Senior Academic Advisor - Graduate Programs

Senior Academic Advisor – Graduate Programs

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This range is provided by Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences, UMass Amherst. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

The Senior Academic Advisor for Graduate Programs provides comprehensive advising for graduate students within the Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences (CICS). Works closely with advising personnel to ensure high quality advising and academic services and demonstrates a commitment to engaging students and contributing to their success.

• Provides comprehensive, individualized advising to a diverse population of graduate students. Helps students select courses that match their academic or career interests and fulfill their program requirements. Responds to at‑risk students experiencing academic and personal difficulties, addressing relevant issues and making appropriate referrals to university resources.
• Participates in the planning, implementation, and development of innovative programs designed to enhance retention, community and belonging, and academic progress. Represents CICS on relevant college and university‑level committees and councils.
• Provides mentorship and support for international students through both individual and group activities to ensure student success and sense of belonging. Advises students on academic and career next steps in compliance with F‑1, J‑1, and other visa types.
• Collaborates with the Assistant Director of Admissions to facilitate communication with admitted graduate students. Leads information sessions for new and admitted graduate students, both online and in‑person. Maintains, updates, and shares information related to Canvas, new student orientation, and mentoring programs.
• Supports recruitment goals and initiatives created by the Assistant Director of Admissions and makes recommendations based on trends among our graduate student population. Assists with recruitment and admissions events including the annual “Candidate Friday” for admitted PhD students.
• Provides support for students interested in, and accepted to, the Accelerated MS program in consultation with the Assistant Director of Graduate Student Advising and Success. Helps maintain programs to prepare students for the transition from undergraduate to graduate programs to foster student success.
• Participates in and promotes evening and weekend advising related activities (e.g., career and advising fairs, industrial affiliates events, student support and community events, etc.).
• Liaises with other units on campus such as the Graduate School, Dean of Students Office, Center for Counseling and Psychological Services, Office of Global Affairs, and Disability Services to promote graduate student success and retention.
• Collaborates with faculty, program directors, staff, and students to develop, update, and maintain our graduate programs.
• Completes special projects as requested to support the college’s mission.
• Attends regional advising conferences and other professional development events.

• Performs other duties as assigned or required to meet department, college, or university goals and objectives.
• May collaborate with CICS Careers and the Office of Global Affairs (OGA) to advise and facilitate Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) in accordance with college and university policy. May approve and/or track graduate student CPT and OPT.
• Understands responsibilities with respect to Title IX, FERPA, and other compliance requirements.
• Understands responsibilities with respect to conflicts of interest and behaves in ways consistent both with law and with university policy. Contributes toward creating a positive and respectful workplace defined by personal and professional competence, integrity, and collaboration. Understands and contributes to implementation of…