Monique Pope (Contact informtion redacted ) Objective: To help assimilate the student into the campus community and its environment for the pursuit of his/her educational goal while working with the appropriate campus resources to ensure that goal is attain. Certificate, Capital Law School, Columbus, OH Major: Paralegal EDUCATION Master of Arts, Governor s State University, University Park, IL Major: Political Justice& Studies Bachelor of Science, Western Illinois University, Macomb, IL Major: Psychology Minor: African American Studies PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE ST CLOUD STATE UNIVERSITY St. Cloud, MN.2013 to 2014 DIRECTOR OF VETERANS RESOURCE CENTER Provide leadership and management in developing, implementing and sustaining a comprehensive student veterans program, including fiscal management and supervision of staff. Provide advocacy to support needs of student veterans, active duty students and their families Advise student veteran, active duty military members, and their family members in achieving an academic degree Advising students related to veteran benefits, federal, state, local and university resources and assisting them through barriers, internal and external barriers, processes, and procedures Responsible for management of any revenue generated activities including grant writing and funraising Assist with the development of orientation and welcome programs for new students as well as returning students, family activities and events Serve as primary liaison with federal, state, regional and local veteran organizations Develop and implement assessments and evaluation tools to measure effectiveness of services and programs and desired student outcomes Work with University as well as Strategy, Planning and Effectiveness to ensure accurate data regarding veteran enrollment, retention and graduation Direct the development of long and short term goals that complement and support the University System Strategic Action Plans Responsible for managing student fee and state funds as well as foundation accounts and day to day fiscal management Responsible for hiring, training, supervision and mentorship of student employees and other staff including graduate assistants, interns and volunteers Provide outreach to the veteran community, participate in professional development activities, conferences, workshops and training events
Provide campus expertise on veterans policies, procedures, practices, including federal and state legislation and university system policies and procedures Identify and implement leading edge practices, programs and services that support student success, persistence and enrollment Participate in recruitment events Work closely with various campus departments that are critical in the successful transition of the student s academic achievements Collaborate with the Academic Departments to follow-up on the progress of Academic Plans for students who are in need of additional support Providing students with information on curriculum requirements and assisting with course selection Working with a population of students who possess a wide variety of interests and aptitudes. Determining each students specific needs in order to provide individualized guidance Assisting students in academic difficulty and new students attempting to acclimate to the University Aiding students with career decisions including identifying job, internship, and graduate school opportunities Lead facilitator and coordinator of the Veterans Advisory Board Work closely with Career Services, Employers and Department of Veterans Affairs with creating employment resumes, interview skills, obtaining internships and job placement UNIVERSITY OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Washington, DC. 2012 to 2013 DIRECTOR OF VETERANS AFFAIRS Manage and oversee the operations of the office to ensure compliance with Department of Veterans Affairs, federal and local laws as it relates to the disseminating of VA Educational Benefits and services offered through the University for active duty personnel, veterans, reservist, national guardsman and dependents and spouses. Create, maintain, and evaluate statistics of VA advising metrics to ensure goals are achieved. Work closely with DOD Relations, DC Government Operations and VA processing unit on appropriate veteran s student issues. Manage employees performance/capability management including selection, termination, performance appraisal, salary administration and career development Conduct mid-year and end of year performance assessment and development plans with employees. Identify and reinforce employee-training needs on VA benefits, academic progress, program requirements, policies, procedures, and conduct and/or refer to training sessions as needed. Provide assistance/problem resolution with difficult/complex customer issues. Create and implement programs and establish internal and external partnerships Assist with the Admissions Office s recruitment and marketing plan with the purpose of promoting the University visibility and general recruitment efforts Consulted and assist with the evaluation and execution of admissions decision on applicant files Oversee department budget Implement and establish comprehensive strategic plan Complete an initial office internal audit process to be completed on a yearly basis EASTERN MICHGIAN UNIVERSITY Ypsilanti, MI.2011 to 2012 DIRECTOR OF MILITARY AND VETERANS RESOURCE CENTER Coordinate all aspects of the Veterans Services Office including, but not limited to, certifying enrollment for veterans benefits; developing and implementing marketing plans, programs, and
processes to enhance and facilitate enrollment for the veteran population; establishing relationships with federal, state and local veterans services agencies Monitor each employee, evaluate performance, and provide written feedback during coaching sessions. Conduct training of VA Educational Benefits for employees, students, university staff and faculty Manage inquiries and admission process and provide customers with information via tours, personal visits/assessments, conversation and follow-up Coordinate and implement effective marketing strategies and programs Advise students on academic, career and personal issues, while identifying the educational and career options appropriate for each student Maintain and evaluate statistics of VA counseling & advising metrics Managing advising services including registration, policy requirements/procedures, evaluation of program requirements, incomplete grades, student class activity, Satisfactory Academic Progress, and overall degree progress throughout the term. Support the Registrar, Student Finance, CARE Office, and Academic Advisors to ensure that incoming and current students receive timely information and guidance regarding institutional policies, course registration, program completion, etc. Prepare and supervise the production of a comprehensive website, social media sites, brochures, press release, bulletins, newsletters and advertisements Collaborate effectively with faculty, campus departments and external organizations in support of military/veteran students Evaluate tabulation of military transcripts Ensure compliance of students files and timely processing of VA Educational Benefits Develop, monitor and control department fiscal year budget Analyze financial reports and determine appropriate operational procedures. Develop strategic planning and implement departmental policies and procedures Actively involved in local, regional, and national veteran program, workshops and conferences to ensure updated policies are being disseminated to appropriate personnel COLUMBUS STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE Columbus, OH.2001 to 2011 ADVISOR/VETERANS COORDINATOR Provide overall direction and coordination of all veteran s services and related programs and initiatives within the College Manage and monitor the daily operations of the Veterans Affairs Office. Counsel and certify veterans, national guardsmen, reservists, and veterans dependents on educational and other benefits they may be entitled to Explain the programs offered through the school by the Veterans Administration and what is required to become and remain eligible. Audit students academic files to assure compliance with Insure compliance with all published college policies as well as Veterans Administration rules and regulations Advise students on academic, career and personal issues, while identifying the educational and career options appropriate for each student and general college policies and procedures Maintain and evaluate statistics of VA counseling & advising metrics Notify the State Approving Agency of changes in course offering and curricula requirements, beginning and ending dates of terms, and other pertinent information Prepare and submit various reports to the proper federal agencies Supervise, hire, train, and evaluates the performance work study personnel.
Recruit military personnel as well as veterans for admission to the college Serve as a liaison between student, Veterans Administration, and college departments Develop/disseminate informational brochures/pamphlets, update school VA website, conduct workshops and informational sessions to heighten awareness of veteran programs Assist students regarding the policies and procedures on receiving veteran s educational benefits including tuition assistance. Makes recommendations concerning strategic planning information and departmental policies and procedures. BANK ONE - Oak Forest, IL..2000 to 2001 ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Acts as a leader in the Banking Center to help motivate co-workers and also work with the Banking Center Manager to provide education on relationship banking, problem resolution and referrals. Proactively sold products and services 30-50% of the time. Implemented appropriate actions to establish and maintain customer relationships to include, supporting the completion of customer account maintenance. Utilized computers, on-line resources, and software appropriate to the industry, and checking the accuracy of customer s referrals. Networking with other departments within Bank one. MILITARY UNITED STATES NAVY Washington, D.C. 1994-1996 MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST Operate and manage dining facilities and living quarters established to subsist and accommodate Navy Personnel Performed inventory and financial management procedures for purchasing, receiving, storage, and inventory. Planned, organized, and supervised the production and service of food and beverages to customers. Demonstrated skills in training, staffing, and supervising others. Demonstrated a working knowledge of lodging operations by processing individuals in and out, arranged schedules, and completed shift watches. Participated in decision making processes essential to the daily operation of activities. Demonstrated knowledge of management theory, functions, and skills. Compiled, analyzed, synthesized and applied information to solve problems. Applied the principles of strategic planning process to different case studies. VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE Internship, Court Appointed Special Advocates of Franklin County Columbus, OH 2001 to 2004 Watch over and advocate for abused and neglected children, to make sure they don t get lost in the overburdened legal and social service system or languish in inappropriate group or foster homes and stay with each case until it is closed and the child is placed in a safe, permanent home.
Outreach, Crisis Hotline Western Illinois University Macomb, Illinois 1999 Provide callers with information, referrals, telephone counseling and provide empathy and understanding while helping callers resolve their concerns PROFESSIONAL VOLUNTEER ROLES Board Member, National Association of Veterans Program Administrators 2002 to Present Advisor, Campus Student Veterans Organization 2009 to Present Founder, EMU Veterans Advisory Board 2011 to 2012 Member, Council of College and Military Educators 2012 to Present Member, Enrollment Management Operation Council 2011 to 2012 Member, Michigan Student Veteran Programmers 2011 to 2012 Member, Michigan 15 Universities President Council 2011 to 2012 Member, VISN11 (Veterans In Partnership Healthcare Network) 2011 to 2012 Member, Director of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Strategy Council 2012 Founder, Veterans Student Task Force 2013 Member, Diversity Advisory Council 2013 Member, Student Success Steering Committee 2013 Member, Warrior to Citizen Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Community 2013 Member, Goodwill Easter Seal Steering Committee, Community Resource Center for Service Members and Families HIGHLIGHTS Worked with Community Organization to enroll over 100 transitional veterans into the VRAP program available at the institution Awarded the Provost Initiative Grant for Veteran Student Progression Success Created a Mentor Program for Veterans, Military personnel and family members in conjunction with the new student orientation program offered every semester Created data base for commencement cords, certificate of acknowledgement, veterans alumni group and tracking for life after college updates Recruitment, referrals, and retention processes Developed numerous collaboration efforts with career services, military friendly employers and institutions of higher learning for smooth transition of veterans in returning to the work force and/or completing their educational objective Implemented a Best Practice Manual for a Successful Veteran Friendly Campus Implemented relationships with community organizations to offer campus services to military members and their families: County Veterans Service Officers, Brooklyn Park Vet Center, Mobile Veteran Unit, Wounded Warrior, Veteran Organizations