Graduate Student Advisor , Department of Music

Overview

The Graduate Student Advisor provides guidance and support to faculty and graduate students in the Department of Music through the full cycle of graduate study: application, admission, immigration, residency, financial support (including stipends, fellowships and employment), academic progress tracking, fulfillment of campus requirements, and graduation. Serves as the Department's policy expert and advises on campus and department policies. Supports the Department of Art Practice with the graduate student admissions cycle and student financial awards.

• STUDENT ADVISING
  • Primary contact for department-wide graduate student communications.
  • Advise students on academic and procedural matters related to degree requirements, progress and completion.
  • Track student progress and advise on requirements for degree/program completion.
  • Maintain student academic records in campus systems.
  • Identify students with progression problems and recommend interventions to faculty.
  • Advise on departmental and university policies and procedures related to graduate student programs.
  • Attend campus-wide graduate advising meetings and report changes to the department.
  • Recommend changes to department policies and practices.
  • Interpret policies and advise on student conduct, grievances, discrimination and other issues.
  • Advise on qualifying exams and dissertation committee requirements; assist with exceptions.
  • Refer students experiencing personal difficulties to appropriate resources.
• RECRUITMENT AND ADMISSIONS
  • Serve as point of contact for prospective applicants; advise on academic preparation and application policies.
  • Manage applications and coordinate faculty review; ensure deadlines are met.
  • Generate and send official offer letters in compliance with policy.
  • Coordinate recruitment visits for admitted students.
  • Provide visa and immigration guidance; coordinate with Berkeley International Office.
  • Recommend candidates for fellowships to faculty.
• FINANCIAL AID
  • Monitor funds for graduate student support and allocate as appropriate.
  • Disburse fellowships, grants, scholarships, prizes and other awards.
  • Advise on financial aid options within the department and campus.
  • Manage Graduate Student Instructor (GSI) appointments: gather course preferences, assign GSIs, issue appointment letters, and ensure timely processing.
  • Maintain funding history and plan for each student.
  • Stay informed of fellowship policies and communicate updates to leadership.
  • Recommend changes to the financial aid package and document approvals.
  • Help students resolve billing or stipend issues.
• OTHER
  • Maintain the department's graduate student handbook.
  • Pursue professional development opportunities.
  • Assist with admissions, orientation, and commencement events.
  • Participate in department-wide initiatives as appropriate.
• DEPARTMENT OF ART PRACTICE
  • Provide support for the graduate student admissions cycle as needed using the campus application system.
  • Manage applications to ensure reviewers are assigned correctly and interface with Graduate Division on admission recommendations.
  • Assist in drafting and issuing acceptance and award letters; enter awards in the campus system.

• Working knowledge of advising and counseling techniques.
• Knowledge of and ability to learn University-specific computer applications and risk assessment concepts.
• Solid verbal and written communication skills.
• Interpersonal skills and multicultural competencies; ability to work with diverse populations.
• Ability in problem identification and reasoning; capability to develop original solutions.
• Judgment and decision-making, problem solving, and ability to improve system performance.

• Bachelor’s degree in a related area and/or equivalent experience/training (Required).
• Advanced degree in Music or a related area (Preferred).

Budgeted annual salary range: $75,000.00 – $87,000.00. This is an exempt, monthly-paid, full-time career position eligible for UC benefits. Information on the comprehensive benefits package is available on the University’s Compensation & Benefits site. The University is legally required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range…