Academic Advisor - Graduate & Professional Programs (Hybrid Opportunity)

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

The Academic Advisor works closely with program personnel and UMass staff across campus to ensure high quality advising and academic services for all assigned students, with particular emphasis on programmatic needs for transfer credits, course waivers, focus areas, and refund and withdrawal procedures. The Academic Advisor reviews applicant files, according to student assignments, and makes admissions decisions based on academic history, work experience, test scores, and professional recommendations. This position participates in various recruitment activities and promotes the program by emphasizing program benefits and success outcomes to prospective applicants. This position requires sound judgement and in-depth analysis of each applicant's credentials, as well as an understanding of the overall student body profile required to maintain quality programs and exceptional student experiences. 

 

Essential Functions

• Lead Management and Recruitment
  • Participates at all on campus and virtual information sessions for prospective students. Answers questions from the audience via chat and assists the presenter with managing audience participants.
  • Travels to regional corporate partnership locations (i.e. UTC, Pfizer, EMC, MassMutual, Yankee Candle, Big Y) to promote program offerings at corporate lunch recruitment events. Creates opportunities for applicants, non-degree and matriculated students to set up one-on-one in-person advising sessions. Addresses inquiries regarding admissions and academic advising to non-degree students. Addresses general inquiries from prospective students in the absence of the Leads Analyst.
• Admissions
  • Serves as a member of the Admissions Committee for Graduate Professional Programs and takes part in admissions decisions for programs offered by the department, which happens three times per year (Fall, Spring and Summer admittance).
  • In straightforward cases, has the authority to admit students into Graduate Professional Programs without consultation. Recommends admissions to the Admissions Committee which meets regularly to review complex admissions cases.
  • Monitors overall and individual admissions statistics of respective assignments (i.e. GMAT scores, Years of Experience, Undergraduate GPA, and age) to ensure each admissions class is of a high quality.
• Advising
  • Provides academic and programmatic advising to respective students. Conducts advising sessions in-person, over the phone, through email or on-site at one of the corporate partner locations (i.e. UTC, Pfizer, EMC, MassMutual, Yankee Candle, BigY).
  • Provides guidance to non-degree and matriculated students in Graduate Professional Programs regarding long-term program plans, course selective, course transfers/waivers, and academic focus pathways (standard subject areas include Finance, Marketing, Healthcare Administration, Accounting, Sport Management, & Business Analytics. Niche focus areas are specific to the student and require a custom pathway developed by the advisor and student in coordination).
  • Provides information and addresses inquiries regarding add/drop/withdrawal procedures, refund policy, university accounts, and learning management system access.
  • Monitors respective assignments in regards to program completion, including a review of courses taken to be applied to degree, and overall GPA requirement to graduate.
  • Receives cross-training in all Graduate Professional Programs to assist in the absence of another academic advisor.
  • Provides advising services to alumni who wish to remain active and continue taking courses after graduation for professional development purposes. 
  • Provides regular guidance and feedback to faculty on University/Graduate School policies and procedures related to poor student performance, lack of engagement and incomplete work, among other issues as they arise.
• Operations & Projects
  • Contributes to the overall success of Graduate Professional Programs by providing expertise and innovative solutions to workflow procedures,