Graduate Academic Advisor

University of Colorado•Denver, CO

57d•Hybrid

About The Position

The lead Graduate Academic Advisor in the School of Public Affairs (SPA) plays a pivotal role in advancing and supporting student success across the MPA, MPP, and Dual degree graduate programs. The position represents SPA to current and prospective graduate students; advises students regarding program requirements, academic policies and classes; shares advising responsibility with other college advisor(s); and may occasionally advise across other SPA degree programs as needed. The individual in this role aids students in selection of appropriate coursework, assists with student degree planning, and coordinates graduation and degree audits. This position supports retention efforts, advises nondegree students, leads efforts related to SPA student organizations, and handles a variety of other duties to support student services. Other responsibilities include organizing, coordinating, and advising students, faculty, and staff on international education opportunities, including study abroad and supporting international students who attend SPA's graduate programs and providing career coaching. Grounded in a philosophy of student development, the Graduate Academic Advisor collaborates with advisors, faculty, and all SPA staff to deliver advising in both individual and group settings that promotes academic progress, engagement, and retention. The role also works closely with the Associate Dean of Student Success, Programs Manager, and Program Directors to guide curriculum development, enhance co-curricular and community-based engagement experiences, implement program enhancements, and support a positive student experience. Our student success focus is on students feeling a sense of belonging, achieving their goals, and having opportunities to be lifelong learners. The student success team at SPA is committed to holistically supporting efforts around the functions of recruiting, retaining, graduating, and remaining engaged with our learners as alums. We are committed to supporting each other, building an environment where we lift up and cheer on others, where we use data to make decisions, where we work in teams so we know how our efforts help each other succeed, and where we create work / life balance so that each day we can continue to show up as our best selves. We are looking for a colleague who wants to be part of team who finds their time at work meaningful, who demonstrates resilience in the face of everyday challenges, and who is willing to be part of community committed to this kind of collaborative work.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in business, public administration, education, communications, counseling, psychology, sociology, liberal arts, or other related fields.
At least Two (2) years of higher education experience advising or counseling students.
A combination of education and related technical/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for the bachelor's degree on a year for year basis.
Competency with Microsoft Office programs.
Demonstrated knowledge of best practices in student advising and retention.
The ability to remain friendly and approachable while workloads ebb and flow
Demonstrated genuine and deep commitment to student success.
Ability to work well with others, be team oriented, and build relationships.
Ability to perform duties with minimal supervision.
Communication skill set of effectively, firmly, and kindly communicating accurate information in a timely manner
Ability to be self-motivated, proactive, meet deadlines and complete detailed tasks with accuracy.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
High degree of reliability and flexibility especially with students.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in higher education, business, public administration, education, communications, counseling, psychology, or other related fields.
Five or more years of higher education experience in advising or counseling students.
Experience with student information systems, such as Slate, SIS, EAB/Navigate
Experience with Student Information Systems such as CU-SIS.
Intermediate or higher Spanish speaking and writing fluency.

Responsibilities

Serve as academic advisor for graduate students throughout their academic journey, including course selection, goal setting, career opportunities and registration.
Assist SPA graduate students to navigate University and School processes and procedures, including letters and petitions, schedule changes, academic probation, and graduation.
Develop advising resources and facilitate the dissemination of information through information sessions and workshops for traditional, non-traditional, veteran and international graduate students.
Provide Academic Advising services to new and current students through scheduled in-person, Zoom or phone appointments and/or email communications.
Conduct individual and group advising sessions.
Assist students in developing realistic academic plans by identifying the most effective and efficient path to program completion.
Assist students in maintaining good academic standing, informing them of relevant policies, procedures and campus resources.
Maintain appropriate documentation of all student contacts.
Utilize technology extensively to support and implement the school's advising model including systems such as EAB/Navigate, CUSIS, and the degree audit system.
Refer students to appropriate campus resources for assistance with disability resources & services, academic and personal issues and other university-related concerns.
Collect and maintain student data appropriately and within state and federal policies.
Develop and implement various retention and outreach activities for the department.
Monitor and track student retention and other success benchmarks as needed and assigned.
Assist with events and other learning opportunities that support students in reaching their academic and career goals or that foster a sense of belonging among students.
Collaborate with faculty and staff in developing academic success and advising resources including, but not limited to, online and print resources that support retention efforts.
Participate in retention activities both inside and outside of the School.
Attend graduate student in-person or virtual events as needed to help with building community among enrolled graduate students.
Support international students, especially those from China, South Korea, India, and Mexico, in SPA's cohort, community-based, accelerated, and on-campus programs.
Serve as lead Graduate Advisor across SPA.
Attend Commencement planning meetings, Graduate Education, and other campus-wide committee meetings as appropriate to share information, provide feedback, and advocate for SPA.
Collaborate with Admissions and Enrollment Management team (recruiters) to share program and degree requirements.
Inform, update, and proactively provide recommendation on academic, student conduct, and other campus policies that impact student success, retention, or persistence.
In collaboration with SPA's Events Coordinator, organize and plan SPA's Orientation programs, Capstone Information sessions, Student Organization events, and other School-wide student-facing student success events.
Maintain positive and productive working relationships with all Program Directors and faculty to ensure that students receive accurate and reliable information.
Collaborate with Student Success teams (Programs, Recruitment, and TIES) to share program and degree requirements.
Serve as communication hub by drafting communications as it relates to course/program changes to current students for the SPArk monthly email sent to all SPA graduate students.
Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

The University of Colorado Denver provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.
Benefits: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/benefits
Total Compensation Calculator: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125

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