Senior Academic Advisor & Coordinator of Undeclared Transfer Student Support

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The full salary range for this position is $56,000- $70,000.  The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $56,000- $61,000.

Initial applicant review will begin on or around January 3th, 2024. Posting will remain open until filled.

Remote/Hybrid eligibility: This position is typically in person on campus 5 days a week.  In select weeks, there may be the opportunity to work remotely on a specific day identified based on student and department needs.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and the first American research university built in the 21st century. With more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced offers an environment that combines a commitment to diversity, inclusion, collaboration and professional development. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships, and community involvement, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide educational opportunities for highly qualified students from the San Joaquin Valley and throughout California. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and supports the economic development of Merced and the region.

The Merced 2020 Project, a $1.3 billion public-private partnership unprecedented in higher education and completed in 2020, nearly doubled the physical capacity of the campus, enhancing academic distinction, student success and research excellence. UC Merced also operates the Downtown Campus Center, a $33 million, three-story administrative building located in the heart of Merced.

The university’s mission of educational excellence and rigorous inquiry is powered by three schools and numerous research institutes and centers that seek scientific and social solutions for the Valley, California and the world. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced is preparing the way for a rigorous medical education program.

The course of UC Merced’s evolution is piloted by a long-range strategic plan. Enacted in 2021, the 10-year blueprint is guiding how the values of equity and justice influence our pathway to earning Carnegie R1 research status, growing enrollment, upholding our identity as a minority-serving institution, and operationalizing how commitments to equity, diversity and inclusion are enacted in each campus unit.

Academic advisors in the Bobcat Advising Center (BAC) provide comprehensive, developmental, academic advising to first-year students in all majors and undeclared students in all class years with a focus on academic coaching and support that contributes to student persistence (e.g., enrollment into the second semester and the second year). Professional advisors assist in the planning, developing, and implementing a first-year and undeclared advising program that supports successful University transitions, student engagement, and cross-unit or cross-division collaborations. Student support is driven by individualized interactions that integrate the development of career and life goals, selection of academic programs, identification of academic opportunities, and effective utilization of campus and community resources. Under the general direction of the Director of First Year & Undeclared Advising, the Senior Academic Advisor & Coordinator of Undeclared Transfer Student Support will develop, implement, and assess advising programming to support the transition, retention, and timely graduation of undeclared lower-division transfer students. The Senior Academic Advisor & Coordinator of Undeclared Transfer Student Support serves as the primary advisor for undeclared lower-division transfer students, applying advanced academic and career advising experience to support timely major declaration. This position requires effective, strategic campus partnerships to ensure program goals are met; the incumbent must develop and maintain productive working relationships with the Office of Admissions and the Registrar, campus student services (e.g., units in the Bright Success Center, academic advising in the Schools, Housing & Residence Life, Center for Career & Professional Advancement), and School administration. The incumbent conducts comprehensive analyses of students' issues and needs and works with campus partners to generate and implement solutions or alternatives. The Senior Academic Advisor & Coordinator of Undeclared Transfer Student Support serves as an emerging expert in academic support for lower-division undeclared transfer students and uses student, program, and institutional data to inform campus policy and practice related to supporting this student population. May supervise student staff.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Meets regularly with lower-division undeclared transfer and continuing students, applying theoretical knowledge of advanced advising and career exploration concepts to assist students in determining a major, including alternative academic options. Provides individualized academic counseling to students on academic and degree progress, including department/School/university requirements, course selection, and scheduling changes. Ensures that students are aware of procedures for course registration, faculty-approved major declaration policies and procedures, and other university and departmental policies and procedures. Proactively identifies and addresses potential issues that may impact students' ability to complete degree. 
• Develops and implements programming intended to facilitate University transitions, including individual and group advising, informational, and academic skills workshops. Utilizes research and best practices in the development of advising support programs that promote student persistence and timely degree process. Identifies opportunities to leverage existing campus resources (e.g. the Transfer, Returning, and Veteran Program, academic tutoring, undergraduate research) in support of students served by the unit. 
• Partners with campus advising the community to identify and maintain pathways for academic program declaration that meet the needs of lower-division undeclared transfer students within faculty-approved major declaration policies. 
• Analyzes student and program data to inform campus policy and practice related to supporting undeclared lower-division transfer students.
• Maintains professional standards of practice through participation and involvement in continuing education and professional development activities. Engages in on-campus professional development opportunities, including cross-unit and cross-divisional committee service, training, and networking.
• Contributes to developing and assessing unit goals and outcomes, including implementing actions to respond to findings that may include recommendations for program improvements, changes to office practice, or identified opportunities for professional development.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s s degree from an accredited university. (Required)
• Advanced degree from an accredited university. (Preferred)
• Three years of directly related, progressively responsible experience in a student services job function, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. (Required)

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Advanced knowledge of advising and counseling techniques. 
• Experience supporting transfer or non-traditional student populations. 
• Thorough knowledge of department/School/college policies, procedures, and requirements. 
• Demonstrated skills in using professional judgment and decision-making to solve complex time sensitive problems. 
• Ability to prioritize, multi-task, and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated skill in problem identification, reasoning, and the ability to develop original ideas to solve problems. 
• Experience creating and/or implementing student support programs in higher education. 
• Demonstrated ability to maintain professional boundaries with students of diverse ages and backgrounds. 
• Demonstrated experience in career advising/counseling.

Background check and fingerprinting will be required.

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact [email protected].

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California, Merced is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, pregnancy, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran, or other protected categories covered by the UC Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Policy . UC Merced intentionally promotes and maintains a discrimination- and harassment-free workplace by demonstrating it neither condones nor tolerates employment practices that discriminate against or harass any person or specific group of persons on the basis listed above. We seek candidates who will support our vision to cultivate a vibrant, equity-minded, inclusive excellence university community. When applying to UC Merced, we strongly encourage you to reflect on our Principles of Community and our 2021 strategic plan.  

Vaccination Program Policy:

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy .  All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline.  For new University of California employees, the applicable deadline is 14 days after their first date of employment. 

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace.  Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu .

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an  Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland  Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/

This position is eligible for the UC Merced Employee Referral Program (ERP). If you were referred by a UC Merced employee, please identify that employee by name in your application as follows:

Step 5 of 7    (on the application)              Referrals          

How did you hear about the job?              (select) “other”

Additional information?                             (select) “other”

Specific Referral Source?                         (write in) first and last name of referring employee  

Referring employee MUST be named on application for eligibility.