About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

Under the general supervision of the Assistant Director of Retention & Academic Success, School of Public Health & Health Sciences (SPHHS), the Academic Success Advisor provides comprehensive advising for university undeclared and exploratory track students; implements and coordinates programs and services to promote the academic success of undergraduate at-risk students, provides 4+1 advising for undergraduate students moving into graduate study; and is responsive to the needs of a large number of highly diverse students.

Essential Functions

• Advises diverse incoming class of first year, undeclared, exploratory track and transfer students in a fast-paced, high volume small group advising format, during New Student Orientation and Transitions (NSOT) programs held in summer, fall, and winter.
• Provides advising to incoming new students across all major programs within SPHHS.
• Counsels students on straight-forward matters such as registration-related, fulfilling university general education requirements, interpreting major and school requirements, and declaration of major process.
• Addresses more complex matters that involve goal setting, planning and decision making. Examples include developing an academic plan, choosing a major, and course selection.
• Provides advising services to undergraduate students during peak times by supporting departmental needs and support for programs at the departmental level (Majors Fair, Undergraduate advising blogs, student panels, etc.)
• Works with campus departments to keep up to date with various policy/procedural changes relevant to advising, campus-wide initiatives affecting student services and advising and informing new school and campus policies to (department) advisors and provide training and support when necessary.
• Works with campus support services such as the Center for Counseling and Psychological Health (CCPH), Disability Services, Learning Resource Center, Registrar, Dean of Students, etc. and makes appropriate referrals when necessary.
• Co-plans and implements events and activities such as Open Houses, Destination Days, and all activities associated with NSOT.
• Communicates with students, parents, faculty, and staff.
• Collaborates with other academic advising personnel to develop and maintain a library of academic resources to aid students in evaluating choices, making academic plans and career decisions.
• Understands responsibilities with respect to Title IX, Clery and other compliance requirements.
• Demonstrates capacity, skill, and willingness to engage students and contribute to student success.
• Works collaboratively with other campus stakeholders to fulfill the mission of Academic Affairs, Student Affairs and Campus Life

Other Functions

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Bachelor’s Degree and three (3) years of full-time professional experience or equivalent part-time experience in academic advising or related field in higher education.
• Ability to work independently, self-directed, organized, goal oriented, high level of initiative, creativity, and motivation.
• Ability to work with confidential material, always maintain student confidentiality and to manage multiple, complex tasks within short time frames.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of and experience with Microsoft Office Suite and database systems.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Typical office environment.

Additional Details

• May supervise up to 3 students.

Work Schedule

• Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-4:30 pm (flexible start and end times to be discussed at time of hire)
• Required to work some nights and weekends.
• 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.

Salary Information

Level 26

PSU Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

Upload your cover letter and resume along with your completed application. Our team will check references at the final stage of the interview process. Please be prepared to provide contact information for at least three (3) professional references. This position will remain open until filled or the advertised closing date, whichever occurs first. Early submissions are recommended.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University.  To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans.  It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.