Academic Advisor, Commonwealth Honors College (CHC)

Title: Academic Advisor, Commonwealth Honors College (CHC)

Executive Area: Academic Affairs

College/School/MBU: Other Academic Units

Department: Commonwealth Honors College

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Hybrid

Job Summary

Commonwealth Honors College (CHC) Advisor's primary responsibility will be to provide comprehensive individual and group advising services to undergraduate students in CHC. The Academic Advisor will collaborate with administrators & staff to provide outreach, advising programs and services, to create an inclusive environment and enhance student success. They will participate in the development and execution of advising programs such as 1st year and sophomore group advising sessions, evening hours and New Student Orientation. Additionally, they will participate in college-wide efforts to provide outreach and support to external transfer and on-campus transfer students. The Academic Advisor will use a holistic approach to meet the individual needs of diverse students in an effort to increase student persistence and retention.

Essential Functions

Provide holistic advising to CHC students regarding fulfillment of CHC and University requirements, academic regulations and policies, and resolution of academic challenges. Motivate students to understand the importance of undergraduate research and engage students in the planning process so that their completion of an Honors Thesis or Portfolio can help them reach them reach academic and professional goals.

Collaborate with CHC advising team to develop and implement advising programs that will provide essential information to students as they navigate pursuing honors education on a large campus. Actively participate in the planning and delivery of New Student Orientation, CHC's Evening Hours, Group Advising Sessions for First-years and Sophomores and other programs.

Advise prospective transfer students and current students interested in applying to CHC to help them understand the curriculum options and requirements. Participate in the application process and orientating of on-campus students.

Work proactively to ensure that students are making progress towards honors course completion and grade performance to facilitate graduation clearance. Work closely with students who are struggling by providing targeted referrals and follow-up to ensure student success. Collaborate with University colleagues to provide timely information about support services. Collaborate with Residence Life staff to provide support around curricular issues for all CHC students, as relevant.

Participate in professional development opportunities to keep abreast of new trends in academic advising and student success. Actively collaborate with advising network on campus in order to stay current on cross-functional knowledge about advising, school/college updates and student support centers at UMass. Keep technological skills up to date to be able to utilize university systems to their fullest capacity and/or be prepared to learn new systems.

Other Functions

Understands responsibilities with respect to FERPA, Title IX, Clery and other compliance requirements.

Participate in planning and/or oversight for the Peer Advising Program.

Demonstrates capacity, skill and willingness to engage students and contribute to student success.

Contribute toward creative a positive and respectful workplace defined by personal competence.

Understand and contribute to the implementation of college and institutional goals for achieving a respectful, equitable and inclusive environment.

Perform related duties as assigned or required to meet Department, college and University goals.

Work with the Advising team to provide training and/or support to new professional staff, grad students or peer advising assistants. Represent CHC at University wide and CHC events, as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree and three years' experience in academic advising in higher education.

Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate and interact effectively with faculty, staff, students, administrators and the public in a friendly and professional manner. Ability to establish a rapport, maintain harmonious working relationships. Ability and willingness to work empathetically with a diverse student population.

Strong written and verbal skills. Ability to write concisely, express thoughts clearly and develop ideas in a logical sequence.

Independent initiative. Must have the ability to stay on task and work productively with minimum amount of supervision or guidance. The willingness to take on a variety of tasks related to the successful operation of the Advising Center. The ability to adapt and work effectively as the college grows.

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail with the ability to complete assignment in a timely manner, balancing the demands of concurrent and potentially competing projects.

Success in working with underrepresented students, first generation college students, low income, and non-traditional students.

Demonstrated computer skills, including ability to use Word, Excel, Access. Familiarity with calendar software, website software, virtual meeting platforms, and social media.

Ability to exercise sound judgement and discretion in handling confidential information. Ability to understand, explain, and apply policies and procedures.

Understanding of and ability to apply current principles of "whole student" academic advising.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's Degree in Higher Education, Student Development, or related fields and one-year experience (or two years part-time) in academic advising in higher education.

Demonstrated knowledge of student leadership, experience working with student leaders. Experience teaching and curriculum planning.

Training in social justice and/or understanding of Inclusive Excellence.

Experience guiding student through the process of engaging in undergraduate research.

Working Conditions

Work is primarily performed in an indoor university environment and involves lifting and transporting materials or equipment and general physical activity, including prolonged standing, walking, or assuming low postures.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5pm
This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee's work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week. As this position falls within the Professional Staff Union, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the Professional Staff Union collective bargaining agreement.

Salary Information

Pay Grade: PSSAP Grade 26

Click here to view the Professional Staff Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions for Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume and cover letter. References will be requested at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.