Academic Advising Professional II (Multiple Positions)

The University of Arizona•Tucson, AZ

16h•Onsite

About The Position

The Academic Advisor will serve as frontline contact to students in the College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences (CALES). The advisor provides proactive, student-centered advising to undergraduate students, supporting their academic, personal, and professional development. As a key point of contact, the advisor helps students navigate university policies, select courses, connect with resources, and create academic plans aligned with their goals. This role fosters student engagement, promotes retention, and contributes to a positive university experience by building supportive relationships and connecting students with campus resources. The advisor maintains current knowledge of academic programs, college and university requirements to guide students effectively. Academic advisors guide students on their academic degree paths. Hours are mainly Monday through Friday 8am-5pm. Occasional weekend and evening hours may be required for student related or advising professional related events. CALES utilizes a collaborative advising structure composed of dedicated first-year and continuing student advisors. These positions will primarily support either the CALES Norton School of Human Ecology OR School of Nutritional Sciences & Wellness. While initially assigned to specific cohorts, advisors work as part of a dynamic team and maintain the flexibility to adapt to shifting caseloads, program assignments, or student support structures as college needs evolve. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree is required.
Minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
Strong written and verbal communication.
Pro-active, problem-solving attitude.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced team environment.
Managing competing priorities with attention to detail.
Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information.
Knowledge of advising practices and principles.
Adaptability and flexibility in responding to evolving college priorities, student needs and organizational changes.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree related to higher education or comparable fields.

Responsibilities

Student appointments, drop-ins.
Student communications/emails – proactive and reactive.
Assist students in developing academic plans aligned with their educational and career goals.
Provide comprehensive advising that integrates academic, career, and personal development planning.
Guide course selection and registration in accordance with degree requirements and institutional policies.
Monitor student progress toward degree completion and provide timely interventions when necessary.
Explain university policies, procedures, and academic requirements clearly and accurately.
Help students understand implications of academic decisions (e.g., course withdrawals, major changes).
Interpret degree audits and assist in resolving discrepancies.
Build supportive, developmental relationships that encourage student success and engagement.
Evaluate transfer credits and assist students in applying them toward degree requirements.
Interpret and apply academic policies with greater autonomy; advise on exceptions, petitions, and appeals processes.
Serve as a policy resource for newer advisors and departmental staff.
Create and maintain student newsletters, listservs, Brightspace/D2L, group communications.
Teach Success Courses.
Facilitate workshops, events, information sessions.
Maintain student records.
Advocate for students.
Maintain connections with college and campus partners.
Identify academic or personal challenges and refer students to appropriate support services.
Work with graduate coordinators and room and course scheduler.
Participate in curriculum committees or provide input on academic program development from a student success perspective.
Collaborate closely with academic departments and faculty to support program-specific advising and curricular updates.
Serve as a liaison to departments, student affairs, or career services to align advising with university-wide goals.
Attend department meetings.
Attend department working groups relevant to students.
Sign and submit degree audits for majors, minors, certificates.
Represent unit at student events.
Maintain accurate and confidential advising records in compliance with FERPA and university guidelines.
Document advising interactions and track student progress using advising software or platforms.
Attend CALES advisor meetings, UPAC meetings, Advising Resource Center Master Classes, and other student related activities.
Maintain knowledge of student and advising trends.
Maintain knowledge of academic programs, university policy and procedures, technology updates relevant to student support and engagement.
Collaborate with faculty, staff, and campus partners to support student success initiatives.
Participate in training, workshops, and professional development to stay informed on best practices and institutional changes.
Contribute to advising programs, orientation, or retention-focused events.
Contribute to developing and standardizing advising best practices across the unit or college.
Support recruitment events.
Duties may be assigned contingent on needs from the CALES majors, minors, certificates and campus(es).