Academic Advisor - College of Design

About the Job

The College of Design (CDes) Student Services Office has an immediate opening for an Academic Advisor supporting students in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Product Design and User-Experience Design. We will hire either a Student Services Professional 2 (9702AA) or a Student Services Professional 3 (9703AA) depending on the successful candidate's experience and qualifications.

As a member of the College of Design's Student Services team, reporting to the Director of Academic Advising, this role delivers the full range of direct-service academic advising activities to undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds, from the point of admission through degree completion. The Academic Advisor maintains an advising caseload of approximately 250-300 students. Major responsibilities include curricular and co-curricular planning and progress, as well as coaching and guidance regarding academic, career, and personal development.

The Academic Advisor contributes significantly to the planning, development, and implementation of efforts to enhance advising practices, processes, tools, and resources. The Academic Advisor is an active participant in College and University efforts to improve retention and graduation rates, while enhancing the experiences of all undergraduate students. In addition to academic advising, this position coordinates select initiatives regarding academic advising, student retention, and the student experience.

Advisors also participate in some prospective student events. We are committed to attracting candidates from historically underrepresented groups knowing that diversity enriches the academic experience and provides a knowledge base for innovation.

Appointment:

* This is a 100%-time, 12-month, annually renewable academic administrative appointment at the level of Academic Advisor (University job code 9702AA or 9703AA, depending upon qualifications and experience.

* This is a hybrid position based at Rapson Hall on the Twin Cities East Bank, requiring 2-3 days on campus per week. More on-campus days will be required initially for training. This schedule is subject to change based on the needs of the College and its students.

Responsibilities:

Academic Advising (80%)

* Student Degree Progress and Retention

* Support academic progress and career preparation for a diverse student body; apply student development theory to individual circumstances; adapt to the changing needs of students.

* Positively influence and coach students on making choices that promote student retention and timely, realistic degree progress for individual circumstances.

* Assist in the development and delivery of new student orientation in order to provide a seamless, positive, and productive entry into the College of Design.

* Maintain advanced understanding of programmatic, collegiate and University policies, procedures and practices; effectively communicate relevant changes to students.

* Analyze student progress, approve appropriate exceptions, and guide students in academic planning and student success; proactively intervene to assist students at risk of unsatisfactory academic performance and/or degree progress.

* Use various software information systems to maintain accurate and confidential student information.

* Student Support, Advocacy and Development

* Provide individualized, holistic guidance to students on co- and extracurricular engagement activities.

* Coach students on self-reliance, wellness, and decision-making skills regarding academic, professional, and personal goals and interests.

* Demonstrate expertise in working effectively with students with diverse needs and backgrounds by adapting advising strategies within appropriate contexts.

* Advocate as appropriate for policy exceptions based on an in-depth understanding of university policies, college procedures and practices, program requirements, and resources.

* Make accurate, appropriate referrals to University resources; guide and support students through academic and personal difficulty.

Academic Program Liaison

* Serve as the primary communication conduit between Student Services and College of Design academic programs.

* Provide guidance and support to faculty and program staff on various issues including degree progress, collegiate/University policies and procedures, and individual student situations.

* Provide feedback and input to faculty on course scheduling, enrollment management, and program development.

* Actively participate in faculty program meetings regarding curricular and student life issues.

Advising Program and Service Enhancement

* Collaborate in the creation of new approaches, practices, and processes to accomplish academic advising goals, improve systems, and impact policy.

* Collaborate in the strategic planning, development, implementation, and promotion of select student services programs and initiatives.

* Participate in college recruitment events and initiatives.

Program Coordination (15%)

* Coordinate select initiatives and…