Senior Academic Advisor

Job Summary

Under the direct supervision of the HFA Assistant Dean for Academic Advising and Student Success, the Senior Academic Advisor provides comprehensive advising for College of Humanities and Fine Arts (HFA) students in various majors, including HFA exploratory track students. This position works closely with other advising personnel to ensure high-quality advising and academic services for all undergraduate students.

Essential Functions

• Provides comprehensive, individualized, and small group advising to a diverse population of students during the academic year, including new student orientation/registration periods and current student registration periods.
• PARTNERS WITH THEIR ADVISEES’ DEPARTMENTS TO SUCCESSFULLY BUILD COMMUNITY WITHIN THE MAJOR.
• Responds to common issues such as registration-related matters, including fulfilling the university’s general education requirements, interpreting major and college requirements, and providing guidance for course enrollment.
• AIDES STUDENTS WITH MATTERS INVOLVING TRANSITION TO UMASS AMHERST, GOAL SETTING, SELF-ASSESSMENT, TIME MANAGEMENT SKILLS, PLANNING AND DECISION-MAKING, SUCH AS ESTABLISHING AN ACADEMIC PLAN, CHOOSING A MAJOR WITHIN AND/OR OUTSIDE OF THE COLLEGE OF HUMANITIES AND FINE ARTS, AND SELECTING COURSES.
• IDENTIFIES AND RESPONDS TO AT-RISK STUDENTS EXPERIENCING ACADEMIC AND CRITICAL PERSONAL DIFFICULTIES.
• PROVIDES PROACTIVE AND RESPONSIVE INTERVENTIONS TO SUPPORT STUDENT SUCCESS.
• PROVIDES TARGETED OUTREACH AND SUPPORT TO STUDENTS ON ACADEMIC WARNING AND ACADEMIC PROBATION.
• RESPONDS TO INQUIRIES FROM PARENTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH FERPA IN A HIGHLY PROFESSIONAL AND RESPECTFUL MANNER.
• HELPS TO DEVELOP AND OFFER ACTIVITIES AND WORKSHOPS FOR HFA STUDENTS, INCLUDING INFORMATION SESSIONS ABOUT HFA MAJORS FOR CURRENT AND PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS.
• PARTICIPATES IN HFA ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING FALL VISIT DAYS, DESTINATION DAYS, SENIOR CELEBRATION, AND OTHER ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS.
• REPRESENTS HFA UNDERGRADUATE ADVISING ON COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY-LEVEL COMMITTEES AND COUNCILS.
• ASSISTS IN TRAINING NEW PROFESSIONAL ADVISORS BY PROVIDING THEM WITH THE MOST CURRENT INFORMATION ABOUT REQUIREMENTS IN HFA AND OTHER MAJORS.
• WHEN APPROPRIATE, COLLABORATES WITH UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM DIRECTORS TO CLEAR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS FOR GRADUATION.
• PROVIDES SUPPLEMENTAL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN HFA ADVISING STAFF MEETINGS ON A BI-MONTHLY BASIS.
• SUPPORTS THE HIRING AND TRAINING OF NEW UNDERGRADUATE EMPLOYEES.
• EXECUTES SPECIAL PROJECTS TO SUPPORT THE MISSION OF THE HFA ADVISING AND CAREER CENTER, DEPARTMENTS, AND THE COLLEGE.
• PERFORMS RELATED DUTIES AS ASSIGNED OR REQUIRED TO MEET DEPARTMENT, COLLEGE, AND UNIVERSITY GOALS AND OBJECTIVES.

Other Functions

• Executes special projects to support the mission of the HFA Advising and Career Center, departments, and the college.
• Performs related duties as assigned or required to meet department, college, and university goals and objectives.

Work Conditions

Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Monday - Friday, 8:30 - 5:00 PM, 37.5 hours per week. 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.

Special Instructions for Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references. This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.