Data Science Academic Advisor (Academic Advisor 1)

Search #: 496217
Work type: Full-time
Location: Storrs Campus
Categories: Student Programs and Services

JOB SUMMARY

The Data Science Academic Advisor is a key member of the M.S. in Data Science program, managing a wide range of programs and initiatives to establish and advance the M.S. in Data Science program. This position reports directly to the co-Directors of the M.S. in Data Science and works in partnership with affiliated academic departments to provide the full lifecycle of services on recruitment and admissions, enrollment, and academic advising.

The Master of Science in Data Science program is an interdisciplinary 30 credit hour Graduate School program that draws on courses and faculty expertise from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, School of Engineering, School of Business, College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources, and the Neag School of Education. The program will prepare students for data science careers in a wide variety of industries, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations. Graduates will have the skills needed to collect, interpret, and analyze data to improve decision-making in a variety of fields. The program is designed both for domestic and international students with diverse undergraduate academic backgrounds who have an interest in applied data science and for working professionals who are looking to develop a career as a data scientist. This is a newly-established graduate M.S. degree, with high potential for growth and expansion of concentrations, internships, and research as the program develops. This advisor will aid in the recruitment of the inaugural class for the fall 2022 semester.

The Data Science Academic Advisor executes existing plans for student recruitment, enrollment, progression, and placement. The person in this position is expected to possess an advanced ability to develop and execute strategies that yield measurable results. The successful candidate will be adept at planning and prioritization, possess strong communication skills, and a commitment to student support and success, particularly for students with diverse undergraduate academic backgrounds. The successful candidate is expected to maintain positive public relations, serve as an essential point of contact for program stakeholders and prospective students, and exhibit discretion, sound judgment, and acumen in obtaining and providing information.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Recruitment and Admissions

• Coordinates and manages program recruitment, including the full student admissions funnel from the initial point of contact to application in SLATE.
• Responds through email and phone to prospective student inquiries received through email and SLATE and makes referrals and connections with M.S. in Data Science faculty as needed.
• Coordinates the evaluation of applicants and serves as a key point of contact for faculty in making student acceptance decisions, including analyzing and interpreting student data, transcripts, and placement results.
• Coordinates and implements programs to promote recruitment and retention of students. Conducts, supports, and participates in presentations, open houses, workshops, events, and outreach for students, parents, and the wider campus community to support student progression, monitor student progress, and facilitate career counseling. Collaborates with other departments and offices to create and deliver presentation materials at events including orientations, workshops, etc.
• May assist with the development and maintenance of the program’s website, social media, and other communications materials.

Enrollment

• Compiles, interprets, and maintains enrollment data and serves as a key resource to ensure students are on track to graduate and that the program meets established targets. Monitors student records to determine progress towards meeting academic requirements and to assess eligibility to graduate. May prepare and submit reports to aid in strategic decision-making. Works independently to analyze available information and presents conclusions effectively to program stakeholders and leadership.
• Creates plans of study to support students in their educational needs, career goals, and professional development.
• Provides logistical support to the M.S. in Data Science program co-Directors in course planning, scheduling, and registration of in-person and online courses in Peoplesoft in collaboration with the Office of the Registrar. Course availability and course sequencing will require consistent and timely coordination with affiliated schools and colleges.

Advising

• Serves as the primary academic advisor for part-time and full-time students enrolled in the M.S. in Data Science program in partnership with assigned faculty advisors. Conducts academic advising for current and prospective students, utilizing multiple modalities such as in-person, virtual, phone, and email.
• Ensures student plans of study are finalized in line with established deadlines and procedures and meet graduation requirements.
• Advises students in personalized curriculum decisions including the appropriate sequence of courses, scheduling of courses, selection or change of concentration and connection with lead faculty, capstone selection, waiver of requirements/deadlines, and related matters.
• Serves as the primary source of information for students to make informed academic decisions, teaching them how to track their own academic progress, locate and interpret appropriate policies, and utilize the tools and resources available.
• Reviews and makes recommendations regarding academic warning, probation, or dismissal and provides guidance and resources to students with academic difficulties.
• Collaborates with the Graduate School and the Office of the Registrar to ensure students eligible to graduate complete all necessary graduation steps.
• Refers students to other student success services such as the Center for Career Development and career services in the schools and colleges, and contributes to the oversight of career services for enrolled students to ensure equity in the availability and quality of those services.
• Keeps abreast of University programs and support services such as counseling and tutoring, and provides appropriate referrals to students as needed.
• Maintains a clear understanding of all applicable federal, state, and University policies and procedures and best practices in advising.

Other Program Support

• Delivers program information and resources on academic policies and programs to prospective students, parents, campus partners, administrators, faculty, and others as needed on the full range of matters related to the program in scope, applying prescribed policies and procedures. Recognizes when to escalate complex or new issues to the co-Directors.
• Contributes to the overall staff support of the M.S. in Data Science program, assisting colleagues as needed, such as event, program, and project support; regularly contributes suggestions for efficiencies, process changes, and other resources to support effective operations of the program.
• Performs other related duties and special assignments as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree.
• At least three years of professional experience in higher education advising and/or counseling students, providing academic support, or a related capacity, with demonstrated progression in responsibilities and duties.
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion and an ability to work collaboratively with individuals of diverse cultural, social, and educational backgrounds.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to establish relationships with a variety of constituents.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in a field related to data science.
• Proven business acumen commensurate with the needs of a new academic program, including the ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment to resolve complex issues, and prioritize routine and high-level tasks and demands.
• Three or more years of professional experience as an advisor or counselor in higher education, preferably for an interdisciplinary program, providing direct and autonomous support for enrollment and advising activities.
• Familiarity with the operations and governance of the University of Connecticut, obtained by either working or volunteering at UConn.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time position and requires in-person presence at the Storrs campus although telecommuting on a hybrid basis may be allowed subject to authorization and University policy. The University offers a competitive salary, outstanding benefits including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment. Salary will be commensurate with successful candidate's background and experience.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #496217 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on March 30, 2023.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

The University of Connecticut is committed to building and supporting a multicultural and diverse community of students, faculty and staff. The diversity of students, faculty and staff continues to increase, as does the number of honors students, valedictorians and salutatorians who consistently make UConn their top choice. More than 100 research centers and institutes serve the University’s teaching, research, diversity, and outreach missions, leading to UConn’s ranking as one of the nation’s top research universities. UConn’s faculty and staff are the critical link to fostering and expanding our vibrant, multicultural and diverse University community. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer, UConn encourages applications from women, veterans, people with disabilities and members of traditionally underrepresented populations.

Advertised: Mar 02 2023 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: Mar 30 2023 Eastern Daylight Time