Information for Prospective Advisers

Membership in the National College Advising Corps is a unique and rewarding leadership opportunity for recent college graduates wanting to share their energy and experience in higher education. NCAC Advisers work with students in underserved schools to help them find scholarships, fill out financial aid forms, complete applications, and find a college or university that is right for them.

Adviser Responsibilities
Specific responsibilities of NCAC advisers include:

• Researching and advertising scholarship opportunities for students
• Meeting with students and parents on an individual basis
• Leading site visits to college campuses
• Coordinating workshops, fairs, and other events for students interested in pursuing postsecondary education
• Tracking program data about advising activities
• Collaborating with guidance counselors and administrators at partner schools
• Meeting regularly with program director to provide updates and exchange feedback

Qualifications
To be considered for an adviser position, applicants must be recent graduates of one of the NCAC partner institutions. If you are interested in joining the Corps but are not an alumnus/a, please contact the program in the state where you wish to serve.

In addition to being a recent graduate of a NCAC partner institution, advisers must be genuinely committed to serving underrepresented students and able to work well with diverse populations. Finally, NCAC seeks advisers who are friendly, approachable, self-motivated, creative, enthusiastic, and passionate about higher education.

Selection
As National College Advising Corps programs expand, new advisers are needed to serve in schools and community colleges throughout those states. Prospective advisers are encouraged to contact the program director for the Advising Corps at their college or university to find out whether openings exist. If positions are available on the corps, program directors will help prospective advisers understand the requirements, challenges, and benefits of serving with the Advising Corps, as well as the application process for becoming an adviser.

Though the exact procedures for hiring and placing new NCAC advisers differ from program to program, recruitment typically takes place during late winter or early spring of the academic year. Prospective advisers should be prepared to submit a resume, cover letter, and essay expressing their interest in becoming an NCAC adviser. The program director selects candidates to interview and after a meeting with the hiring committee, the new advisers are selected and assigned to high schools and community colleges to which they are well suited.

Training
Following graduation, newly-selected advisers meet together as a corps to begin an intensive two- to six-week summer training at their partner institution. Advisers also participate in national training hosted by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in August. During national training, advisers from all over the country meet one another, go on social outings, attend workshops, and hear from prominent speakers on issues of access, financial aid, and the college admissions process.

Benefits
Although monetary amounts vary from institution to institution, all advisers receive the following benefits:

• Salary
• Housing stipend
• Health insurance
• Grant to pay back college loans