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

Job Summary

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.

Essential Functions

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.

Senior Academic Advisor additional essential functions:

Mentor less experienced academic advisors with advising best practices and in addressing complex advising challenges.

Responsible for major graduation clearance process.

Other Functions

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.

Minimum Qualifications

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.

Senior Academic Advisor additional minimal qualifications:

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 support and direction.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in science or mathematics discipline.

Master's degree in education, science, mathematics, or related field.

Experience serving or working with a large culturally diverse population.

Experience supervising staff or students.

Able to manage a high volume of complex and varied client needs.

Able to recognize at-risk individuals and provide appropriate support and direction.

Highly knowledgeable with respect to FERPA, Title IX, and all University Academic Rules and Regulations.

Senior Academic Advisor additional preferred qualifications:

Professional teaching experience.

Additional Details

At UMass Amherst and in CNS, we strive to be a community where every individual feels a sense of belonging, where every individual is included, and where every individual is valued. These values and goals are reflected in the College of Natural Sciences’ Inclusive Excellence framework and in the UMass Amherst’s For the Common Good: 2024–2034 Strategic Plan.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm.

This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee’s work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week. As this position falls within the Professional Staff Union, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the Professional Staff Union collective bargaining agreement.

Additional Details

This position is subject to final budgetary and administrative approval.

Salary Information

Academic Advisor

Pay Grade: PSSAP Grade 25

Senior Academic Advisor

Pay Grade: PSSAP Grade 26

Click here to view the Professional Staff hiring ranges.

Special Instructions for Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.