Shawna Lucas

smlucas@csuchico.edu

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

• Dedicated student services professional devoted to helping students live their best lives
• Committed to helping students advocate for themselves while promoting life-long learning and autonomy
• Resourceful advisor able to find innovative solutions for complex situations
• Effective communicator with excellent interpersonal skills

SKILLS

• Innovative • Growth mindset

• Resourceful • Knowledge of Adult Learning Theory
• Student-centered • Enthusiastic
• Organized and detailed • Analytical thinker
• Personable and approachable

EXPERIENCE

College of Communication and Education, California State University, Chico 2019- Present
College Advising and Retention Specialist/Student Success Advisor
• Provide strategic academic advising leadership by developing a College of Communication and Education (CME)
advising program that prioritizes a student-centered approach
• Monitor and support student success in CME disciplines by providing analysis of needs, considerable advisement
of policy and eligibility requirements, and the use of comprehensive planning, interviewing, and counseling
techniques
• Research, identify, and monitor programmatic barriers to student success
• Coordinate with CME advisors (faculty, staff and paraprofessional) to ensure consistency in advising
• Independently serve as a resource to provide complex and comprehensive support to assist Department Chairs
and designated advisors who have challenges identifying alternative approaches to complex educational and
vocational goals
• In collaboration with faculty advisors, identify and create resources for faculty who advise students
• Work with Academic Advising Programs and the Office of Institutional Research to coordinate advising
assessment efforts, including efforts to develop, modify, and monitor advising assessments
• Develop and coordinate training for faculty advisors, with an emphasis on e-advising tools such as the Degree
Progress Report, Chico State 360, Wildcat Scheduler, and the Smart Planner
• In conjunction with the Faculty Advising Coordinator and the University Advisement Training Coordinator, develop
best practices for staff and faculty advisors
• Identify themes of college-based challenges for undergraduate students throughout the enrollment life-cycle
• Utilize technology and data analytics to assess and enhance student success efforts, retention services, and the
recruitment of new students
• Supervise and train CME Student Ambassadors
• Guide current and prospective students in identifying and clarifying their interests, abilities, needs, and goals by
providing holistic, developmental, and career-oriented advising
• Coach students toward autonomy and self-advocacy
• Direct purposeful discussion with students to identify academic strengths and challenges and provide advice that
may lead to enhanced student success
• Help students access and navigate campus services and resources
• Support students with major, minor, and career exploration
• Help students select classes and extracurricular activities based on personal, professional, and academic goals
• Maintain awareness of current trends and best practices in academic advising, student outreach, and retention
strategies
• Possess knowledge of university programs and initiatives
• Build strategic partnerships across campus
• Assist in coordinating college recruitment events and campaigns
• Represent CME on the university-wide Advising Leadership Team, at university events and promote CME
programs through in-class presentations and workshops
Office of the Registrar, California State University, Chico 2015-2019
Graduation Advisor (April 2017-August 2019)
Academic Evaluator (June 2015-March 2017)
• Utilized holistic advising techniques to effectively assist undergraduate students identify and achieve personal,
academic, and vocational goals
• Provided academic coaching for students who needed additional resources and time spent identifying possible
academic barriers, success strategies, and attainable academic goals
• Planned, implemented, and facilitated transfer student and graduation workshops
• Monitored student success and degree progress
• Performed targeted outreach and intervention for students at risk of not graduating
• Advised undergraduate students regarding graduation requirements and eligibility, course planning, and
major/minor exploration by utilizing e-Advising tools
• Provided information and advice to university faculty, college counselors, and the general public regarding
general education and graduation requirements
• Interpreted course descriptions, class level designations, accreditation, and academic policies of other institutions
• Researched, assessed, and articulated transfer credit using ASSIST, College Source, ACE, College Board,
AACRAO Guide, Advanced Placement, CLEP, and statewide policies
• Explained and recommended options and alternatives to meet bachelor’s degree requirements
• Conferred with faculty advisors, department chairs, and other advising personnel throughout the University
• Made determinations about petitions to waive academic requirements
• Composed grant proposals for alternative department funding
• Participated in technical and curriculum review
• Constructed and implemented surveys for program evaluation purposes
• Reviewed students for graduation and degree conferral
• Reconciled and adjusted credit totals and GPA’s
• Recreated and evaluated student records and graduation eligibility after an extended absence
• Verified content and unit value of courses completed
• Updated and managed student records and degree audit

Assessment Office, Butte Community College 2014-2015

Special Programs Clerk
● Evaluated college and high school transcripts for the completion of equivalent coursework and prerequisites
● Determined placement for reading, English, and math based on SAT, ACT, EAP, ELM, EPT, and California
Community College placement exams
● Traveled to high schools throughout Butte, Glenn, and Tehama counties to administer assessment tests to large
groups of high school juniors and seniors through the Reg2Go and College Connection programs
● Determined course equivalencies by researching college and university catalogs for schools nationwide
● Administered the SSATB test to junior high and high school students
● Awarded credit for Advanced Placement (AP) exams
● Met with students and evaluated transcripts and test scores on-site at new and transfer student orientations
● Removed assessment holds and printed, organized, and delivered placement packets for all students at orientation
● Followed, created, and implemented procedures related to the evaluation of transcripts and test scores
● Created attendance rosters and processed test results for open lab testing, Reg2Go, and other large hub tests
● Contacted other colleges and universities regarding the interpretation of test scores, placement levels, and
equivalent coursework
● Prioritized tasks while working on multiple projects simultaneously
● Certified Testing Proctor for Pearson Vue and Castle Worldwide Internet-Based tests

Student Services Call Center, Butte Community College 2009-2014

Call Center Representative
● Worked in a fast-paced student services office answering multi-line phones
● Provided students with campus information and answered questions regarding the college, the enrollment process,
financial aid, and special programs
● Received tuition payments and reversed fees
● Registered students for classes via telephone registration
● Explained course repetition and the withdrawal process
● Updated academic programs and educational goals
● Explained campus policies, including 7-Days-To-Pay
● Directed students, staff, and the general public in website navigation
● Collaborated with fellow employees and supervisors on problem solving ideas
 ● Demonstrated flexibility by continuously learning and relaying new information to students, staff, and faculty
● Adhered to FERPA guidelines

Assessment Office, Butte Community College 2008-2010

Student Assistant
● Illustrated excellent communication, professionalism, and time management skills while working in a busy student
services office
● Helped students understand their course eligibility and explained course sequences
● Administered assessment tests to large groups of incoming students and maintained classroom composure while
administering tests
● Conducted research to improve office and program procedures
● Assisted in testing and other preparation for programs such as Reg2Go, College Connection, and ESL Orientation
● Maintained test rosters, entered special permission forms, and prepared test site and materials
● Adhered to FERPA guidelines

EDUCATION

California State University, Chico

Master of Arts, Education: Curriculum & Instruction 2018

California State University, Chico

Bachelor of Arts, Social Science 2011
Minor in Career and Life Planning
Career Development Facilitator Certificate

Butte Community College

Associate of Science: Agriculture Business, Agriculture Science 2009

ORGANIZATIONS/ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

Chico State Veteran Educational Support Team (VEST), Butte College Diversity Committee, Agriculture Ambassadors.
Volunteer: CSU, Chico Town Hall Meeting, Butte College Commencement Ceremony, CSU, Chico Veterans Graduation
Ceremony; Butte College Commencement Speaker-2009