Academic Advisor​/Senior Academic Advisor; Hybrid

About UMass Amherst

The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land‑grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450‑acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state‑of‑the‑art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity.

The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued‑and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.

Under the direct supervision of the HFA Assistant Dean for Academic Advising and Student Success, the Academic Advisor/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. The Academic Advisor/ Senior Academic Advisor is responsive to the widely varied needs of diverse student populations and works in a high‑volume and fast‑paced environment.

• 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.
• Assists 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.
• Understands responsibilities concerning Title IX, FERPA, and other compliance requirements.
• Demonstrates capacity, skill, and willingness to engage students and contribute to student success.
• Works collaboratively with other…