Title: Academic Advisor I

Location: Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, United States Remote

Full time

Job Description:

ABOUT US

University of Massachusetts Global is a private, nonprofit affiliate of the University of Massachusetts, created to help working adults change their lives through flexible, high-quality education built for real life. Regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and recognized by U.S. News & World Report among the Best Online Programs for 13 consecutive years (2013–2025), the university has a long track record of online innovation. Students across 49 states and internationally can upskill, reskill, and move forward without putting life on hold through technology-enabled, real-world learning.​ With 55+fully online, career-focused programs designed around the realities of work, family, and constant change, we remain ever-focused on developing future-ready learners who can thrive in a rapidly shifting world.

This position is open to candidates who currently reside in one of the following approved states from which the role may be performed remotely: Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin.

In order to collaborate with nationally distributed colleagues. Employees must be available for collaboration during core hours from 9am to 2pm (PST).

ABOUT THE ROLE

Responsible to advise undergraduate and graduate students regarding program and course requirements. Develop a strong rapport with assigned students, track and report student data and progress, maintain responsibility for student retention, and support the student in persistence through program completion. Communicate and collaborate throughout the university advising community and perform other duties based on campus needs. Perform all duties in accordance with the University’s policies and procedures, all US state and federal laws and regulations, wherein the University operates.

POSITION DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Percentage

Academic Advising

65%

• Advise undergraduate and graduate students on the development of individual learning outcomes based on their skills, goals, responsibilities and experiences. Encourage and direct students in utilizing web-based resources.

• Maintain and review student records, update student database information, conduct data analysis, and respond to requests for information. Analyze and resolve student issues associated with program requirements and course scheduling by interpreting and applying academic policies.

• Acquire and demonstrate content knowledge regarding specific degree, credential and certificate programs. Pursue and demonstrate knowledge of the National Academic Advising Association’s competency-based model of academic advising.

• Support student enrollment efforts through collaboration with university partner offices

Retention Management

30%

• Monitor individual student progress and perform proactive advising outreach to discuss academic issues, program completion, and career goals to support retention while ensuring compliance to standards, policies and procedures.

• Collaborate with the university community, including campus meetings and departmental committees, to support students’ educational experience resulting in action plans leading to student persistence.

• Prepare program summary analyses, evaluative reports and recommendations to support retention initiatives.

Other Duties

5%

• Perform other duties, as assigned.

TOTAL

100%

POSITION SPECIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Excellent oral communication and writing skills to communicate clear, concise and grammatically correct documents, reports and correspondence.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to interact with diverse constituents.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills.
• Required to maintain high level of confidentiality of student records.
• Ability to abide by the ethical standards and guidelines for academic advising.
• Ability to work both independently and as a team member.
• Demonstrated ability to handle high volume and an ability to work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
• Computer skills in the use of word processing, spreadsheet, database, electronic mail and internet applications.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.

Desired

• Skill to develop creative and innovative solutions to complex student issues. General understanding of curriculum for degree, credential and certificate programs.
• Working knowledge of General Education and transfer requirements, with demonstrated ability to critically evaluate student records and transcripts.
• Demonstrated knowledge of academic advising theories and principles
• General knowledge of enrollment management and retention best practices and the ability to apply them to an adult learning environment.
• Working knowledge of student information systems as related to student records and advising.
• Experience using virtual meeting platforms
• Working knowledge of and experience in the application of adult learning principles and higher education policies.
• Understanding and ability to apply the competency based model of academic advising as endorsed by the National Academic Advising Association.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATION AND/OR LICENSES:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• 1-3 years’ experience with student advising or related experience in an educational setting.
• Experience in interpreting and applying academic policies for student degree requirements and academic progress.
• Experience in resolving academic issues that also involve the career and life goals of the student.
• Knowledge of learning needs of individual students based on their skills, abilities, and goals

MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT, ELECTRONIC DEVICES, SOFTWARE, OTHER:

• Intermediate level experience in Microsoft Office Word, Excel, Outlook
• Ability to effectively use scanning and video conferencing technology
• Familiarity with the use of standard office equipment (e.g. copier, fax, scanner, etc.)

Contact with Students: Frequent

Contact with Faculty and/or Staff: Frequent

Contact with Community and Vendors: Occasional

Special Requirements:

Position may be required to work flexible hours particularly given extended hours of operation, and may require occasional weekend and/or evening work. All applicants are subject to a background check.

The hiring range for this position is $21.00 - $26.00 per hour. Offers are determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to geographical location, knowledge, skills, years & depth of experience, and equity with internal team members.

BENEFITS AND PERKS

At the University of Massachusetts Global, we support your total well-being with flexible and meaningful benefits:

• Health: Medical, dental, and vision coverage with spending account options.

• Work-Life Balance: Remote options, flexible schedules, 1/2 day Fridays (biweekly), generous time off, including paid holidays and a paid winter break.

• Financial Security: Life, disability, accident, legal, identity protection, and student debt support.

• Retirement: 403(b) plan with a Roth option. 3% non-elective contribution and up to 6% match for a 9% total employer contribution!

• Education: Tuition discounts for employees and family and Tuition Exchange program with other universities. PSLF eligible employer.

• Wellness: Counseling services, Free Calm Health subscription and year-round wellness programs.

Equal Employment Opportunity – UMass Global is committed to providing an educational and work environment free of unlawful discrimination and harassment in any form. UMass Global prohibits all forms of discrimination and harassment on the basis of age, race (including hairstyle/texture, protective hairstyles, braids, locks, and twists), color, religion (including religious observance, belief, practice dress and grooming practices), citizenship, pregnancy (including temporary physical or mental limitations related to, affected by, or arising out of pregnancy, childbirth, or any related medical conditions), sex, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, national origin, ancestry, physical and/or mental disability, legally-protected medical condition, military (past, present or prospective) status, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, sexual and reproductive health, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by local, State or Federal law.