Academic Advisor

Updated: about 1 month ago
Location: Ann Arbor, MICHIGAN

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How to Apply

NOTE:  A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume in a single document to be uploaded in the online application. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position, as well as the skills and experiences that directly relate to this position.

This position is eligible for flexible scheduling and remote work opportunities (1-2 days/week remote) as determined by LSA policy and unit operational needs.


Summary

The Academic Advisor within the Newnan LSA Academic Advising Center supports and engages undergraduate students in pursuit of a liberal arts degree. Newnan plays a critical role in the undergraduate educational mission of the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA) at the University of Michigan. As the largest college on the Ann Arbor campus, LSA serves over 17,000 undergraduate students in over 100 degree programs. 

Newnan engages students and fosters their success in support of the liberal arts and the University of Michigan community. As a community of over thirty higher education professionals, and in collaboration with key partners across the college and beyond, Newnan aspires to be a valued resource and leader in support of the academic and personal experience of undergraduate students at the university. 


Responsibilities*

The Academic Advisor in the Newnan LSA Academic Advising Center is responsible for the individual engagement of students from orientation to graduation that is grounded in best practices and research in advising and student success. While advising students on a variety of college and university policies, resources, and programs, the academic advisor will also have responsibility for ongoing communication with advisees that encourages growth and development.

The successful candidate will play a key role in motivating and inspiring LSA students to explore and invest in the educational and intellectual breadth and depth of a liberal arts education, both inside and outside of the classroom. They will be expected to build relationships not only with their advisees, but also across the college and university, in order to support the academic and personal experience of the undergraduate student. They will also be expected to cultivate and contribute to a culture that is welcoming, supportive, and responsive to the diverse identities of our students and staff.

The academic advisor is expected to maintain an assigned caseload of students, as well as collaborate with a team of academic advisors within Newnan to provide support for students in the college and across the university.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY (KARs) - Detailed Characteristic Duties

Academic Advising [Direct] (50%)

  • Perform individual advising with students in a variety of modalities (face-to-face, virtual, chat etc.)
  • Assist students in their self-assessment of interests and skills pertinent to academic work, co-curricular interests, and career options
  • Help students make connections between their coursework and the Liberal Arts
  • Provide accurate information about College courses and curriculum
  • Provide accurate information about College and University policies, procedures, resources and programs
  • Serve as an informed resource for students and make referrals when appropriate
  • Advise students regarding course selection during the Summer, Fall, and Winter Orientation and Registration programs

Advising Administration [Indirect] (30%)

  • Maintain timely and accurate records of interactions with students, referrals, exceptions to standard procedures, and decisions affecting degree progress
  • Maintain contact through email with advisees throughout their time at UM - respond to student inquiries; respond to progress reports; alert students to options and new opportunities consistent with their growth and development; plan appropriate outreach to students in academic difficulty; provide targeted information to student cohorts through use of the query tool
  • Communicate with faculty and other administrators as needed

Service to Newnan (20%)

  • Serve as a campus partner with UM academic departments, schools, colleges or administrative units
  • Contribute to the design and/or delivery of workshops, group advising, educational programs, etc.
  • Contribute to the development and maintenance of advising resources
  • Represent Newnan and/or the college at recruitment and retention activities and events
  • Participate in opportunities such as committees, task forces, working groups, etc.
  • Ongoing professional development and continuous learning


SUPERVISION RECEIVED

General supervision is received from an Associate Director within the LSA Academic Advising Center.


Required Qualifications*
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year university
  • Demonstrated experience advising or mentoring college students
  • Strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, including experience working with students from diverse backgrounds and identities
  • Proven ability to successfully work in a collaborative team environment
  • Outstanding interpersonal skills with the ability to establish positive and respectful working relationships with students, staff, and faculty
  • Strong written and oral communication skills
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail 
  • Ability to maintain the integrity of confidential materials and student information
  • Familiarity with higher education student information systems

Additional Information

The College of Literature, Science, and the Arts seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of our commitment to serve the diverse people of Michigan, fulfill the College's Values, and sustain the excellence of LSA. To learn more about LSA's Strategic Vision visit https://lsa.umich.edu/strategicvision . Details regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion in LSA can be found at https://lsa.umich.edu/lsa/dei.html .  

The University of Michigan and LSA are committed to the ongoing development of a workplace culture supportive of personal and family life, which includes benefits, resources and tools promoting work-life flexibility. SAA strives to support work flexibility options while maintaining a high level of on-campus student support in alignment with the college's residential experience. To learn more about the University's generous and competitive benefits package visit https://careers.umich.edu/benefits/.  

The mission of the University of Michigan is to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values, and in developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future.  The University of Michigan is committed to foster learning, creativity and productivity, and to support the vigorous exchange of ideas and information, not only in the classroom but in the workplace by:  

  • Creating a work environment in which people treat each other with respect and dignity, regardless of roles, responsibilities or differences.
  • Providing support, direction and resources enabling us to accomplish the responsibilities of our jobs and to reach the goals that are set for professional and personal growth. 

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks.  Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.


Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.


U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.



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