Academic Advisor/Senior Academic Advisor (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

Based on qualifications, the Isenberg School of Management is hiring an Academic Advisor and/or a Senior Academic Advisor. The position works closely with other advising personnel to ensure high quality advising and academic services for all students, with particular emphasis on programmatic needs for first-year, transfer, and at-risk students and uses computer-based registration and academic records technology, such as SPIRE and Educational Advisory Board (EAB). The position is also responsive to the needs of a large number of highly-diverse students and works in a high volume and fast-paced work environment.

 

Academic Advisor additional job summary

Under the direct supervision of the Managing Academic Advisor, this position provides entry-level advising for Isenberg students, as well as university undeclared and exploratory students.

 

Senior Academic Advisor additional job summary

Under the direct supervision of the Managing Academic Advisor, this position provides comprehensive advising for Isenberg students in seven majors, double majors, dual degrees, minors, as well as University undeclared and exploratory students.

 

Essential Functions

• Responds to at-risk students experiencing academic and often critical personal difficulties by addressing relevant issues and making appropriate referrals to university agencies.
• Advises a diverse incoming (first-year and transfer) population in a fast-paced, high-volume, individual advising format during New Student Orientation in January, June, July and September.
• Responds to and manages inquiries from parents in accordance with FERPA and in a highly-professional and respectful manner/tone.
• Regularly hold information Sessions for current Isenberg students in both the BBA and B.S. degree programs, as well as for prospective undeclared students and students in other majors wanting to transfer into Isenberg.
• Participates in evening and weekend activities including Open Houses, Senior Barbeque, Isenberg Senior Celebration, Undergraduate Commencement, and other activities and additional events that may be developed.
• Executes special projects as needed to support the mission of the Undergraduate Programs Office.
• Assists in training the front desk staff including undergraduate student workers.

 

Academic Advisor additional essential functions

• Provides entry-level, individualized and small group advising to a diverse population of students during the academic year, including peak registration, pre-registration, freshmen & transfer orientation/registration periods.
• 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 dual degrees, double majors, and minors.
• Assists students with matters that involve goal setting, planning and decision-making such as establishing an academic plan, choosing a major within and outside of Isenberg, selecting courses, and evaluating courses for study-abroad experiences. Conducts one-on-one advising sessions for several hundred undeclared students who will ultimately work toward and apply for admission into the Isenberg School.
• Assists with graduation clearance processing for more than 1,000 students per year. Maintains familiarity with changes in the eight degree programs and assists in determining any curricular exceptions.

 

Senior Academic Advisor additional essential functions

• Provide comprehensive, individualized and small group advising to a diverse population of students during the academic year, including peak registration, pre-registration, freshmen & transfer orientation/registration periods including responding to common issues such as registration-related matters such as fulfilling the university's general education requirements; interpreting major and college requirements; and provide guidance for dual degree