Specialist - Advisor-Fixed Term

Advisor-Fixed Term•East Lansing, MI

9h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Online Food Safety Program (OFS), a graduate program in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Michigan State University, invites applications for a full-time Academic Specialist – Advising position. Serving as the primary academic advisor and administrative coordinator, this role supports the Master of Science in Food Safety (Plan B) and Graduate Certificate in Food Safety programs within OFS. This position provides comprehensive advising and program support to a diverse population of online graduate students, ensuring academic success, institutional compliance, and smooth degree progression from admission through graduation. This role is guided by a student-centered philosophy that values strength, positivity, collaboration, and inquiry. The ideal candidate will demonstrate innovative problem-solving skills and deliver creative, practical solutions to complex situations and challenges.

Requirements

Master's degree in higher education administration, counseling, student affairs, academic advising, food science, or a related field.
Demonstrated experience in graduate or undergraduate academic advising, student services, or program coordination.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
Strong organizational ability and attention to detail in managing complex academic processes.
Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and uphold MSU's values of inclusion and student success.
Experience advising graduate and/or online students, particularly working professionals.
Familiarity with MSU academic systems (e.g., Campus Solutions, Degree Audit, GradPlan, D2L) or similar systems.

Nice To Haves

Understanding of adult learning theory, graduate education administration, and online learning environments.
Proven ability to collaborate with faculty and staff across academic and administrative units.

Responsibilities

Provide individualized, proactive academic advising and degree planning for all graduate and certificate students in the Online Food Safety Program.
Conduct annual grade reviews.
Monitor student progress in both degree and certificate programs, as well as degree audits and graduation processes, to ensure timely completion.
Interpret and apply MSU Graduate School and Registrar policies to ensure accuracy and compliance in student records.
Collaborate with faculty, program directors, and campus offices to streamline advising workflows and enhance student success.
Develop advising resources, communications, and student support initiatives to promote engagement and timely degree completion.
Provide guidance on academic policies, institutional requirements, and program expectations to both students and faculty.
Compile data or administer surveys to help the program director, including institutional data, such as enrollment, retention, and GPA, student feedback (from exit surveys or interviews), and student success metrics, such as graduation rates and course progression.
Contribute to program assessment, accreditation activities, and continuous process improvement.
Work with the Marketing and Communication Manager on student-driven initiatives as needed.
Participate in program meetings, college and university committees, and professional development activities.
Support administrative functions including course scheduling, instructor-of-record reporting, and credential documentation.
Maintain up-to-date records in university systems and program databases.
Other duties as assigned.