Academic Advisor, Commonwealth Honors College; CHC

Title: Academic Advisor, Commonwealth Honors College (CHC)

Executive Area: Academic Affairs

College/School/MBU: Other Academic Units

Department: Commonwealth Honors College

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule:Full Time

Work Arrangement:Hybrid

Commonwealth Honors College (CHC) Advisor's primary responsibility will be to provide comprehensive individual and group advising services to undergraduate students in CHC. The Academic Advisor will collaborate with administrators & staff to provide outreach, advising programs and services, to create an inclusive environment and enhance student success. They will participate in the development and execution of advising programs such as 1st year and sophomore group advising sessions, evening hours and New Student Orientation.

Additionally, they will participate in college-wide efforts to provide outreach and support to external transfer and on-campus transfer students. The Academic Advisor will use a holistic approach to meet the individual needs of diverse students in an effort to increase student persistence and retention.

Provide holistic advising to CHC students regarding fulfillment of CHC and University requirements, academic regulations and policies, and resolution of academic challenges. Motivate students to understand the importance of undergraduate research and engage students in the planning process so that their completion of an Honors Thesis or Portfolio can help them reach their academic and professional goals.
Collaborate with CHC advising team to develop and implement advising programs that will provide essential information to students as they navigate pursuing honors education on a large campus. Actively participate in the planning and delivery of New Student Orientation, CHC’s Evening Hours, Group Advising Sessions for First-years and Sophomores and other programs.
Advise prospective transfer students and current students interested in applying to CHC to help them understand the curriculum options and requirements. Participate in the application process and orientating of on-campus students.
Work proactively to ensure that students are making progress towards honors course completion and grade performance to facilitate graduation clearance. Work closely with students who are struggling by providing targeted referrals and follow-up to ensure student success. Collaborate with University colleagues to provide timely information about support services. Collaborate with Residence Life staff to provide support around curricular issues for all CHC students, as relevant.
Participate in professional development opportunities to keep abreast of new trends in academic advising and student success. Actively collaborate with advising network on campus in order to stay current on cross-functional knowledge about advising, school/college updates and student support centers p technological skills up to date to be able to utilize university systems to their fullest capacity and/or be prepared to learn new systems.

Understands responsibilities with respect to FERPA, Title IX, Clery and other compliance requirements.
Participate in planning and/or oversight for the Peer Advising Program.
Demonstrates capacity, skill and willingness to engage students and contribute to student success.
Contribute toward creative a positive and respectful workplace defined by personal competence.
Understand and contribute to the implementation of college and institutional goals for achieving a respectful, equitable and inclusive environment.
Perform related duties as assigned or required to meet Department, college and University goals.
Work with the Advising team to provide training and/or support to new professional staff, grad students or peer advising assistants. Represent CHC at University wide and CHC events, as needed.

Bachelor’s Degree and three years’ experience in academic advising in higher education.
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate and interact effectively with faculty, staff, students, administrators and the public in a friendly and professional manner. Ability to establish a rapport,…