Academic Advisor

Student Success Center

The Office of Undergraduate Studies is accepting applications for an Academic Advisor who will join a dedicated and passionate team of professional advisors in the Discovery Center to assist undergraduate students in their major and career exploration and meet individual goals for degree completion.

What Does an Exploring Academic Advisor Do?

Academic advisors help guide students through critical decisions regarding their academic planning. They provide complex, detailed information about degree requirements, refer to appropriate resources to support students in all aspects related to academic success, and commit to ongoing learning and professional development. The advisor in this position will be required to have a working knowledge of university, academic unit, and departmental requirements to help exploring students make informed decisions about their academic and career plans. The position requires strong critical thinking, attention to detail, and communication skills, as well as the ability to work independently while developing collaborative relationships with colleagues and students from a variety of backgrounds. This position also supports recruitment and retention initiatives, as well as orientation and onboarding processes for new students. Additionally, the advisor must remain current with and regularly use technology to monitor student progress and support student outreach. The advisor must exercise excellent professional judgment and discretion, as well as make decisions on a regular basis that impact student welfare and the institution.

Duties:

• Provide academic advising to undergraduate students who are exploring majors.
• Teach students about academic requirements, including major declaration.
• Assist students with course selection for enrollment each academic term.
• Counsel students about career resources, co-curricular activities, and other opportunities that support students' professional and personal interests.
• Actively engage in professional development and continually demonstrate advising practices that support students from a wide range of backgrounds.
• Maintain accurate and confidential electronic records of every student interaction, including in-person, phone, and online visits; early alert interventions; and campus referrals.
• Collaborate with advisors, faculty, administration, and other staff within the academic division.
• Engage with a variety of campus stakeholders and serve on committees as appropriate.
• Represent Discovery Center at campus-wide events, including recruitment and new student orientation.
• Stay abreast of current issues and trends related to college students' academic success, persistence, and career readiness through active and ongoing professional development.

What We Are Looking For

The University of Missouri is seeking dedicated, student-focused professionals. The necessary skills for this position include:

• Ability to provide holistic support for all students.
• Demonstrated experience providing direct, 1:1 support requiring patience and follow-through.
• Ability to effectively communicate and connect with students in multiple modalities.
• Attention to detail and ability to master and synthesize complex details to best inform and guide students
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with the Discovery Center team and campus stakeholders.

Skills You Will Learn

• Technology: Advisors use multiple platforms, including the student information/registration system, an early alert and scheduling system, degree audits, and others. The ability and desire to learn and successfully use multiple platforms is necessary.
• Theory and practice of academic advising: Academic advisors engage in continual learning and professional development to support students through best practices, including ongoing assessment and evaluation of services and initiatives.
• Curriculum and university requirements: Academic advisors teach students about the curricular requirements, as well as recommend co-curricular opportunities.
  

8 am - 5 pm with occasional evening and weekend events

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 1 year of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary

Master's degree and experience in higher education, particularly in student support. We are looking for someone who is invested in continual learning and enjoys providing guidance and support to help students make important decisions.

Salary Range: $42,000 - $54,787

Grade: GGS-008

University Title: Academic Advisor

Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

To apply, candidates should submit 1) a resume; 2) a cover letter that outlines interest in the position and commitment to supporting students in their collegiate experience.

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours' drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County's largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen cultural festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Values Commitment

We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person's success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research, and engagement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations. For more information, visit https://www.umsystem.edu/ums/hr/eeo or call the Director of Employee and Labor Relations at 573-882-2146.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.