Department Information

The University makes available a broad array of credit and non-credit courses, seminars, and workshops through the Division of Extended Studies. Some programs are offered on campus and others at off-campus sites including in Colorado Springs, at Fort Carson, in Douglas County, in Huerfano County, and at public high schools throughout the state of Colorado, and more.

The Division of Extended Studies (ES) provides courses to full-time, part-time, and non- traditional students. Many educational methods - classroom instruction, correspondence courses, online courses, conferences, workshops, and seminars - are utilized to expand educational access and meet the needs of students at convenient times and settings. Students may earn academic credit toward a degree, study for career advancement, or pursue cultural and avocational interests.

CSU Pueblo is dedicated to interdisciplinary learning and entrepreneurship that elevates our people and our community, creates educational opportunities, fosters unique collaborations, and supports inclusion, access, and affordability as a gateway to the world.

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Description of Job

The Prison Education Program (PEP) Specialist reports directly to the Associate Director of Academic Pathways and Programs and provides program oversight to support justice-involved students in their pursuit of degree completion. This full-time, administrative professional position coordinates with partner institutions and organizations, Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC) staff, and campus departments to ensure program operations and delivery of the program inside correctional facilities. The Specialist must exercise discretion, confidentiality and excellent judgment in responding to controversial, sensitive and/or emotional issues and situations. This position requires a valid driver’s license and the ability to travel throughout the state to visit correctional facilities. The individual in this position must be able to pass a background check to obtain and maintain clearance to visit correctional facilities.

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Primary Duties

Program Support‍

• Serves as the primary contact for PEP. Oversees and coordinates daily operations and processes through regular visits and coordination with all partner correctional facilities to support all degree program completion programming offered by CSU Pueblo.
• Actively establishes positive working relationships with campus departments, specifically Admissions and Financial Aid, and correctional facility staff to ensure the success of the program. Works with facility staff to conform to correctional facility protocols to ensure that classes, supports, clearances, and on-site activities run smoothly and on schedule.
• Responsible for the maintenance and enforcement of academic policies and procedures in the program. Coordinates instructional services, processes, and systems to establish communication and document transmittal procedures to ensure FERPA compliance.
• Creates, updates and disseminates program documents such as course schedules, annual course catalog, program specific forms, and resources specific to the PEP student population.
• Maintains program reporting data and records. Ensures compilation of necessary program documents needed for program reviews, Higher Learning Commission, CDOC and PEP compliance; submits reports accurately and by required deadlines.

Student Support‍

• Provides frontline customer service and support to PEP students and educational partners with accurate, consistent and timely programmatic information and guidance. Maintains accurate and detailed records of correspondence and student documents according to FERPA guidance.
• Works closely with justice-involved individuals, their sponsor advocates and correctional facilities toward successful completion of their academic goals to include college admissions, Net-ID and technical support, course material dissemination, degree planning and advising, transfer evaluations, course sequencing, registration, communication with faculty, career planning, and re-entry support.
• Provides Financial Aid guidance, possesses a thorough understanding of how to advise students to maximize their Financial Aid resources, and works with students to ensure Pell grant compliance and Satisfactory Academic Progress.
• Works closely with partner facilities and campus departments to ensure adequate student supports are in place and educational resource materials are up-to-date and accurate. Develops and implements systems to enable student research and access to databases and catalogs needed to complete coursework.

Faculty Support‍

• Provides frontline customer service and support to PEP faculty by orienting them to program policies and procedures, insuring courses are correctly entered into data management systems, and providing problem solving assistance as requested.
• Develops and maintains instructional resources in the learning management system (LMS) regarding onboarding, semester guidelines, and technical support. Coordinates necessary equipment, supplies and services to enhance classroom experience.
• Pulls program data and provides regular follow-up with faculty for the collection of course progress reports, semester grades, incomplete grades, grade changes, course/instructor evaluations, and any other information to close out semester information.
• Acts as the first point of contact for PEP student conduct infractions and follow up.

Digital Support and Maintenance‍

• Provides a high level of support and technical guidance in Banner and course LMSes to include course builds and maintenance, data pulls, student academic records, advising and registration functions, student and faculty access and use, and student communication.
• Collaborates with IT on a regular basis to ensure the technical needs of the program, students and faculty are met.  
• Works with the instructional design team and faculty to adapt courses to PEP approved LMS.

Marketing, Outreach and Program Growth‍

• Actively promotes PEP programs, provides program information and guidance, responds to requests and questions, and updates materials in facility educational resource centers.
• Actively participates in statewide and national PEP meetings and conversations as a representative of the university.
• Actively pursues additional PEP and facility partnerships and funding opportunities for program growth.

‍Ancillary Duties

• Other duties as assigned.

‍Salary Range $50,000 - $55,000

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Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs and enterprise information systems
• Effective written communication skills
• Valid driver’s license and the ability to travel throughout the state to visit correctional facilities
• Must be able to pass a background check to obtain and maintain clearance to visit correctional facilities
• Demonstrated work experience in student advising and knowledge of Financial Aid
• Experience with, or commitment to, working in a team environment with a diverse population of students
• Work experience in higher education
• Experience in a position or activity that required:
  • Effective verbal communication skills
  • Project management skills
  • Working knowledge of Google Classroom or similar LMS

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree from a regionally accredited institution
• Strong written and interpersonal skills
• Experience coordinating, teaching, or working in a correctional setting
• Lived experience or directly impacted by incarceration
• Demonstrated understating of local, state and federal prison system
• Experience coordinating or leading an academic program
• Experience with Banner or similar SIS system

Supplemental Information

Applicants must attach the following documents, in order to be considered for this position:

1. a letter of intent detailing extent to which you meet the minimum and preferred qualifications for this position (cover letter)
2. a current resume or CV
3. an official or unofficial transcript showing degree conferred
4. current contact information for three professional references either as an attachment or within the on-line application; personal references will not count towards this requirement

Applications submitted without the required attachments above will be considered incomplete and will not move forward in the selection process. Once submitted, applicants will not be able to make changes or add information to their application packet, with the exception of their personal contact and demographic information.Early submission of application materials is encouraged. Screening of application materials will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled; applications received by 8am Monday, 11/18/2024 will receive full consideration.‍About Colorado State University PuebloColorado State University Pueblo is a comprehensive state university with an enrollment of 4,000 students.  CSU Pueblo provides relevant professional coursework and superior instruction with a small professor-to-student ratio for an ever-changing global economy. Students can choose from 38 undergraduate programs with 70 fields of study in the College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics; the Hasan School of Business, the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences; and the College of Health, Education, and Nursing; and 15 graduate programs.CSU Pueblo is equally committed to serving the diverse population of the region; this emphasis is reflected in the demographic characteristics of the student body. Because more than 25 percent of our students are Hispanic, the Federal Government has designated CSU-Pueblo a Hispanic Serving Institution.  Besides reflecting our commitment to serve this critically important and rapidly-growing segment of the student population, that designation also allows the University to compete for certain federal grant funds to support its ability to better serve all students.  The University also seeks to provide a rich and diverse cultural environment that allows freedom of expression within a spirit of civility and mutual respect.  The public service expected of all members of our community benefits our society - local and global - and builds our sense of citizenship.Among its unique features, CSU Pueblo is one of seven schools in the nation to offer a degree in mechatronics, which combines electrical and mechanical engineering. The Hasan School of Business ranks among the top 15 percent of all business schools internationally with graduate and undergraduate programs in business administration accredited by the AACSB International Board of Directors. The College of Education, Engineering and Professional Studies houses an undergraduate engineering program that was ranked in the nation's top 100 by U.S. News and World Report.  CSU Pueblo has an ever-changing campus landscape that features a newly renovated Library, a new general academic classroom building, and a newly renovated and expanded student center.At CSU Pueblo, Student Life offerings have increased significantly with the transition of the campus from a commuter environment to a more traditional collegiate experience.  Competing at the NCAA Division II level, CSU-Pueblo is a member of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference and offers 22 varsity intercollegiate sports and also has active intramural and club sports teams that allow students to get involved in campus life.About Pueblo, Colorado The city of Pueblo is a historically and culturally rich, diverse city of more than 100,000, located in the southern part of the state along the Arkansas River near the Wet Mountains and the majestic Sangre de Cristo range. Pueblo enjoys ideal year round climate with four distinct mild seasons, crisp mountain air and 300+ days of sunshine per year. Pueblo attracts outdoor enthusiasts to a full slate of summer and winter recreational activities, encompassing water sports at Lake Pueblo, biking or running along Pueblo's beautiful river trail system, golfing, tennis, hiking or skiing in the mountains to the west.  The region is heavily agricultural, with large and small-scale farming and ranching, and a diverse mix of service, manufacturing, and technology industries.Colorado State University Pueblo offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Medical Insurance and Prescription Drugs
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Flexible Benefit Plan
• Basic Term Life Insurance
• Voluntary Term Life and AD&D Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)
• Travel Accident Insurance
• Voluntary Critical Illness and Accident Insurance
• Wellness Incentive Program
• Annual & Sick Leave
• Retirement Plans
• Employee and dependent tuition discounts
• State employee discounts via BenefitHub

Other incentives include various on-campus event, recreation, and meal discounts.

CSU Pueblo is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final candidates being considered for employment. Background checks may include, but are not limited to, criminal history (felony and misdemeanor), national sex offender search, and/or motor vehicle history. Candidates who are extended an offer of employment must submit to and pass a background check prior to beginning employment. Some positions depending on the job duties may be required to complete a DMV and/or credit check.The University reserves the right to check additional references, with prior notification given to the candidate.Note: The successful candidate must provide official transcripts of academic work completed and, under U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services regulations, be able to submit evidence of the ability to accept work in the U.S. by the day employment begins.

It is the policy of Colorado State University Pueblo to provide reasonable accommodations for employees and applicants with disabilities.  If you need accommodations, please contact the Human Resources at (719) 549-2441 or hr@csupueblo.edu.‍In compliance with the Clery Act of 1990, the University's annual security report is available at: https://www.csupueblo.edu/campus-safety. ‍Colorado State University Pueblo is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Additionally, the University complies with all other relevant, federal, state, and local laws regarding employment practices.