Academic Advisor - CAHNR​/RH Office of Academic Programs

JOB SUMMARY

The Office of Academic Programs (OAP), part of the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources at the University of Connecticut, seeks a full‑time Academic Advisor I. The advisor will counsel undergraduate students in the College and the Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture, support faculty and department advisors by interpreting academic policy, and act as a liaison between the College and central university offices.

Reporting to the Director of Advising, the position is based at the Storrs Campus and supports activities that promote student retention, recruitment, and experiential learning.

• Serve as a resource for students, faculty, parents, and others with questions about programs or academic policies.
• Advise current, readmitted, and prospective students on coursework and graduation requirements; audit records to determine progress toward meeting academic requirements.
• Provide guidance on major/minor selection or change, waiver of requirements or deadlines, and related matters.
• Review and make recommendations regarding student dismissal and provide counseling to students on academic probation and academic difficulties.
• Offer academic advising and procedural assistance to faculty advisors and departmental groups as requested.
• Participate in the admissions process for the Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture and in decisions regarding transfer of major within or into the College and School.
• Assist in planning and implementing scheduling and registration activities, orientation programs, commencement, and related events.
• Maintain the Office’s websites, social media, and other communications materials.
• Develop and participate in student recruitment and retention activities, including high school visits, career development events, open houses, and admissions events, with a focus on underrepresented groups and first‑generation students.
• Lead and support various special programs, including the Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture First‑Year Experience course.
• Track and analyze student progress, retention, and graduation rates; prepare reports for departmental and College leadership.
• Implement strategies to support student success, including early intervention for at‑risk students.
• Provide information about internships, research opportunities, and career development resources.
• Use advising software and student information systems to maintain accurate records and support advising processes.
• Assist in reviewing and updating advising policies and procedures to ensure compliance and effectiveness.
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development to stay current with advising best practices and University policies.
• Serve on College or University committees related to advising, student success, or curriculum development.
• Perform other related duties and special assignments as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field and three years of advising/academic support experience, OR Master’s degree in a related field and one year of related experience.
• Experience supporting a variety of students, including STEM undergraduates, first‑generation students, and underrepresented groups.
• Communicate effectively through both oral and written means.
• Demonstrated interpersonal, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
• Experience organizing and managing multiple tasks independently and collaboratively.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and online student record systems (e.g., People Soft).

• Advanced degree in higher education, counseling, STEM, or related discipline.
• Advising experience in a higher education setting.
• Experience with academic policies, regulations, and STEM programs related to Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources.
• Experience with Agricultural Education and Agri‑science programs.
• Experience with retention initiatives or student success programs.
• Experience coordinating academic events.

This is a full‑time, permanent, twelve‑month UCPEA staff position located on the main University of Connecticut campus in Storrs, CT. Salary will be commensurate with the successful candidate’s background and…