Academic Advisor​/Senior Academic Advisor - Upper Level Advising

Title: Academic Advisor/Senior Academic Advisor
- Upper Level Advising

Executive Area: Academic Affairs

College/School/MBU: College of Natural Sciences

Department: CNS Advising Center

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Hybrid

Under the direct supervision of a CNS Associate Director of Upper-level Advising, the Academic Advisor/Senior Academic Advisor provides comprehensive advising for College of Natural Sciences (CNS) to upper-level students in various CNS majors. This position works closely with other advising personnel and department-based Faculty Mentors to ensure high quality advising and academic services for all students. The position is responsive to the widely varied needs of diverse student populations and works in a high volume and fast-paced work environment.

• Provide comprehensive, individualized, and small group advising to a diverse population of students during the calendar year, including new student orientation/registration periods and current student registration periods.
• Partner with faculty, Faculty Mentors and First Year Advisor(s) of their advisees to successfully build community within the major and transition sophomores and transfer students into upper level advising.
• Respond to common issues such as registration-related matters including fulfilling the university’s general education requirements, interpreting major, minor, and college requirements, and providing guidance for course enrollment.
• Assist students with matters that involve goal setting, self-assessment, time management skills, planning, course selection, and decision-making such as establishing an academic plan for on-time completion.
• Assist students in identifying and accessing aligned extracurricular activities, such as internships that promote student success.
• Identify and respond to at-risk students experiencing academic and critical personal difficulties by addressing relevant issues and making appropriate referrals to university agencies.
• Provide proactive and responsive interventions to support student success.
• Provide targeted outreach and support to upper level students on Academic Warning, Academic Probation, and returning from Suspension.
• Respond to inquiries from parents in accordance with FERPA in a highly professional and respectful manner.
• Contribute to developing and offering activities and workshops for CNS students, including information sessions about CNS majors for current and prospective students.
• Participate in CNS activities and events, including Fall Visit Days, Destination Days, Senior Celebration, Undergraduate Commencement, and others that may be developed.
• Represent CNS undergraduate student success on college and university-level committees and councils.
• Assist in training new professional and graduate student advisors.
• Contribute to major graduation clearance process. Maintain familiarity with all changes in degree programs and execute college curricular exceptions.

• Mentor less experienced academic advisors with advising best practices and in addressing complex advising challenges.
• Responsible for major graduation clearance process.

• Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, equity, and inclusion.
• Work in partnership with colleagues within the CNS community to support the college’s and campus strategic initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of CNS and its departments.

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communications skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Documented experience in academic advising, student support, or other related student-facing roles.
• Ability to take initiative and work independently and collaboratively.
• Demonstrated commitment to continued learning or professional development in diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice issues.

• Two (2) years of experience in academic advising, counseling, student support, or other related student facing roles.
• Able to recognize at-risk individuals and provide appropriate…