Academic Advisor, Degree Completion Program (Hybrid)

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The salary or hourly range the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $24.29- $28.37/hr.

Initial applicant review will begin on or around September 5th, 2025. Posting will remain open until filled.

During the probation period this position will be on-campus 5 days a week for training and development purposes. Once past the probation period it will be 3 days in person/ 2 days remote.

Effective April 18, 2025, the University recognizes UAW-SSAP (SV) as the exclusive representative of this position.

This position is contract with an expected end date of 6/30/2026.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and one of the youngest universities to be designated an R1 research university. With approximately 9,100 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced is a smaller, more intimate campus compared to its sister campuses, while equipped and staffed as a cutting edge, 21st century research institution. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships and a growing community in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked in the top 30 among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and #1 for social mobility by the Wall Street Journal, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide world class educational opportunities to dynamic and enterprising students in the Valley and throughout the state. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced has launched a rigorous medical education program that will supply the Valley with culturally competent providers dedicated to improving local access to quality care. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and is accelerating the continued economic development of the region.

Under the general direction of the Director of Student Services, with a close connection to the Academic Advisor, Degree Completion Program Coordinator, and in conjunction with other Academic Advisors within the School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts (SSHA), the Academic Advisor, Degree Completion Program (DCP) provides academic advising for prospective and current students in the School's programs, as well as supports reentry of students and processes, associated with degree completion and persistence/retention initiatives. A dimension of responsibilities will include pre-advising to provide degree planning explanations and general guidance for degree completion goals. Develops, implements, and provides support programming to DCP to ensure academic goals and degree completion is attained.

Works closely with Academic Advisor, DCP and faculty in the planning, development, and implementation of a comprehensive academic advising program for students within SSHA majors/minors. Interprets and explains University and School policies and procedures relevant to undergraduate programs. Advises faculty and management on a variety of student issues/challenges. Works with SSHA management to recommend changes to policies, practices, and procedures as they apply and impact students. Provides a welcoming atmosphere for students in the School and directs them to appropriate University resources. Advises and counsels individuals with unique and/or confidential problems and arranges for specialized help for students as needed through other support services within the University.

Provides advice to students on the full range of requirements for the School with a wide variety of course requirements. Develops academic advising materials and tools for students and other academic advising and campus units. Recommends solutions to progression and requirement issues. Advice may include not-clearly defined programs such as independent study programs, interdisciplinary programs, or multiple programs. May supervise student employees.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Applies professional concepts in providing advice and assistance to students on academic and degree progress, including requirements for the major/School/University, alternative academic options, and promotion of degree completion within university policy. Advises on issues varying in complexity, such as multiple degrees, reentries, or withdrawals from the University. Identifies students with GPA or progress problems, advises students and recommends appropriate courses of action by the major or School (e.g., academic probation, dismissal, Normal Progress Policy). Determines barriers, distractions, and complications affecting a student's academic success, helps students recognize the key non-academic issues, and makes appropriate referrals for additional counseling and/or assistance from other non-academic units. Determines transferability and applicability of non-UC courses and/or courses of the organization within or outside of the department that may affect ongoing requirements.
• Works collaboratively across campus in various Degree Completion Program (DCP) matters; represents School on campus committees, such as Degree Completion Staff, that drive student degree completion and academic success support in unit and campus efforts. Identifies academic success needs for, and develops programs, resources, and services to support degree completion of students who are part of DCP, and academic success support workshop series throughout the semester. Provides academic reentry plans for students who wish to reenter UC Merced.
• Advises new and continuing instructors on student academic advising issues. Provides faculty referrals to the appropriate office, including the Office of Student Conduct. Advises new and continuing instructors on major, School, and university policies and procedures. Assists faculty in determining course scheduling needs for student progression to graduation. Participates in planning academic curriculum in collaboration with chair and faculty, and with other departments, to ensure students' progress through course sequences, avoid conflicts, and ensure compliance with organization-wide policies.
• Confirms that students have met requirements for degree completion, including when there are no clear precedents or articulations, such as interdisciplinary programs or when transfer work is involved. Advises students on a wide range of course possibilities and/or ways to complete degree requirements that may not be clearly defined. Includes responding to other unanticipated advising support questions, inquiries, and needs. Contributes to developing and assessing unit goals and outcomes, including implementing actions to respond to findings. Other duties as assigned. Includes responding to other unanticipated advising support questions, and inquiries as needed. May supervise student employees. Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in education, counseling, or student affairs, or equivalent experience/training. (Required)
• Advanced degree from an accredited university in education, counseling, or student affairs. (Preferred)
• One year of directly related, progressively responsible experience in a student services job function, or a combination of education/experience as indicated. A Master's degree may substitute for one year of experience; however, the candidate should possess actual work experience and possess the skills, knowledge, and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position. (Required)

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Thorough knowledge of advising and counseling techniques. Knowledge of multiple majors, colleges, and school.
• Thorough knowledge of department/school/college policies, procedures, and requirements.
• Skills in judgment and decision-making, problem solving.
• Abilities in problem identification, reasoning, ability to develop original ideas to solve problems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including active listening.
• Ability to multi-task.

Background check will be required.

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/