Advising Dean

About the role

The College of Arts & Sciences at the University of Virginia is investing heavily in undergraduate advising. Academic Advising Deans are senior-level advisors who provide specialized services for undergraduate students in the College. While students have a primary pre-major advisor, Academic Advising Deans handle complex matters such as academic warnings and suspensions, university referrals, student appeals to academic decisions, and helping students navigate their academics amid extenuating circumstances. Each semester, Advising Deans oversee the academic audit to identify students in potential academic jeopardy and help them develop a plan for working toward graduation. Advising Deans also teach within the College’s General Education curriculum, the highlight of which are the Engagements, a sequence of courses that celebrate learning while introducing first-year students to the liberal arts and sciences through unique seminar topics.

Academic Advising Deans model a student-centered approach to advising. Most work with a general population of students, but they may be assigned to a specialized portfolio such as athletes, veterans, transfers, or Echols scholars. They participate in professional development activities and act as a resource to faculty and departments seeking guidance on various issues. Advising Deans have a demonstrated commitment to the Liberal Arts and Sciences, a thorough understanding of the College curriculum and policy, and an ability to help students navigate academic policies. Critically, they demonstrate an empathetic and student-centered approach to supporting students' intellectual and emotional development.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Advising Dean for a designated caseload of students through proactive outreach, support, and education.
• Develop a rapport of trust and accessibility with assigned students.
• Ensure accurate advice and quality support, contributing to persistence and a positive student experience.
• Interpret College and University policies relevant to academic progress and degree requirements.
• Use a variety of technical platforms to document student interactions, assess academic requirements and progress to degree, and make referrals to partner groups across Grounds.
• Develop a plan for academic progress for students flagged by the academic audit and at academic risk.
• Monitor student progress and develop graduation plans in partnership with individual students.
• Provide information regarding curriculum, policies, procedures, opportunities, and guidelines for academic programs.
• Evaluate student needs and provide appropriate resource referral to career, academic, counseling, and student life resources and opportunities.
• Support students through educational transition processes (e.g., orientation, academic exploration, transfer, and graduation).
• Recommend actions related to academic warning, suspension, and dismissal of students.
• Identify opportunities for high-performing student engagement and goal attainment.
• Engage in ongoing professional development and training to maintain up-to-date knowledge about advising concepts, practices, policies, technologies, and student success needs at the university and in higher education.
• Function as a member of the College advising team to ensure the proper workflow and outcomes of the unit.
• Liaise between the College and University offices focusing on student affairs to ensure student service functions are performed consistently.
• Provide academic advising to facilitate students' educational planning and degree completion in alignment with their educational and career goals.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree (relevant experience may be considered in lieu of degree requirement).
• Experience: At least five years of experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Terminal degree, preferably in the liberal arts and sciences.

Physical Demands

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job occasionally requires traveling some distance to attend meetings and programs.

Pay

The anticipated salary is $81,000, commensurate with education and experience.

Schedule

This is an exempt-level, benefited position based in Charlottesville, VA, and must be performed fully on-site.

Additional Requirements

Background checks will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment. This position will not consider candidates who require immigration sponsorship now or in the future.