Academic Advisor I

The University of Massachusetts Global (UMass Global) is a private, nonprofit affiliate of the University of Massachusetts. Accredited by WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges), the university offers undergraduate, graduate, credential, and certificate programs designed to be relevant to more than 90 career paths. UMass Global has ranked consistently among the best in the nation by U.S. News and World Report .

At the University of Massachusetts Global, we value the personal health and financial well-being of our employees. With our affordable and flexible benefit packages we aim to provide peace of mind to allow employees to focus on important aspects of their lives. Our benefits include:

Healthcare

Medical, dental, and vision plans - including health and flexible spending accounts - that cover you and your family.

Work-Life Balance

We encourage a healthy work-life balance, that’s why we offer flexible schedules and remote work opportunities. In addition, we provide generous vacation and sick time and 13 paid holidays which includes a winter break.

Financial Protection

For life's unexpected surprises - we provide life and disability insurance, prepaid legal, identity theft, critical illness, accident, and travel assistance. We also have programs to help you manage student debt offered through SAVI. Employees are also eligible for Public Student Loan Forgiveness.

Tuition Remission

We support the educational goals of you and your family by providing tuition discounts at UMass Global and Chapman University.

Wellbeing

24/7 counseling support, through our Employee Assistance Program, and free premium subscription to Calm for you and your dependents! In addition, our Wellness program provides year-round events that bring together our community and promotes employee well-being.

Retirement

Pre-tax and Roth options with a generous match of 6% and additional employer contribution of 3% - totaling 9%!

Responsible to advise undergraduate and graduate students regarding program and course requirements. Develop a strong rapport with assigned students, track and report student data and progress, maintain responsibility for student retention, and support the student in persistence through program completion. Communicate and collaborate throughout the university advising community and perform other duties based on campus needs. Perform all duties in accordance with the University’s policies and procedures, all US state and federal laws and regulations, wherein the University operates.
New hires must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (including any boosters recommended by the CDC) and demonstrate proof of vaccination upon hire, unless approved for a disability or religious accommodation or are exempt from the requirement under state law.
UMass Global employees are eligible to participate in a voluntary hybrid flexible work (remote) arrangement benefit with approval of their supervisor, through the University’s Voluntary Flexible Work Arrangement Program.

TYPE OF SUPERVISION: 

Receive general direction from the Academic Advising Supervisor

General Direction — indicates that the incumbent receives guidance in terms of broad goals and overall objectives and is responsible for establishing the methods to attain them. Generally the incumbent is in charge of an area of work, and typically formulates policy for this area but does not necessarily have final authority for approving policy.

POSITION DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

Percentage

Academic Advising

65%

• Advise undergraduate and graduate students on the development of individual learning outcomes based on their skills, goals, responsibilities and experiences. Encourage and direct students in utilizing web-based resources.

• Maintain and review student records, update student database information, conduct data analysis, and respond to requests for information. Analyze and resolve student issues associated with program requirements and course scheduling by interpreting and applying academic policies.

• Acquire and demonstrate content knowledge regarding specific degree, credential and certificate programs. Pursue and demonstrate knowledge of the National Academic Advising Association’s competency-based model of academic advising.

• Support student enrollment efforts through collaboration with university partner offices

Retention Management

30%

• Monitor individual student progress and perform proactive advising outreach to discuss academic issues, program completion, and career goals to support retention while ensuring compliance to standards, policies and procedures.

• Collaborate with the university community, including campus meetings and departmental committees, to support students’ educational experience resulting in action plans leading to student persistence.

• Prepare program summary analyses, evaluative reports and recommendations to support retention initiatives.

Other Duties

5%

• Perform other duties, as assigned.

TOTAL

100%

POSITION SPECIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Excellent oral communication and writing skills to communicate clear, concise and grammatically correct documents, reports and correspondence.

• Excellent interpersonal skills to interact with diverse constituents.

• Strong organizational and analytical skills.

• Required to maintain high level of confidentiality of student records.

• Ability to abide by the ethical standards and guidelines for academic advising.

• Ability to work both independently and as a team member.

• Demonstrated ability to handle high volume and an ability to work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

• Computer skills in the use of word processing, spreadsheet, database, electronic mail and internet applications.

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.

Desired

• Skill to develop creative and innovative solutions to complex student issues. General understanding of curriculum for degree, credential and certificate programs.

• Working knowledge of General Education and transfer requirements, with demonstrated ability to critically evaluate student records and transcripts.

• Demonstrated knowledge of academic advising theories and principles

• General knowledge of enrollment management and retention best practices and the ability to apply them to an adult learning environment.

• Working knowledge of student information systems as related to student records and advising.

• Experience using virtual meeting platforms

• Working knowledge of and experience in the application of adult learning principles and higher education policies.

• Understanding and ability to apply the competency based model of academic advising as endorsed by the National Academic Advising Association.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATION AND/OR LICENSES:

• Bachelor’s Degree

• 1-3 years’ experience with student advising or related experience in an educational setting.

• Experience in interpreting and applying academic policies for student degree requirements and academic progress.

• Experience in resolving academic issues that also involve the career and life goals of the student.

• Knowledge of learning needs of individual students based on their skills, abilities, and goals

MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT, ELECTRONIC DEVICES, SOFTWARE, OTHER:

• Intermediate level experience in Microsoft Office Word, Excel, Outlook

• Ability to effectively use scanning and video conferencing technology

• Familiarity with the use of standard office equipment (e.g. copier, fax, scanner, etc.)

Contact with Students:  Frequent

Contact with Faculty and/or Staff:   Frequent

Contact with Community and Vendors: Occasional

Special Requirements:

Position may be required to work flexible hours particularly given campuses’ extended hours of operation, and may require occasional weekend and/or evening work.  All applicants are subject to a background check and criminal history review.  Working conditions are normal for an office environment.  May occasionally travel, such as to meetings, conferences, or between campuses and may include overnight travel.

Please Note: Internal Employees, please access the Career app on the Workday Dashboard homepage to apply for the position.

Equal Employment Opportunity – UMass Global is committed to providing an educational and work environment free of unlawful discrimination and harassment in any form. UMass Global prohibits all forms of discrimination and harassment on the basis of age, ancestry, color, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), disability (mental and physical), marital status, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, national origin (including language use restrictions), race, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and/ related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal law.

Reasonable Accommodation – UMass Global provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the recruitment department at [email protected] .