Academic Advisor II, College of Engineering

Pay Grade: 29E

Context of the Job:

Under the general direction of the Chair, Associate Chair for Graduate Education, and the Business Administrator, the Academic Advisor II is responsible for the academic advisement of current graduate students and transfer students majoring in civil, construction, and environmental engineering and a few interdisciplinary programs. The Academic Advisor II develops and manages program coordination and works cooperatively with other members of the College of Engineering and department advisement enterprise and maintain regular contact with other academic units at the University in order to facilitate the students' degree completion.

The Academic Advisor II is also responsible for the admission decision process, degree audit process, the graduate student funding process. The Academic Advisor II manages the department recruiting events for prospective graduate students, and coordinates faculty and student volunteers who assist with recruitment and department student programming. The Academic Advisor II conducts new student orientation presentations and collaborates with department leadership to create student materials such as handbooks, forms, printed materials and online content relative to the graduate programs.

Major Responsibilities:

* Provide advisement services to Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering graduate students, guiding them to formulate educational goals and to make appropriate educational decisions to reach their career goals. Assist students in transition from bachelor's to master's, and master's to PhD degree programs and expedite the process whenever possible. In collaboration with faculty, advance students' career goals through educational avenues and professional development including conference presentations, seminars and workshops and course work.

* Monitor the progress of all master's and PhD students in Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering and those students enrolled in interdisciplinary, dual degree and certificate programs through regular contact and collaboration with primary and secondary faculty advisors.

* Interpret policy, explain GPA and academic requirements, review transfer credits, and provide guidance on courses to meet the desired advanced degree concentration(s) and career goals of the student. Audit degree program requirements for individual students and assist with degree certification; disseminate accurate and up-to-date academic information and policies to students, faculty, and others.

* Work with faculty to explain and interpret academic policies

* Develop and facilitate workshops, seminars, video tutorials and printed materials to support faculty and students on university, college and department expectations, policies and procedures; including but not limited to academic policies, "what to expect as a graduate student"; strategies for success, communications skills, Teaching Assistantship requirements, research advisor/advisee relationships and UDSIS.

* Provide support with course scheduling, registration, and academic/career options. Respond to inquiries, investigate, and resolve problems related to graduate contracts, student financials, international student visas, health insurance, human resources and faculty advisors.

* Provide support to faculty and students for nominations and applications for several University, College and Department award opportunities. (e.g., Graduate College Fellowships, Laird Fellowship).

* Provide support and referral services for academic and personal issues to students, working with offices including but not limited to the Graduate College, College of Engineering Dean's Office, International Students and Scholar Services and the Center for Counseling and Student Development.

* Plan, coordinate and participate in on-campus and pre-admission activities including local evening and/or weekend fairs, and virtual open house events.

* Lead department graduate student social organization to build community among students; develop opportunities for on-campus and off campus events such as coffee hours, picnics and game nights.

* Compile, verify, and analyze statistical reports;…