Academic Advisor

Academic advisors working within the Student Success Center support the mission of the University of Minnesota Crookston by assisting students to draw upon cultural, communal, and identity-based ways of knowing, being, and doing to achieve educational outcomes through developing holistic academic success plans, engaging in course selection and planning, and meeting graduation requirements. Advisors work with students to develop course plans that support their career choices and degree requirements; recommend and/or approve exceptions to registration and other related academic policies and procedures; assist students through their college transition and academic milestones; provide support through academic difficulties and learning, psychological, or physical challenges. Academic advisors are responsive to UMN Crookston's strategic initiatives in the areas of enrollment management; diversity, equity, and inclusion; and student engagement/ belonging.

Entry Level Salary starting at $48,465.

Functions, Duties, and Responsibilities:
General Advising (75%)

• Apply a holistic model of advising for a caseload of 200-400 on-campus and/or online students, providing knowledge of curricular options, requirements, policies, and
  academic planning skills to help students make registration choices that promote degree progress and attainment while also optimizing collegiate engagement experiences.
• Apply strong interpersonal techniques including active listening, empathetic responses, and questioning through in-person and virtual interactions to develop trusting relationships with students in order to promote their sense of belonging to campus.
• Accurately monitor and document meetings, conversations, and student progress in university advising platforms in order to proactively and, when necessary, intrusively intervene, advocate, and recommend resources and solutions to academic difficulties and barriers student experience in policies and processes.
• Review student records and progress to certify degree completion and determine academic standing related to satisfactory progress policies and guidelines.
• Demonstrate self-awareness of one's own cultural beliefs, perspectives, and privileges as a part of meeting the needs of all students in a fair, caring, and non-discriminatory manner.
• Evaluate and act upon requests for exception to policy through petitions; consult as appropriate with colleagues, faculty, and academic administrators in making final decisions.
• Execute detailed degree planning through the use of technology and interpretation of data to communicate accurate information about students.
• Form and utilize a network of relationships with faculty, student affairs educators, and other campus partners to effectively deliver advising and support services.
• Serve as a lead liaison to departmental major(s), creating and maintaining productive working relationships with departmental staff and faculty.
• In collaboration with faculty mentors, coach on-campus and online students through major and career decision-making processes to assist students in degree completion.
• Identify and resolve enrollment management issues as they arise in terms of course access, availability, and impact on student degree progress and develop tracking mechanisms to improve barriers.
• Critically apply various student development theories and advising practices to assess readiness and then appropriately challenge and support students with diverse assets, needs, backgrounds, and talents to make informed decisions about personal, academic, and career goals.
• Recognize, affirm, and help students to draw upon cultural, communal, and identity-based ways of knowing, being, and doing to achieve educational outcomes.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion by creating and establishing practices that are appropriate for students' individual needs and identities.
• Counsel students using independent judgment and problem-solving skills.
• Remain current and involved with comprehensive and function-specific student affairs professional associations and emerging trends in the field.

General Programming and Initiatives (25%)

• Participate in the planning and implementation of initiatives, workshops, orientations, and other programs hosted by the Student Success Center and campus partners.
• Assist in the development of advising procedures for SOAR (new student orientation and registration) and serve as advisor during all SOAR dates as well as critical advising times
• Offer new, creative, and innovative approaches and practices to accomplish academic advising goals including the use of group modalities.
• Provide input on the development, evaluation, and continuous improvement of advising systems and processes.
• Contribute toward program development and evaluation metrics.
• Leverage existing technology to foster better outreach to students to promote timely academic progress toward a degree.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in education, counseling, or a closely related area plus at least four years of related professional work experience, or a masters degree plus at least two years of relevant experience.
• Proficiency in organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to form and maintain collegial relationships with campus partners.
• Demonstrated self-awareness, cultural competence, and achievement in working with diverse student populations.
• Final job offer is contingent upon a completed background check, receipt of official college transcripts and authorization to work in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in higher education, student affairs, counseling or a closely related field strongly preferred.
• At least one year of experience working with first-year experience courses and student success programs.
• Demonstrated commitment to the mission, vision, and values of the University of Minnesota Crookston, especially as related to access and student success. Proficiency in a second language, preferably Spanish.

Benefits

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About the U of M

University of Minnesota, Crookston (UMC)

With a strong tradition of technology-enhanced teaching and learning, the University of Minnesota Crookston (UMC) serves as the U's major outpost in Northwest Minnesota. UMC provides both experiential, career-oriented degree programs as well as high-quality online programs, while connecting its teaching, research, and outreach to rural economic development and service to the region and beyond.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).