Tara Simo

Experience

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  South Mountain Community College

  Sept 2002 - Apr 2004

  Admissions & Records Tech I

  • Created office policy for management of International Admission. Guide included standards for reviewing all incoming application materials and evaluating/authenticating foreign academic credentials. • Managed reports to ascertain that those using educational visa were maintaining their legal status. • Planned, organized, and conducted international student activities and luncheons (such as International Education Week). • Created international student website and was responsible for maintaining site. • Researched companies for recruitment and marketing efforts. • Assisted in the management of the International Education budget and created requisitions for activities. • Research programs for ideas on program development. • Trained and supervised temporary office staff and student workers. Show less

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  Mesa Community College

  Apr 2004 - Dec 2004

  International Student Advisor

  • Worked collaboratively with a team to advise students on immigration, educational, and cultural concerns. • Served as advisor for the International Student Association creating and hosting events to address needs of international students. An example of a session may be how to open a US bank account, or understand US education system.• Revised or created documents such as the International Student Handbook• Organized and conducted the International Student Welcome Reception and International Student Orientation which encompassed presenting academic concerns and cultural adjustment information. • Created informational brochures for international students and faculty regarding important international visa regulations and academic restrictions. • Served on International Education Committee, in particular was involved in planning of International Student Leadership Retreat which helped foster a cross-cultural understanding of leadership and was set up to allow for domestic and international students to participate and learn from one another. Show less

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  Rio Salado College

  Dec 2004 - May 2010

  Military Program Advisor

  • Worked collaboratively with a team of five advising active duty, veteran, and veteran dependent students. This office provides a one stop shop in which soldiers are advised in person and by phone on different course prerequisites, course transferability, current programs, graduation, active duty and veteran educational benefits, and financial aid requirements. • Was responsible for mitigating conflicts and complaints for students and faculty.• Established quality assurance methods for office. • Contacted military installations to set up site visits and recruited at these events. • On a special assignment I worked in the capacity of a functional lead for the implementation of Peoplesoft. Duties in this role include creating and delivering training, testing current student systems, and serving as an aid in troubleshooting problems with the new student system. Show less

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  GateWay Community College

  Jun 2010 - May 2013

  Coordinator, Veteran Services

  • Restructured Veteran Services office to serve the needs of veteran and dependents students. An example is the development of the student veteran clubs that allow for training sessions on things such as military transcripts and how to develop a resume.• Developed procedures to more effectively manage tuition assistance processes, evaluate military transcripts, and report educational changes to the Department of Veteran Affairs.• Worked closely with enrollment managers and faculty with regards to VA sensitivity training in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury, and reintegration adjustment.• Interpreted complex Department of Veteran Affairs policies and regulations for staff and/or students; case by case problem-solving• Developed Veteran Day resource fairs for veterans, family and community members. Events provided resources on medical, housing, educational and job opportunities.• In a special assignment headed a 3 month project to restructure the Veteran Services Office after center had certifying abilities suspended. Developed office procedures, a comprehensive filing system, reviewed and made amendments to 100 files, and trained all personnel. Project resulted in renewal of VA certifying license and special recognition by the AZ Department of Veteran Affairs State Approving Agency. Show less

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  Rio Salado College

  Jun 2013 - Feb 2019

  Manager, Veteran Services

  • Restructured day to day operations to be more “counseling” centered; allowing the veterans to understand regulation and policy but more importantly their role in successfully managing their education. These changes have resulted in increased customer satisfaction, and larger retention rates each fiscal year. • Created process management that has contributed to a reduction of student and institutional Department of Veteran Affairs debt. Institution debt has decreased nearly 80% in the last three fiscal years. • Create, develop and measure success of office vision, goals through implementation of measurable service standards and department action plan.• Create and maintain veteran mentoring program, veteran-specific new student orientation, and veteran success counseling guides. • Was key figure in establishing state and nationwide recognition for Rio Salado College in initiatives such as Principles of Excellence, 8 Keys to Success, and Arizona Veteran Supportive Campus • Train, supervise, and establish professional development goals of staff. In 2016 staff rated me at 100% in areas of communication, approachability, providing professional development and clear job expectations.• Conduct training for academic advisors and/or staff members. Training focuses on advising and working successfully with veteran students. Show less

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  Maricopa Community Colleges

  Aug 2018 - Jan 2019

  Sustainability Consultant

  Creative Pathway; District Office

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  HomeSmart International

  Aug 2019 - now

  Realtor
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  Chandler/Gilbert Community College

  Jan 2021 - Jun 2021

  Project Manager, Assistant to Dean Student Affairs

  -Collaborate with academic leadership, and student services teams to identify, analyze, and document business requirements for key initiatives. -Document current state workflows and recommend process improvements to enhance efficiency and student outcomes. -Lead the evaluation and improvement of academic processes, including enrollment, registration, course management, and student support services. -Support change management efforts by developing training materials, conducting stakeholder sessions, and ensuring a smooth transition to new systems and processes. -Ensure compliance with educational standards, data privacy regulations, and accreditation requirements in all business processes. -Utilize project management techniques and skills Show less

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  Mesa Community College

  Jun 2021 - now

  Manager, Veteran Services

  -Manage a team of 12 of veteran work study students, school certifying officials, academic advisors and administrative support. -Manage compliance requirements from regulatory agencies including AZ Dept of Veteran Services State Approving Agency, Department of Veteran Affairs and the Department of Defense.-Direct the strategic goals for the department which include a focus on retention, recruitment, fostering a positive culture, providing employee professional development, and supporting student completion.-Connect students to community partners specialized to support the needs of servicemen and veterans.-Provide education and support to faculty working with servicemembers, dependents and veterans.-Participate in Congressmen Veteran Advisory Group. Show less