The Academic Advisor advises students and provides support to the School of Social Work’s undergraduate programs, Youth Development Leadership M.Ed. (YDL), and MSW program in all aspects of the student academic career from acceptance to graduation. The incumbent in this position serves as a front-line representative of the School to students, alumni, and the University community and works collaboratively with the SSW Graduate Program Coordinator.
The role will develop and implement innovative strategies to continuously strengthen SSW’s relationships with key stakeholders (e.g., current students and alumni) and improve the services provided to these groups. Additionally, the position will promote the School’s programs within the department, college, the University, and wider communities. The ideal candidate must use sound judgment and actively support and advance the University’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
This is a 12-month, 100% time annually renewable position.
The University of Minnesota encourages a healthy work life balance for employees. CEHD is committed to an excellent employee experience, offering a flexible work environment that meets the needs of students, staff, faculty, and the communities we serve. Flexible work arrangements may include flexibility in schedule and/or work location. Please note that 100% remote work requires approval. All UMN employees are expected to follow applicable public health and safety procedures.
Job Responsibilities
Academic Advising (40%)
Serve as the primary contact for YOST & YDL students including advising, program requirements and milestones, and degree plan review.
Share MSW advising load with the Graduate Program Coordinator
Guide, support, and challenge students on decisions related to their academic careers using knowledge of academic advising and student development.
Understand, communicate, and apply program, college, and university policies and influence the development of policies.
Develop strong relationships and trust with students by meeting individually with advisees, connecting through email and social media, visiting classrooms, and circulating information about University resources.
Work in conjunction with program faculty, when appropriate, to help students problem-solve.
Advocate for students when appropriate and necessary.
Maintain office hours that provide good accessibility to students.
Program Service, Development, and Promotion (40%)
Meet regularly with YOST, YDL, and MSW Directors to plan, update, and resolve issues related to students, faculty and degree requirements
Coordinate with Academic Support Services Professional to implement strategies to manage enrollment in undergraduate, YDL, and MSW graduate classes such as distributing permission numbers or setting enrollment limits
Maintain program-related communication with students using a variety of media outlets, including University email, various mass-email software, social media, non-course websites such as Canvas, and the School’s website
Maintain and oversee the distribution of program material that outlines policies and procedures, such as the student handbooks
Attend and/or provide staffing for the following meetings: YOST Committee, YDL Committee, MSW Program Committee, SSW Council, and any other College, Undergraduate or Graduate School, or University meetings related to policies governing graduate education
Collaborate with SSW faculty, staff, the Director of Undergraduate Studies and the Director of YDL in the continuous assessment, development and improvement of the undergraduate programs and the YDL program
Represent and promote SSW programs within CEHD and the larger University. Maintain communication and collaborate with constituents
Assist with the planning and implementation of program events and celebrations (e.g. end-of-year celebrations; orientations; welcoming events)
Student Support (20%)
Serve as the primary contact for interested applicants and students for all assigned program areas, including enrollment, program requirements and milestones, curricula, registration, scheduling of required exams, and degree processing
Counsel and refer current YDL, YOST, and MSW students with vocational, financial, housing, social, or cultural concerns, and other issues as needed, and refer students to other University or public agencies when specialized assistance or counseling is appropriate
Take initiative in seeking out resources to support YOST, YDL, and MSW students. Advocate with other University units as appropriate on behalf of students. Maintain a network of community and University resources and consult and refer students as appropriate
Troubleshoot issues for international YDL and MSW students to promote a smooth transition to enrollment in the School’s graduate programs
Audit and process MSW, YOST, and YDL student forms, monitor student progress, and report issues on student progress, as needed, to the appropriate program administrator for resolution
Review, approve, or route for approval as necessary verification of degree completion, student status, loan deferment, etc., for MSW, YOST, and YDL students and alumni
Grant departmental approval to non-degree students taking graduate courses
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree plus 4 years of relevant experience, or Master’s degree plus 2 years of experience
Experience working with students
Proficiency with MS Office products (e.g., Word, Excel), and Google Workspace
Ability to work occasional evening and weekend hours
Ability to understand and appropriately respond to common stressors experienced by many students (mental health concerns; financial; social; etc.)
Demonstrated experience and evidence of commitment to integrating equity awareness into advising practice and support of students with diverse backgrounds and experiences
Excellent time management skills
Problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in counseling, student services, or a related field
Experience in academic advising or higher education
Record of excellent written and oral communication skills in individual, small group, and large group settings
Familiarity with information management systems, including generating queries and reports from databases
Experience with APAS, Slate, GPAS, Peoplesoft
Experience with Qualtrics (online survey tool) and Canvas (web-based course platform)
Experience in creating web content, program handbooks, and marketing content
The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.
