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The University of Washington Tacoma is an anchor institution that is deeply invested in its local communities and in student success. As one of three campuses of a world-class university, UW Tacoma is dedicated to interdisciplinary and innovative teaching and scholarship and to engaging the community in mutually beneficial partnerships. UW Tacoma’s commitment to access and diversity is central to an environment where students, staff, faculty and South Sound residents find abundant opportunities for intellectual, personal and professional growth. More information about UW Tacoma and its strategic plan can be found here.

Currently, the School of IAS serves over 1500 students and offers 2 degrees within 17 majors and 23 minors or certificate programs.  The SIAS consists of 129 full-time faculty, various part-time faculty and twenty full-time staff. This individual will work in partnership with the administrative staff and faculty team to develop and coordinate successful advising services, student retention activities, provide support for the annual admissions cycle and represent all programs offered by the School of IAS.

The School of IAS has an outstanding opportunity for up to three Academic Advisors to join their team and serve students in Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science programs.

At the moment the academic advisors within the School of IAS meet between 800-900 students individually each year for a 30-45 minute student appointment. Advisors also communicate with students and prospective students via email that well exceed 900 emails annually. Academic advisors can help departments and campus administrators plan and improve the student experience with first hand student antidotal information.  Advisors have the unique position to see the big picture view with the skills to help each and every student through their individual hurdles. With the high number of first generation and transfer students on campus timely access to an academic advisor can significantly improve a student success and retention. The advisors in the School of IAS onboard approximately 1000 students each year into our majors and minors, advise and communicate with current students to help with academic progress while submitting 700 graduation applications each year. 

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
Provide one-on-one advising for individual students. This includes but is not limited to the following (90%):

Advise current and prospective students on a wide range of topics: application process, initial file review for outstanding prerequisites and transferable courses, academic planning, scholarship opportunities, internships, and career options;

Assist students in the interpretation of program and university requirements and policies;

Advise on their progress in the program and achievement of graduation requirements;

Monitor student registration process and provide advice about the registration process and quarterly offerings;

Provide referrals and strengthen student retention as needed;

Educate students about the relationship between their personal strengths and interests, and opportunities in the University curriculum and beyond;

Empower students to cultivate a sense of purpose in their undergraduate education;

Help students overcome problems that hinder academic performance;

Guide students through University systems to avoid or overcome administrative problems;

Foster student understanding of graduation requirements to facilitate successful realization of academic, personal and professional goals;

Counsel students dropped from the University for low scholarship;

Offer group advising and outreach to students exploring their academic interests;

Recruit students for undergraduate SIAS majors by arranging on and off campus recruiting events specific to undergraduate recruitment.

Develop targeted recruitment strategies for local community colleges or other industry opportunities.

Collaborate with UW Tacoma Faculty and Staff (10%):

Option to teach TIAS 299 Classroom to Career course with appropriate qualifications and approval from SIAS and academic HR

Participate in program meetings and committees;

Serve as liaison to the University Academic Advising Center and administrative department(s);

Provide consultation to departments/schools throughout campus.  This may include working on publications, serving as a resource for information and policy interpretation, or handling special problems;

Participate in the School of IAS and campus events such as orientation, recruiting events, commencement ceremony and other program specific events;

Establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with pre-major advisors and other University Academic Advising Center colleagues, School of IAS Faculty and Staff, and campus colleagues (e.g. Student and Enrollment Services, Equity and Inclusion, International Student Services, Financial Aid, Office of Undergraduate Education, Global Honors, Study Abroad, etc.) to help students integrate their academic, career and personal goals;

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's Degree

2-3 years of culturally competent academic advising

Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to present information succinctly to individuals and groups; experience with public speaking.

Demonstrated ability to work independently and work a flexible schedule with some evening and/or weekend work.

Ability to work collaboratively in a dynamic, evolving environment.

Experience using computer programs such as MS Word, Access, Excel.

Must be comfortable with data and proficient with computer technology.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Master’s degree in student services, education, counseling services, or related field

Experience advising students with a range of educational backgrounds including first generation college students.

Understanding of Puget Sound area community college curriculum and advising transfer students from those institutions.

Successful experience in developing and providing programs/services of significant value to students and the institution.

Knowledge of University of Washington policy and procedures.

Application Process:
The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process.  These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others.  Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.