Academic Advisor 2

JOB SUMMARY 

The College of Engineering at the University of Connecticut is seeking a full-time, professional Academic Advisor 2 at the Storrs campus. Academic advising is mandatory for every student, every semester, and the timely monitoring of degree progress is critical for the College of Engineering’s ABET accreditation.

This advisor would join a dynamic team of Academic Advisors, higher education, and student development professionals by training, that primarily advise first- and second-year engineering students in registering for their foundational coursework, determining a preliminary plan of study, understanding and interpreting academic policies, and navigating the nuances of their transition to the college experience. Additionally, the advisor counsels students regarding appropriate educational and career goals and provides administrative oversight for the coordination and implementation of programs intended to increase student retention and academic success.

This position will report to the Director of the Undergraduate Program and will serve one or more academic departments within the College of Engineering, with a caseload of 250-350 students. In addition to advising current engineering students, the Academic Advisor will communicate with faculty advisors, administrators, and other campus partners to ensure a high level of student support and success. Some additional opportunities include teaching a first-year seminar course for the Engineering Learning Community or helping to provide student support programming. The College of Engineering seeks a highly independent and team-oriented advisor, with creative ideas about student support and development, to fill this Academic Advisor role.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Advises students in personalized curriculum decisions including the appropriate choice of courses, scheduling of courses, selection or change of major or minor, waiver of requirements/deadlines, and related matters.
• Attends to the special needs of various unique student populations through the creation and implementation of tailored programs and services, advising, and in collaboration with other student-centered offices.
• Creates plans of study to support students in their educational needs, career goals, and professional development.
• Discusses students’ status regarding academic warning, probation, or dismissal and provides recommendations for students who submit appeals.
• Refers students to other student success services such as Career Services and Counseling and Mental Health Services, as appropriate.
• Evaluates how services are delivered in their area of focus and recommends plans for improvement. 
• Audits student records to determine progress toward meeting academic requirements, probationary requirements, and eligibility to graduate.
• Works with probationary students to develop strategies to improve academic standing. Actively participates in determining the dismissal of students in academic jeopardy. 
• Collaborates with Department Heads, Program Directors, Career Consultants, Global Affairs, and others to plan and implement scheduling and registration activities, orientation programs, and other student academic success activities, as assigned.
• Serves as a resource for students, faculty, parents and guardians, and others with questions about programs or academic policies.
• Coordinates and implements programs to promote recruitment and retention of students, particularly for unique populations such as transfer students, international students, first-year students, and academic warning/probation students.
• Creates, maintains, and appropriately updates files, records, and student documentation and assists in compiling reports.
• May serve on campus or University committee(s).
• Oversees departmental programs or initiatives related to advising.
• May serve as an instructor for the First Year Experience (FYE) course.
• Performs related work as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and four years of related experience OR Master’s degree in higher education, counseling, or a related field and two years of related experience. At least 2 of the years of experience must be in direct advising or counseling. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to relate well to students, families, faculty, and other campus partners.
• Ability and knowledge to support STEM undergraduate students, with an appreciation for the rigor of their academic experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in higher education, counseling, or a related field.
• 3-5 years of advising and/or counseling students or providing academic support.
• Knowledge of the unique needs of special undergraduate student populations, especially underrepresented and minoritized students in STEM.
• Knowledge of relevant student development theories and application of that knowledge in developing a robust philosophy of advising that includes prescriptive, developmental, coaching, and teaching approaches.
• Knowledge of relevant academic programs and career pathways in engineering, the range and structure of majors, general education, and school and college requirements.
• Experience in the interpretation of academic policies, regulations, and procedures. 
• Experience using data to plan, manage, and assess a program.
• Ability to develop, plan, and present programs and workshops.
• Knowledge of and experience with online student records software, such as PeopleSoft. 
• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, permanent position. The University offers a competitive salary, outstanding benefits including employee and dependent tuition waiver at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment. Salary will be commensurate with the successful candidate’s background and experience. Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA).

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs , Staff Positions, Search #498263 to upload as a PDF a resume, a one-page cover letter outlining your academic advising philosophy, and contact information for three (3) professional references. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please do not submit additional materials.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on March 29, 2024. 

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp .

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.