Search #: 497196
Work type: Full-time
Location: Storrs Campus
Categories: Student Programs and Services

The School of Engineering at the University of Connecticut is seeking a full-time, professional staff Academic Advisor 2 at the Storrs campus. Academic advising is mandatory for every student, every semester and the timely monitoring of degree progress is critical for the School of Engineering’s ABET accreditation.

This advisor would join a dynamic team of Academic Advisors, higher education and student development professionals by training, that primarily advise first- and second-year engineering students in registering for their foundational coursework, determining a preliminary plan of study, understanding and interpreting academic policies, and navigating the nuances of their transition to the college experience. Additionally, the advisor counsels students regarding appropriate educational and career goals and provides administrative oversight for the coordination and implementation of programs intended to increase student retention and academic success.

This position will report to the Associate Director of Undergraduate Advising and will serve one or more academic departments within the School of Engineering, with a caseload of 250-350 students. In addition to advising current engineering students, the Academic Advisor will communicate with prospective students and families, faculty advisors, and other campus partners to ensure a high level of student support and success. Some additional opportunities include teaching a first-year seminar course for the Engineering Learning Community or helping to provide student support programming. The School of Engineering seeks a highly independent and team-oriented advisor, with creative ideas about student support and development, to fill this Academic Advisor role.

• Advises students in personalized curriculum decisions including the appropriate choice of courses, scheduling of courses, selection or change of major or minor, waiver of requirements/deadlines, and related matters.
• Attends to the special needs of various unique student populations through the creation and implementation of tailored programs and services, advising, and collaboration with other student-centered offices.
• Creates plans of study to support students in their educational needs, career goals, and professional development.
• Discusses students’ status regarding academic warning, probation, or dismissal and provides recommendations for students who submit appeals.
• Refers students to other student success services such as Career Services and Counseling and Mental Health Services, as appropriate.
• Evaluates how services are delivered in their area of focus and recommends plans for improvement.
• Audits student records to determine progress toward meeting academic requirements, probationary requirements, and eligibility to graduate.
• Works with probationary students to develop strategies to improve academic standing. Actively participates in determining the dismissal of students in academic jeopardy.
• Collaborates with Department Heads, Program Directors, Career Consultants, Global Affairs, and others to plan and implement scheduling and registration activities, orientation programs, and other student academic success activities, as assigned.
• Serves as a resource for students, faculty, parents and guardians, and others with questions about programs or academic policies.
• Coordinates and implements programs to promote recruitment and retention of students, particularly for unique populations such as transfer students, international students, first-year students, and academic warning/probation students.
• Creates, maintains, and appropriately updates files, records, and student documentation and assists in compiling reports.
• May serve on campus or University committee(s).
• Oversees departmental programs or initiatives related to advising.
• May serve as an instructor for the First Year Experience (FYE) course.
• Performs related work as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and four years of related experience OR Master’s degree in higher education, counseling, or a related field and two years of related experience. At least 2 of the years of experience must be in direct advising or counseling.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to relate well to students, families, faculty, and other campus partners.
• Ability and knowledge to support STEM undergraduate students, with an appreciation for the rigor of their academic experience.

This is a full-time, 12-month, permanent position. The University offers a competitive salary, outstanding benefits including employee and dependent tuition waiver at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment. Salary will be commensurate with the successful candidate’s background and experience. Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA).

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

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

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #497196 to upload as a PDF a resume, a one-page letter outlining your academic advising philosophy, and contact information for three (3) professional references. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please do not submit additional materials.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on February 14, 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.

Advertised: Jan 24 2023 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: Feb 14 2023 Eastern Standard Time