About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

Under the direct supervision of the Assistant Dean of Academic Advising and Student Success, the Academic Advisor (entry level)/Senior Academic Advisor(comprehensive) position provides advising to students in the College of Engineering’s (COE) various majors, double majors, dual degrees, minors, exploratory tracks and graduate programs. The position works closely with other advising personnel to ensure high quality advising and academic services for all students, with particular emphasis on programmatic needs for first-year, transfer, and at-risk students and uses computer-based registration and academic records technology, such as Spire and Navigate. The position is responsive to the widely varied needs of diverse student populations and works in a high volume and fast-paced work environment.

Essential Functions

• Provides comprehensive, individualized and small group advising to a diverse population of students during the academic year, including new student & transfer orientation/registration periods and current student registration periods.
• Responds to common issues such as registration-related matters including fulfilling University general education requirements, interpreting major and college requirements and providing guidance for dual degrees, double majors, and minors.
• Assists students with complex matters that involve goal setting, self-assessment and time management skills, planning and decision-making such as establishing an academic plan, choosing a major within and outside of COE, selecting courses, and evaluating courses for study-abroad experiences. Conducts one-on-one advising sessions for students with declared majors and/or exploratory-track students who will work toward identification and declaration of a major.
• Responds to at-risk students experiencing academic and often critical personal difficulties. Addresses relevant issues and makes appropriate referrals to University agencies.
• Advises a diverse incoming (first-year and transfer) population in a fast-paced, high-volume, individual advising format during New Student Orientation before the start of each semester. 
• Responds to and manages inquiries from parents and caregivers in accordance with FERPA and in a highly-professional and respectful manner/tone.
• Responsible for complex graduation clearance processing, being familiar with changes in the multiple degree programs and determining any curricular exceptions.
• Regularly holds information sessions for current students, as well as for prospective students and students in other majors wanting to transfer into COE. Participates in evening and weekend activities including Destination Days (Open Houses), Senior Celebration, Undergraduate Commencement, and other activities and additional events that may be developed.
• Provides administrative support for the department including design, administration and analysis of surveys and reports, course and classroom scheduling, and maintenance of the academic program website.
• Executes special projects including ABET accreditation preparation and develops resources as needed to support the mission of the department, and the College.

Senior Academic Advisor Additional Essential Functions

• Manages and identifies more complex and comprehensive issues overall.
• Identifies at-risk students experiencing academic and often critical personal difficulties.
• May assist in training new professional and graduate student advisors and/or undergraduate peer advisors by providing them with and helping them understand the most current information about requirements in COE and other majors of prospective COE students.
• Teaches seminars or workshops which address adjustment to college, student success, and helps with self-assessment and goal-setting, as needed.

Other Functions

• Performs related duties as assigned or required to meet Department, Executive Area/Division, and University goals and objectives.
• Understands responsibilities with respect to Title IX, FERPA, and other compliance requirements. 
• Demonstrates capacity, skill and willingness to engage students and contribute to student success.
• Works collaboratively with COE colleagues and other campus stakeholders to fulfill the mission of Student Affairs and Campus Life, and Student Success.
• Establishes and continually updates knowledge of faculty teaching, research, and interest areas as well as campus resources to appropriately refer majors for additional consultation, advising, and coursework.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Excellent oral and written communication.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Intermediate level computer proficiency. Ability to create and maintain organized systems for data/record management; strong administrative skills.
• Able to take initiative and work independently and collaboratively with various university personnel.
• Able to manage varied client needs.
• Understanding of student development and commitment to a “whole student” approach to advising.
• Ability to work individually on self-directed assignments, with minimum supervision, and collaboratively in groups.

Senior Academic Advisor additional minimum qualifications

• Three (3) years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, documented professional experience in the areas of academic advising, student development, or counseling. 
• Skilled in small group presentations and aware of confidentiality issues.
• Able to manage a high volume of complex and varied client needs.
• Able to recognize at-risk individuals and provide appropriate support and direction.
• Knowledge of FERPA, Title IX, and University academic rules and regulations.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Experience in serving a large, culturally-diverse population.
• Professional experience in the areas of academic advising, student development, or counseling.

 Senior Academic Advisor Additional Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Counseling, Higher Education, Engineering or related field.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Typical office environment.

Work Schedule

• Monday – Friday, 37.5 hours/week.
• Required to work some nights and weekends.
• This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee's work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week. As this position falls within the Processional Staff Union, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the Professional Staff Union Collective bargaining agreement. 

Salary Information

Academic Advisor: Level 25

Senior Academic Advisor: Level 26

PSU Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

Upload your resume and cover letter, along with your completed application. Our team will check references at the final stage of the interview process. Please be prepared to provide contact information for at least three (3) professional references. This position will remain open until filled or the advertised closing date, whichever occurs first. Early submissions are recommended.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University.  To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans.  It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.