Academic Advisor

Title: Academic Advisor

Executive Area: Academic Affairs

College/School/MBU: Social & Behavioral Sciences

Department: Advising Center

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule:Full time

Work Arrangement:Hybrid

Job Summary

Under the direct supervision of the Assistant Dean and Executive Director of the SBS Pathway's Center, this position provides entry-level advising for College of Social and Behavioral Sciences (SBS) students in various social science majors, double majors, dual degrees, and minors, as well as University exploratory track students. The position works closely with other advising personnel to ensure high quality advising and academic services for all students, with particular emphasis on programmatic needs for first-year, transfer, and at-risk students, and uses computer-based registration and academic records technology, such as Spire and Navigate. The position is responsive to the widely varied needs of diverse student populations and works in a high volume and fast-paced work environment.

Essential Functions

Provides entry-level, individualized and small group advising to a diverse population of students during the academic year, including new student and transfer orientation/registration periods and current student registration periods.

Responds to common issues such as registration-related matters including fulfilling University general education requirements, interpreting major and college requirements, and providing guidance for dual degrees, double majors, and minors.

Assists students with matters that involve goal setting, self-assessment, and time management skills, planning and decision-making such as establishing an academic plan, choosing a major within and outside of SBS, selecting courses, and evaluating courses for study-abroad experiences. Conducts one-on-one advising sessions for students with declared majors and/or exploratory-track students who will work toward identification and declaration of a major.

Responds to at-risk students experiencing academic and often critical personal difficulties by addressing relevant issues and making appropriate referrals to University agencies.

Advises a diverse incoming (first-year and transfer) population in a fast-paced, high-volume, individual advising format during New Student Orientation before the start of each semester.

Responds to inquiries from parents or caregivers in accordance with FERPA and in a highly professional and respectful manner/tone.

Assists with graduation clearance processing, being familiar with changes in degree programs, and helping to determine any curricular exceptions.

Regularly holds information sessions for current SBS students, as well as for prospective students and students in other majors wanting to transfer into SBS. Participates in evening and weekend activities including Destination Days (Open Houses), Senior Celebration, Undergraduate Commencement, and other activities and additional events that may be developed.

Executes special projects and develops resources as needed to support the mission of the SBS Pathways Center, departments, and the College.

Other Functions

Performs related duties as assigned or required to meet department, executive area/division, and university goals and objectives.

Understands responsibilities with respect to Title IX, FERPA, and other compliance requirements.

Demonstrates capacity, skill, and willingness to engage students and contribute to student success.

Works collaboratively with SBS colleagues and other campus stakeholders to fulfill the mission of Student Affairs and Campus Life, and Student Success.

Establishes and continually updates knowledge of faculty teaching, research, and interest areas as well as campus resources to appropriately refer majors for additional consultation, advising, and coursework.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in social sciences or related field. Experience not required.

Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.

Intermediate level computer proficiency. Ability to create and maintain organized systems for data/record management; strong administrative skills.

Able to take initiative and work independently and collaboratively with various university personnel.

Able to manage varied client needs.

Understanding of student development and commitment to a "whole student" approach to advising.

Ability to work individually on self-directed assignments, with minimum supervision, and collaboratively in groups.

Preferred Qualifications

Professional experience in the areas of academic advising, student development, or counseling.

Experience serving a large, culturally diverse population.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Monday - Friday, 8:30 to 5:00

Required to work some nights and weekends.

This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee's work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week. As this position falls within the Professional Staff Union, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the Professional Staff Union collective bargaining agreement.

Salary Information

Pay Grade:PSSAP Grade 25

Click here to view the Professional Staff Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions for Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.