The Placement Exchange Job Board

Overview:

We are seeking candidates with varying identities and backgrounds and strong commitment to the University’s goal of creating a positive and inclusive campus climate by advancing equity and diversity. Advising reflects a depth of knowledge in evaluating situations and nimbly developing and implementing plans to meet the needs of individuals and groups of students.

Swenson College of Science and Engineering is home to 2,848 students, 21 majors and 18 minors. SCSE Academic advisors at the University of Minnesota Duluth assist students beginning the first year through graduation. Academic advisors collaborate with the Orientation program and assist Swenson College of Science and Engineering students during initial registration. Each term, advisors facilitate the advisement process and assist students in the development of academic schedules appropriate for the stated educational goals of students and provide resources that aid in making informed decisions. SCSE Academic Advisors also offer resources and information assisting faculty advisors meet the needs of students.

Additionally, advisors guide students' through collegiate transitions and academic milestones; and provide support through academic difficulties including learning, psychological, or physical challenges. Academic Advisors collaborate with key campus partners and further their professional development to enhance skills.

SCSE advisors assist all students (not just assigned advisees) who seek academic information; assisting undeclared science and engineering students in the selection of academic majors; and directing students to resources within the University that provide assistance in making career and academic major choices. In addition, this position will be responsible for undeclared student programming.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Advising responsibilities, 45% of this position

Advising in SCSE includes individual, group and virtual formats. We advise diverse, underrepresented, and at-risk populations. We maintain advising records and conduct degree audit work for students in all SCSE programs. Degree audit work requires detailed knowledge of SCSE degree programs, UMD and SCSE policies, and the University of Minnesota APAS (Academic Progress Audit System). Additionally SCSE advisors:

• Connect with students through one-on-one appointments, walk-in and virtual drop-in advising, group advising, telephone and email communication
• Communicate the value of the liberal education curriculum within STEM
• Guide students through the process of formulating personalized educational plans and strategies for academic success that are reflective of their unique set of values, strengths, interests, and identities
• Conduct timely outreach to students as needs arise to meet student need, build relationships, and encourage timely degree completion
• Coach students on making registration choices that promote timely and realistic degree progress
• Help students build skills using resources to guide their educational plans, facilitate timely graduation, and make progress toward career goals
• Create connection to the value of engagement in co-curricular experiences and how they align with students’ academic and career goals
• Utilize a holistic advising model to guide, challenge, and help students navigate policies and procedures and determine when exceptions may be appropriate.

Registration and Technical responsibilities, 20% of the position

Technical competence is crucial in leveraging university-wide systems to provide excellent student support, make data-informed decisions, and efficiently focus efforts.

Working with the course registration system, assisting individual students resolve registration problems, and monitoring course availability. Advising and registration of incoming (new) freshmen and transfer students are part of these responsibilities.

• Develop a high level of competency in the University’s student success tools (APLUS, APAS, Schedule Builder, PeopleSoft, etc.)
• Analyzes applications, transfer courses and transcripts for entry to the university prior to orientation, advisement and registration.
• Resolves problems relating to curriculum, course prerequisites, and eligibility by referring to catalogues and other appropriate resource material or governance documents.
• Review student progress reports at key academic markers, such as probation, degree application, or major declaration to determine appropriate next steps for student success.

Recruitment and admissions activities, approximately 20% of the position

SCSE advisors play an important role in recruitment and retention of new high schools and transfer students to SCSE via collaboration with UMD admissions and participating in programming.

• Meeting with prospective students and their parents.
• Representing the college at recruitment programs; Admitted Student Day, Bulldog Friday, Jr. Day, Campus Preview, etc.
• Developing partnerships with partner campuses and community colleges.
• Assist updating presentation recruiting materials.

Program and Professional development, approximately 15% of the position

Includes contributing to all aspects of SCSE and campus-wide student advising, student affairs, and student service programs.

• Implement student development activities based on assessment data and best practices.
• Participate in Student Services efforts to improve retention rates, four-year graduation rates, and student satisfaction.
• Commitment to ongoing social justice and racial equity work in order to identify, challenge, and remove barriers to access at the individual, community, and system level
• Continue professional development and scholarly activity in the field of academic advising to maintain knowledge of trends and best practices (e.g., membership in professional associations, attendance at conferences and seminars, write and publish articles, serve on teams and collaborate with other professional groups, etc.)
• Participate on Student Services, College and University-wide committees as requested. The Employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Required Qualifications:

• Baccalaureate degree in a counseling or student services area plus four years of relevant experience, or a master's degree plus at least two years of relevant experience.
• Evidence of effective relationship-building, team-building, and oral/written communication skills
• Ability to effectively communicate across race, class, and culture (in a diverse setting)
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering student learning and applying organization/student development theory to work with students

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in higher education and student affairs, college student personnel psychology, counseling, social work, or field transferrable to advising.
• Previous academic advising experience in higher education
• Knowledge in the sciences and engineering programs.
• Knowledge of advising undeclared students is preferred.
• Experience with computer, database and design applications.

About University of Minnesota Duluth

The University of Minnesota Duluth integrates liberal education, research, creative activity, and public engagement and prepares students to thrive as lifelong learners and globally engaged citizens.

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