Academic Advisor

OVERVIEW:

At the Carlson School, we believe that innovative education is driven by a diverse mix of backgrounds, experiences, and thought. Our vision is to prepare students to be global business leaders and challenge them to use business as a force for good by building a community that recognizes the value of diversity and inclusion and understands power, privilege, and inequity.

This position will work as part of a team of academic advisors who support over 3300 Carlson School undergraduate students throughout their undergraduate experience. Advisors work to influence student retention and degree progress through proactive outreach and discussions on liberal education, business curriculum and co-curricular involvement. They assist students in making important reflective decisions about their academic, career, and personal aspirations during numerous contacts throughout the academic lifespan. This position reports to an Assistant Director of Academic Advising in the Undergraduate Program office.

Key Behavioral Competencies:

• Demonstrates an Open Mind
• Builds Relationships
• Learns and Adapts
• Is Resilient and Courageous

Priority application deadline is May 5, 2025.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Academic Advising (70%)

• Maintain an advising caseload; guiding undergraduate students from orientation through graduation on all Carlson majors and minors by providing:
  • Registration and curriculum advice that promotes timely degree progress while considering their strengths, interests, and diverse needs to include honors, first generation and international students.
  • Study abroad academic planning that takes into account students' curricular preparedness and programmatic fit in collaboration with the Carlson Global Institute and Learning Abroad Center, including course evaluation, review, and planning processes.
  • Campus resource referrals that contribute to retention, co-curricular involvement, and overall student wellness to provide holistic student support across the undergraduate experience.
  • Available and flexible for meeting modalities to support student needs including in person, remotely or in group settings as appropriate.
• Use interpersonal techniques such as active listening, empathetic responses, questioning, etc. to develop trusting relationships with students and promote their sense of belonging
• Interpret and uphold the integrity of University policies. Help students navigate these policies and procedures and determine when exceptions may be appropriate.
• Employ analytical reviews of student progress reports at key academic markers, such as probation, major declaration and degree checks by utilizing APLUS, PeopleSoft, APAS, Perceptive Content and other software information systems. Proactively reach out to students as needed and determine appropriate next steps for student success.
• Deliver new student orientation programming designed to provide a seamless, productive, welcoming, and individualized entry to the college.
• Share drop-in advising responsibilities with the academic advising team to assist current Carlson School students by addressing their academic questions and concerns.
• Connect and refer students to college and campus resources aimed at guiding students on major and career path exploration, and internship and engagement opportunities.
• Connect and refer students to wellness resources aimed at holistically supporting students.
• Engage campus faculty and staff, professionals, and alumni to support the students' academic, career, and personal goals.
• Actively engage in continuous improvement efforts of advising processes, procedures, and program development within the department and across campus.
• Serve as a member of the College Scholastic Standing Committee; review scholastic petitions and follow up with students regarding petition results.
• Stay abreast of current trends in higher education, business and student development theories.

Other duties (25%)

• Participate in Undergraduate Program activities that may include such things as supporting special populations (international students, underrepresented students, First Generation students, etc.), coordinating Carlson minors for non-Carlson students, supporting study abroad, or assisting with other program needs as they arise.

Collegiate & University Service and Engagement (5%)

• Participate in projects/initiatives related to the continuous improvement of undergraduate program initiatives in the Carlson School and university-wide committees and workgroups. This could include commencement, career fairs, scholarship application review, prospective student programming, and more.
• Engage in professional development and service activities related to the advising and student services profession such as the Academic Advising Network (AAN) or NACADA.
• Commitment to ongoing social justice and racial equity work in order to identify, challenge, and remove barriers to access at the individual, community, and system level.
• Conduct special projects and activities at the request of team leadership.

** The employer reserves the right to change or assign other duties to this position **

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS degree plus at least four years of relevant college level academic advising experience, or master's degree plus two years of relevant experience.
• Previous experience in an educational setting performing academic advising or student support activities.
• Demonstrated ability build inclusive relationships with students, staff, and faculty population.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Strong time management, attention to detail, organization, and problem solving skills.
• Evidence of effective communication skills (written and oral) and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in higher education and student affairs, student development, college student personnel psychology, counseling, social work, or field related to advising.
• Demonstrated ability to relate meaningfully with undergraduates, including compassion, enthusiasm, and commitment to working with undergraduate students.
• Experience interpreting complex policies and ability to learn and disseminate detailed information.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced changing environment and prioritize conflicting demands.
• Previous experience with study abroad, either personal experience or professional work with students to plan their experience.
• Experience with web-based advising software or other technologies used to support student or client success.

Pay Range: $55,000 - $62,000 depending on qualifications.

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: P&A Staff

This position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card Sponsorship.

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).