Student Academic Advisor (Hybrid)

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 $51,700- $70,000.  The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $56,000- $58,000.

Initial applicant review will begin on or around January 4th, 2024. Posting will remain open until filled.

Hybrid - majority on-site (3 days/week on campus), and/or dependent on department/school needs. The first month of employment will be fully in-person on-campus. 

This 4-year contract appointment is eligible for full UC benefits. 

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.

Under the direction of the Manager of Undergraduate Advising, the Academic Advisor works on a daily basis with a diverse undergraduate population within the School of Engineering to create an atmosphere that promotes success. 

Services include major exploration, degree planning, additional support meetings, and interventions for students with academic difficulty. Collaborates with other advisors in the unit and academic officials and departments outside the School of Engineering. The Academic Advisor manages and updates student records and meets with students via appointments, walk-ins, and emails. 

This position may be responsible for special projects for specific student populations (e.g. First-year students, Undeclared, Special Probation, etc.). Advises and counsels individuals with unique and/or confidential problems and arranges specialized help for students as needed through other support services within the University. 

This position works independently and makes professional judgments about complex issues without direct guidance and through consultation with the supervisor.

May supervise student assistants.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Applying professional Student Services concepts, provides the full range of student services (interpreting and updating MyAudit degree audits, midterm grade interventions, timely registration help, and academic counseling) to the continuing undergraduate student population served by the School of Engineering through in-person meetings and via email advising. Provide relevant interventions, including mandatory meetings to develop probation contracts introducing information on relevant resources (tutoring, disability services, mental health counseling, etc.), time management concepts and policies (academic disqualification, educational leave, course withdrawal, re-enrollment, grade appeals) for students in academic difficulty. 
• Coordinate, organize, and lead special projects/initiatives (for example, develop workshops, create surveys, informational website pages, and/or intake forms) for specific student populations and evaluates and assesses process per logic model templates utilized campus-wide on a regular yearly basis to continue the betterment of support for the academic success of students within the unit. 
• Manage and update student records. Review and clear students that have applied for graduation. 
• Represent School of Engineering on campus committees: Registrar, Financial Aid, Student First Center. Collaborate with other campus divisions to create efficiencies in the delivery of services for engineering undergraduates. 
• Events: Participate in planning and execution of important campus events such as Commencement, Preview Day, BobCat Day, Family Day, and Engineering Week for the School of Engineering.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. (Required)
• Advanced degree from an accredited university (Preferred)
• 3 years of directly related, progressively responsible experience in a student services job function, or 7 years of equivalent education/experience. Master’s degree is preferred, but may not substitute for the required years of experience. (Required)

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Thorough knowledge of advising and counseling techniques. 
• Thorough knowledge of college / school policies, procedures, and requirements. 
• Skills in judgement and decision-making, problem solving. 
• Abilities in problem identification, reasoning, ability to develop original ideas to solve problems. 
• Abilities to multi-task in a fast paced environment with multiple competing deadlines.

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.