Job no: 500572
Work type: Staff Full Time
Location: UMass Amherst
Department: Dean - College of Education
Union: PSU
Categories: Administrative/Office Support

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

The Academic Advisor will support the social justice mission of the College of Education and provide comprehensive advising for students in (1) the Education Exploratory Track, (2) pre-licensure, and (3) the undergraduate education concentrations. The Academic Advisor will work as part of a team with the Chief Undergraduate Advisor and other advising personnel to ensure a high level of advising and academic services for all students with particular emphasis on student success and the programmatic needs for first-year, first generation, and historically marginalized students.

Essential Functions

• Provide comprehensive, individualized advising to support student success by assisting students with establishing an academic plan, choosing a major, goal setting, selecting courses, fulfilling University general education requirements, interpreting major/institutional requirements, and making appropriate referrals to other professionals when appropriate.
• Collaborate with the Chief Undergraduate Advisor to facilitate the planning, implementation and development of innovative programs (i.e., Majors Fair, Fall Open House, Spring Open Houses) designed to enhance the transition, retention, and degree progress of Education Exploratory track, pre-licensure, and CLSC concentration students.
• Collaborate with the Chief Undergraduate Advisor to develop and maintain career and academic resources to aid students in accessing information. Respond to the needs of a large number of highly diverse students seeking assistance with registration matters.
• Utilizing a collaborative approach, work closely with Office of Partnerships, Educator Preparation, and Innovation as well as licensure program coordinators (e.g. Early Childhood Education Coordinator, Collaborative Teacher Education Program Coordinator, Secondary Teacher Education Program Director) to develop recruitment materials and activities.
• Train and supervise undergraduate peer advisors to support the academic advising needs of the College.
• Use the Student Success Campus platform to track/monitor students’ academic progress, create campaigns to support student success, and share information with college/university support personnel.
• Advise a diverse incoming first-year population in a fast-paced high volume small group advising format during the New Student Orientation.
• In support of student success, develop and maintain productive and reciprocal relationships with various offices on campus including but not limited to: advising counterparts in other colleges, Undergraduate Registrar, New Student Orientation, Disability Services, Center for Counseling and Psychological Health, Learning Resource Center, Campus Career Services, International Programs Office, Domestic Exchange, Five College Interchange, Residential Academic Programs, Student Athlete Academic Services, etc.

Other Functions

• Perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Student Development, or related field.
• Ability to collaborate and interact with faculty, staff, students and parents in a friendly and professional manner.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently to organize multiple tasks and set priorities for action, in a fast-paced office environment. Ability to stay abreast with a high volume and wide array of complex curricular information and academic policies and procedures.
• Ability to collaborate with others, to identify and achieve shared goals. Ability to work with a large, culturally diverse faculty and undergraduate population.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communications skills.
• Computer proficiency with word processing, spreadsheet and database programs.
• Available to work on occasional nights and weekends.
• Experience working with students with a range of academic abilities (including honors level and academically at-risk)
• Familiarity with SPIRE/SSC or similar student information software.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Master’s Degree in Psychology, Student Development, Higher Education, or related field.
• Three years experience in academic advising in higher education or student services area.
• Knowledge of University academic policies and regulations.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

Typical Office Environment

Work Schedule

Monday – Friday 8:30 to 4:30

Additional evening or weekend hours as needed

Salary Information

Level 25

PSU Salary Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

Review of applications will start on June 8, 2019 and continue until the position is filled. Required application materials include a cover letter, resume, diversity statement, and the contact information for three professional references.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or genetic information in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of the UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.

Advertised: May 20 2019 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: