Academic Advisor: Arts & Cultural Studies, UMKC Undergraduate Advising

About the Role

The Division of Student Success at UMKC is seeking an Academic Advisor to join the Roo Advising Team, a centralized advising model designed to provide proactive, personalized, and comprehensive advising. This role focuses on ensuring students understand degree requirements and have a clear path to graduation. The position is specifically for the Arts & Cultural Studies Major Academic Path (MAP), which includes the following programs:

• Art History
• Communication Studies (Film and Media emphasis)
• English
• Film and Media Arts
• Languages and Literatures (Classical, French, International Studies, Spanish)
• Studio Art

The successful candidate will prioritize the advisor-student relationship, support students in making informed academic and career choices, and uphold UMKC’s Culture of Care and Statement of Values.

Responsibilities

• Develop advising relationships that support students’ interests, experiences, values, skills, and career aspirations.
• Manage a caseload of up to 350 students.
• Utilize workflow procedures for form submission, transfer course equivalency, and transcript updates.
• Assist students in navigating UMKC technology, including Pathway (PeopleSoft), Canvas, UMKC Connect (Starfish), and PlanMyDegree (UAchieve).
• Monitor and assist students in completing academic milestones, success plans, enrollment, and progress toward degree completion.
• Maintain accurate and timely advising notes; respond to early alert notifications in collaboration with academic units, success coaches, and the MAP Manager.
• Assist students facing academic challenges, including academic standing, satisfactory academic progress, GPA adjustments, and academic recovery protocols.
• Attend MAP team meetings, monthly Roo Advising training, and other required advisor trainings.
• Collaborate on team projects and provide caseload coverage during absences (vacation, sick leave, or transitions).
• Contribute to the scholarship and service of advising within Roo Advising, UMKC, and broader professional communities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least 1 year of relevant experience (e.g., student services, academic advising, student leadership, or assistantships).

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree.
• 1–3 years of experience in student services and/or academic advising.

Pay

The anticipated hiring range for this position is $42,000 – $47,000 annually. Salary is determined by education, skills, experience, and organizational requirements. The University of Missouri provides a comprehensive benefits package, including health plans, retirement contributions, paid leave, and educational fee discounts.

Schedule

• Work hours include in-person and virtual advising sessions during normal business hours (8 AM–5 PM).
• Availability for drop-in advising and scheduled individual/group appointments.
• Summer Orientation (June–July) may require occasional weekend work.
• Advisors must monitor and respond to UMKC Connect (Starfish) early alerts and provide additional support as needed.

Benefits

This position is eligible for University benefits, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Retirement contributions.
• Paid time off (vacation, sick leave, holidays).
• Short- and long-term disability coverage.
• Paid parental and caregiver leave.
• Educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses.

Career Advancement

Roo Advising offers a dynamic environment with clear career progression opportunities. The vertical structure includes:

• Academic Advisor Level I
• Academic Advisor Level II
• Senior Academic Advisor Level I
• Senior Academic Advisor Level II
• MAP Manager
• Assistant Director
• Director

Location

UMKC is located in Kansas City, a vibrant urban community with Midwestern appeal. The city offers:

• Thriving arts districts, nightlife, shopping, and champion sports teams.
• A renowned culinary scene, including world-famous barbecue.
• Convenient access to neighborhoods, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
• UMKC’s Volker Campus is minutes from the Country Club Plaza, while the Health Sciences Campus is downtown near major hospitals.

Learn more about Kansas City at VisitKC.com.