Job no: 513878
Work type: Staff Full Time
Location: UMass Amherst
Department: Elect & Computer Engineering
Union: PSU
Categories: Academic Advising & Learning Resources, College of Engineering

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

As the Lead Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE) Departmental Academic Advisor, provide academic counseling for undergraduate and graduate students. Organize and manage administrative activities of the Department’s undergraduate and graduate programs, including departmental aspects of academic planning, in coordination with the Undergraduate and Graduate Program Directors, and under the direction of the Department Head.

Essential Functions

• Provides entry-level, individualized and small group advising to a diverse population of students during the academic year, including peak registration, pre-registration, freshmen & transfer orientation/registration periods.
• Responds to common issues such as registration-related matters including fulfilling the University’s 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, planning and decision-making such as establishing an academic plan, choosing a major within and outside of ECE, selecting courses, and evaluating courses for study-abroad experiences. Conducts one-on-one advising sessions for several hundred undeclared students who will ultimately work toward and apply for admission into the ECE program.
• 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 in January, June, July and September.
• Responds to and manages inquiries from parents in accordance with FERPA and in a highly-professional and respectful manner/tone.
• Assists with graduation clearance processing for both undergrad and graduate students. Maintains familiarity with changes in the ECE degree programs and assists in determining any curricular exceptions.
• Regularly holds information sessions for current ECE students in all degree concentration areas for ECE B.S. degree programs , as well as for prospective undeclared students and students in other majors wanting to transfer into ECE . Participates in evening and weekend activities including Open Houses, ECE Undergrad Welcome Pizza Party Senior Design Day Barbeque, Raytheon Day, ECE Spring Banquet, Undergraduate Commencement, and other activities and additional events that may be developed.
• Assists in training the front desk staff including undergraduate student workers.
• Organizes departmental activities for prospective and current students and participates in these events.
• Develops course/curriculum assessment questionnaires for alumni in collaboration with the Director of Undergraduate Programs.
• Compiles, maintains and organizes statistics concerning alumni placement and progress.
• Compiles, maintains and organizes statistics and course/curriculum information for the periodic department or college reports, and ABET program accreditation review in collaboration with the Director of Undergraduate Programs.
• Design, create and administer surveys to measure outcomes, analyze results and prepare extensive reports with data results which are used by Undergraduate Committee’s preparation for the ABET program.
• Designs and implements recruitment and retention strategies to improve the number of quality students accepted into the undergraduate and graduate programs.

Other Functions

• Executes special projects as needed to support the mission of the ECE Advising Office, departments, and the College.
• 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 other campus stakeholders to fulfill the mission of Student Affairs, Campus Life, and Student Success.
• Works collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, diversity, equality and inclusiveness.
• Works in partnership with colleagues within COE and ECE community and across the campus to support the Dean’s strategic priorities.
• Performs other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department.

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

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

• Master's degree.
• Professional teaching experience.
• Professional experience in the areas of academic admissions, advising, recruiting, or counseling.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

Typical office environment activity.

Work Schedule

• Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm (37.5 hours per week).
• Required to work some nights and weekends.

Salary Information

PSU Level 25

PSU Salary Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

To apply, please provide a resume, cover letter, and 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: Apr 21 2022 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: