Academic Advisor

UMass Boston•Boston, MA

11d

About The Position

The Academic Advisor provides academic advising and related services to students in the College of Management, with the goals of improving student retention, reducing time to graduation, supporting students’ individual academic goals, and connecting students with resources that enhance their student experience. The advisor manages an assigned student caseload and works with prospective and current students on academic and program requirements, course selection, degree completion, policies, deadlines, and potential concentrations or tracks. The position also supports student transitions through orientation, provides individual and group advising, assists students in the Three-Year Degree Program, and contributes to retention initiatives and advising presentations. In coordination with other advising staff, the advisor may help coordinate programs and services such as the Management Achievement Program, student ambassador and mentor programs, peer tutoring, academic-success support, scholarships and awards, honor societies, and student organizations. The role participates in recruitment, yield, graduation, and other college events; maintains accurate student records; uses university advising and communication technologies and student success data; and ensures compliance with FERPA and applicable regulations. The position is an exempt union role. The work schedule may be flexed to include evenings, and occasional weekends may be required.

Requirements

Master’s degree or equivalent experience.
1–3 years of direct student-service experience.
Proven ability to work with diverse populations.
Knowledge of current student development theory and research.
Understanding of the academic advising and support needs of business students.
Ability to learn and uphold accreditation standards mandated by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
Ability to use technology to promote access, efficiency, and effectiveness of College of Management programs and services.
Ability to use and understand student-success data in advising.
Ability to work effectively and efficiently as part of a team with a broad range of staff to accomplish departmental and program goals.
Good judgment in prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines.
Ability to independently manage multiple priorities.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Strong interpersonal skills.
Strong commitment to customer service.
Ability to work a schedule that may extend into evenings; occasional weekend work may be required.

Nice To Haves

Higher education academic advising experience.
Experience working with both first-year and transfer students.

Responsibilities

Provide comprehensive academic advising and related services to College of Management students, ensuring services meet their needs.
Serve as a designated advisor for an assigned caseload of students.
Help prospective and current management students meet academic and programmatic graduation requirements.
Assist students with course selection and on-time degree completion.
Explain University and College policies as they relate to academic progress.
Refer students to and connect them with other University departments.
Communicate regularly with assigned students about academic deadlines, policies, resources, and opportunities.
Assist students in selecting a concentration or track.
Participate in orientation programs and support new College of Management students’ transition to campus.
Conduct individual and group advising sessions, in person and/or virtually, as part of University-wide orientation.
Advise students in the Three-Year Degree Program and help them stay on track with their accelerated graduation plans, including through early registration assistance.
Work on selected student-retention projects or campaigns.
Deliver advising presentations at First Year Seminars, Satisfactory Academic Progress workshops, orientation programs, and other events as needed.
Stay current with advising theory and trends.
Learn and use university-specific and other technological tools to advise and communicate with students and faculty.
Maintain accurate student records, advising notes, and files.
Contribute as a team member to high-quality advising and student support aimed at increasing retention and graduation rates.
Help coordinate office programs and services, potentially including planning, scheduling, and promoting Management Achievement Program events; monitoring student progress and updating program technology; and working with student ambassadors and academic-success mentors.
Coordinate the College of Management Peer Tutor program schedule for selected major courses.
Represent the Undergraduate Program Office in convocation and commencement processes and meetings.
Serve on the College of Management Scholarship and Awards Committee, reviewing applications and selecting recipients.
Coordinate advising resources and systems for students in academic jeopardy through the Program for Academic Success Strategies.
Advise the Beta Gamma Sigma honor society and coordinate portions of the program for undergraduate students.
Advise existing College student organizations and develop additional organizations to meet student interests.
Participate in recruitment and yield events, including open houses and welcome days, as well as commencement, convocation, and other college events.
Ensure compliance with FERPA and other state and federal regulations.
Perform other duties as assigned.