERN COLORADO
TOBEY-KENDEL HALL, CAMPUS BOX 38, GREELEY, CO 80639  Office 970-351-2721 Fax 970-351-1950 www.unco.edu