Graduate Affairs Academic Advisor - Penn Engineering

About the role

The Graduate Affairs Advisor (GAA) serves as an academic advisor for graduate on-campus master’s and PhD Engineering students. The GAA engages students in decision-making processes on academic matters during weekly advising hours and counsels students about programs of study, basic registration, and academic policies.

Responsibilities

• Serve as an advisor for graduate students during weekly advising hours.
• Meet with and counsel students about programs of study, basic registration, and academic policies.
• Respond to student inquiries via email.
• Collaborate with graduate program administrators to aid in the resolution of academic issues and concerns.
• Serve as the school-level point of contact for the Accelerated Master’s (AM 4+1) Program.
• Meet with and advise undergraduate students on the AM program and assist with communications to undergraduate students, staff, and faculty.
• Cook up and advise potential AM 4+1 students before applying and once matriculated.
• Coordinate key monthly & semesterly meetings, including room reservations, calendar invites, agendas & minutes: Graduate Affairs Committee (GAC) - monthly, Master’s Affairs Committee (GAC) - monthly, Graduate Administrator meetings - monthly, Student Advisory Board Meetings - semesterly.
• Process CPT, OPT, and RCL requests in iPenn. Advise students with visa-related issues.
• Collaborate with ISSS colleagues on immigration and visa-related issues.
• Support Graduate New Student Orientation, Graduate Awards ceremony, and commencement ceremonies for both master’s and PhD students.
• Oversee the probation process for master’s students. Notify students on probation on a semester basis and track academic performance.
• Monitor CAN outreach.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and two to three years of experience in higher education working with graduate students or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A Master's degree in higher education administration, student affairs, or a related field is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with academic advising and knowledge of best advising practices.
• Knowledge of and experience working with international students is preferred.
• Demonstrated understanding of the intersectional needs and concerns of diverse student populations in STEM.
• Proficient with Google Workspace, MS Office 365, and able to adapt to new tools and technologies.
• Demonstrated organizational and planning skills to set work priorities under the pressure of deadlines.
• Demonstrated record of personal and professional initiative, flexibility, and careful judgment.
• High attention to detail and confidentiality.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member.