UNDERGRADUATE ADVISOR

As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.

UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

The Department of Landscape Architecture (Department) at the University of Washington (UW) is seeking an Undergraduate Advisor for our undergraduate degree program (BLA). This is a full-time (1.0 FTE)  position on a 12-month appointment.  Located within the College of Built Environments (CBE) the department offers nationally recognized, professionally accredited undergraduate and graduate degree programs in landscape architecture that focus on Urban Ecological Design. We educate students to become innovative practitioners and leaders in both public service and private practice and to create positive change in our communities, region and world. The education that we provide for students builds a design expertise based on both intellectual and experiential understanding of human and natural systems, gained through an iterative and interdisciplinary approach to project-based learning. The Department is supported by eight (8) full time faculty and averages 125 students (45 undergraduate and 80 graduate). The Department further supports a University-wide minor in Urban Ecological Design and actively participates in the two PhD programs located within the CBE.

The Undergraduate Advisor reports to the Program Administrator, but works closely with the Graduate Program Coordinator and Chair of the Department who serves as the Undergraduate Program Coordinator. This position provides student-oriented advising for the Bachelor of Landscape Architecture program, manages the minor in Urban Ecological Design, provides administrative assistance for the Graduate Program Coordinator, works with CBE staff to manage department communications and outreach, and assists with special events and other projects for the Department. This requires interaction, outreach and coordination with other educational institutions, programs, and departments, both at the University of Washington and within the greater Puget Sound region.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Advising and Registration
A primary emphasis of this position will be in direct contact with prospective or enrolled students in the Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (undergraduate) program. Prospective students will include students already enrolled in the University of Washington and prospective transfer students.

The Academic Advisor will manage all administrative responsibilities of the undergraduate program in collaboration with the Undergraduate Program Coordinator (Chair). Specific advising duties will include:
•           Manage the undergraduate admissions process for the program.
•           Manage undergraduate recruiting activities. This includes identifying opportunities for connection with prospective students, particularly from 2-year Colleges. Represent the undergraduate Landscape Architecture program, as well as the College of Built Environments to potential students through group settings such as information sessions, seminars, and career fairs.
•           Advise enrolled and prospective undergraduate students on program and graduation requirements, registration and course options, and other opportunities including study abroad, minor and career/internship advising.
•           Advise students who are experiencing academic or personal challenges to support their socioemotional needs; make referrals to appropriate campus resources when necessary;
•           Assist students with navigating University administrative processes and resources, including referrals to UW Registrar, Student Fiscal Service, Student Financial Aid Office and International Student Services.
•           Participate in CBE Advising group planning and activities and act as a resource for other campus advisors.
•           Serve as registration point-of-contact for non-major courses, register students for studio courses, assist with registration problems, time conflict forms, independent study forms, curriculum waiver forms.
•           Coordinate/oversee/register students for Departmental Study Abroad opportunities.
•           Coordinate internship paperwork including CPT/OPT for international students.
•           Manage department graduation requirements for students
•           Quarterly coordination of Course Evaluations and monitoring of Grade Submissions.
•           Provide back-up advising support to the graduate advisor as needed

Office Management and Records Reporting and Retention
•           Daily administrative tasks include: checking physical mail and email, answering phones, greeting visitors, coordinating opening and closing of the office.
•           Conduct statistics reporting for Accreditation.
•           Maintains department archives - physical and digital.
•           Maintain student files (Google Drive/DARS/EARS/MyGradProgram).

Communications
This position will also assist with departmental marketing activities and help to manage the department’s digital media presence. Specific duties will include but not be limited to:
•           Coordinate Department’s social media content as needed (i.e., Intranet, Website, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and MS Teams).
•           Assist in developing content as well as managing and updating the Department website
•           Coordinate graphic design support for promotional flyers and social media.
•           Maintains email listservs.

Special Events Coordination
There are significant administrative projects and department related events during the academic year. This position will assist the Program Administrator in the planning and coordination of these events. Examples of such projects include but are not limited to:
•           Assist in coordinating student and course presentations - online and in-person.
•           Assist in organizing Departmental events for students and broader community - online and in-person.

As a UW employee, you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs. For a complete description of our benefits for this position, please visit our website, click here.

REQUIREMENTS