Honors Advisor (Senior Academic Advisor)

The City University of New York (CUNY) is the nation's leading urban public university serving more than 480,000 students in a wide range of educational programs at 24 colleges and institutions in New York City.
Job ID: 5362

Regular/Temporary: Regular

GENERAL DUTIES: Provides expert and/or specialized academic counseling a diverse student population. 

- Offers comprehensive advisement to full-time and part-time students

- Works with other academic affairs staff as well as enrollment and student affairs to assist students to declare majors and select appropriate courses

- Monitors students performances and takes appropriate action if necessary; resolves students problems regarding curricular requirements

- Develops academic plans and performs graduation audits

- Provides information to students regarding student support services, college policies and program procedures and guidelines

- Facilitates workshops; assists with other department activities such as course scheduling

- Establishes and maintains student advisement files; prepares activity reports and analyses

- May supervise extramural activities, such as internships and community service; may assist with accreditation efforts as needed

- May provide career and transfer services and/or specialized program counseling

- May supervise junior advising and/or clerical staff

- Performs related duties as assigned.

Job Title Name: Senior Academic Advisor

CONTRACT TITLE: Higher Education Assistant

FLSA: Exempt

CAMPUS SPECIFIC INFORMATION: This position will be located at Queens College.

Inaugurated in the Fall of 2001, Macaulay Honors College is dedicated to providing outstanding educational opportunities for academically gifted students from the five boroughs of New York City and beyond. The Macaulay Honors College program includes generous financial support for each students, including a full-tuition merit scholarship and a $7,500 Opportunities Fund grant. In addition, the Honors College offers unique interdisciplinary seminars focusing on New York City, training in instructional technology, dedicated mentors and advisors, internships, study abroad experiences, and a Cultural Passport that provides entree to the vast cultural resources of New York City. Macaulay operates in partnership with seven CUNY campuses: Baruch, Brooklyn, City, Hunter, Lehman, Queens and Staten Island; graduates are awarded a degree jointly conferred by Macaulay and their home campus. Currently, Macaulay Honors College has approximately 1,600 University Scholars enrolled on all seven campuses.

The primary responsibility of the Honors Advisor is to advise and mentor University Scholars to maximize their chances of successful completion of a four-year baccalaureate degree. Reporting to the Macaulay Director on their campus as well as to the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs in the Macaulay central office, Honors Advisors will encourage University Scholars to develop the intellectual curiosity, civic engagement, and meritorious conduct expected of all Honors students. Advisors will be important resources to University Scholars, not only during their first two years in college but also as they move into their majors and begin to prepare for graduate and professional schools or other career objectives. Honors Advisors will engage in the advisement and mentoring activities, listed below, on a full-time basis.

- Advise students on course selection each semester and monitor progress toward degree.
- Advise students on selecting a major and finding major advisors and faculty mentors.
- Consult with faculty within the University to assist students in taking courses or undertaking independent study outside their home campuses, as appropriate.
- Act as liaison to campus student affairs and support services, such as career and counseling services, tutoring center, and registrar, bursar, and financial aid offices.
- Advise students about required co-curricular activities including internships, study abroad, and community service; advise on other activities involving student organizations and events.
- Review and approve student applications to utilize the Opportunities Fund.
- Assist students with graduate school and fellowship applications and post-baccalaureate job searches.
- Participate in regular reviews of all University Scholars in terms of academic performance and community engagement. Work with Honors Directors to identify and retain at-risk students.
- Lead freshmen/new student seminars and participate in other activities that help provide a firm transition for University Scholars into college roles and expectations.
- Oversee peer-mentoring or buddy systems and ambassador programs.
- Work closely with Honors Advisors on the other campuses as well as with Macaulay central staff to support student success.
- Participate in Macaulay Honors activities on the campuses and centrally as well as in local and national professional development opportunities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree and four years' related experience required.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS: M.A. degree in student counseling, guidance, or a related discipline preferred. Four years of related experience preferred, with a minimum of two years of relevant experience with high achieving or honors students, preferably in a diverse, urban institution of higher education. Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills are essential. Experience with student information and automated degree audit systems is very useful. Must be familiar with the best practices in academic advisement. The successful applicant should function well as a member of a team and be willing to participate in some evening and week Macaulay events.

COMPENSATION: $44,552 - $55,782

BENEFITS: CUNY offers a comprehensive benefits package to employees and eligible dependents based on job title and classification. Employees are also offered pension and Tax-Deferred Savings Plans.  Part-time employees must meet a weekly or semester work hour criteria to be eligible for health benefits. Health benefits are also extended to retirees who meet the eligibility criteria.

HOW TO APPLY: Please apply using the "Apply Now" link below. Make sure to upload a cover letter and resume (as one document) with the contact information of 3 professional references by the closing date.

CLOSING DATE: Open until filled with the review of applications to begin March 10, 2012

JOB SEARCH CATEGORY: CUNY Job Posting: Managerial/Professional

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: We are committed to enhancing our diverse academic community by actively encouraging people with disabilities, minorities, veterans, and women to apply.  We take pride in our pluralistic community and continue to seek excellence through diversity and inclusion. EO/AA Employer.