Academic Advisor II, College of Humanities and Sciences

The College of Humanities and Sciences/Dean invites applications for an Academic Advisor II position to support the academic success of students and serves as a resource for faculty and advising colleagues across the College of Humanities and Sciences and the University of Montana. This position will serve as primary advisor with an assigned caseload of undergraduate students in the College of Humanities and Sciences that can include students majoring in fields such as Psychology, Environmental Studies, Sustainability Science and Practice, Native American Studies, Neuroscience, Geoscience, Chemistry, or Biochemistry, and other majors occurs as needed. Additionally, this position will meet with students on a walk-in basis providing information and direction to students whose advising home is the College of Humanities and Sciences Advising Center.

The Academic Advisor II will collaborate closely with the department chairs and program directors in order to be well versed in curriculum requirements, and support retention and recruiting efforts; building relationships with staff in campus offices that provide student services, such as TRIO, Disability Services, Career Services, Financial Aid, Honors College, Writing Center, Tutoring Services, Graduation Office, Academic Enrichment, the Writing Center, and the Office of Student Success in order to make effective referrals.

Key duties and responsibilities of this position include:

• Establish expertise in knowledge of curriculums to advise students in up to three academic programs.
• Design and implement strategic interventions to facilitate student success for at risk students in the division of Biological Sciences.
• Collect and maintain student performance data to document patterns associated with retention.
• Work with students to develop strategies to overcome academic difficulties by identifying and addressing factors contributing to poor academic performance.
• Maintain familiarity with College of Humanities and Sciences undergraduate programs and curricula.
• Act as a liaison between students and departments.
• Advise current, transfer, returning and prospective students on academic program planning.
• Advise students on academic standards, major selection and requirements, General Education requirements, academic policies and procedures.
• Train and coach students in use of academic resources.
• Utilize various student information systems (Starfish, Cyberbear, Degree Works and Banner) to assess student progress and record contacts.
• Conduct core course registration for incoming freshmen.
• Assist students with academic appeals, withdrawal, course registration petitions, reinstatement plans, degree plans and graduation applications.
• Connect students to academic and career development experiences and opportunities such as student clubs, internships, undergraduate research, study abroad and conferences.
• Refer students to career resources (OOH, ONet, and career assessments).
• Assist with Departmental and College of Humanities and Sciences recruitment and retention efforts; meeting with prospective students and parents at UM Days, transfer student events, and other College of Humanities and Sciences events.
• Oversee the management, awarding, advertising and stewardship of departmental scholarships, serving as the contact person for questions related to scholarships, effectively use the appropriate scholarship management technologies and work collaboratively with UM Financial Aid Office and the University of Montana Foundation.
• Assist with developing advising materials and workshops including web pages.
• May provide guidance and direction on academic catalog updates, departmental meetings during new student orientations and undergraduate course scheduling.
• Contribute to the smooth running of a college advising center.

Upon completion of training, the incumbent will have developed working knowledge to skillfully conduct advising appointments, and opportunities for on-going professional development regarding policies and best practices in academic advising.

Required Skills

• Ability to learn in detail undergraduate curriculums in the College of Humanities and Sciences.
• Ability to learn the University of Montana General Education curriculum and other graduation requirements.
• Ability to advise students regarding a myriad of issues from course selection to withdrawals and reinstatements to support services such as tutoring and counseling.
• Familiarity with University of Montana academic policies and processes including waitlists, probation and suspension, withdrawals and reinstatements.
• Ability to guide students through appeals and petition processes.
• Knowledge of FERPA guidelines and an ability to talk in accordance with federal statutes with parents and others concerned about a student’s welfare.
• Ability to effectively use and assist others with advising technologies.
• Ability to collaborate on projects and handle conflict in a professional manner.
• Ability to forge and foster a professional relationship with academic department chairs and advocate for students when appropriate.
• Knowledge of University of Montana campus services offices.
• Excellent communication skills including listening and feedback skills.
• Knowledge in use of computer software programs for word processing (MS Word), spreadsheets, (Excel), computerized calendars and e-mail (MS Outlook).

Minimum Required Experience

• High school degree or equivalency, and two (2) years of related experience or any combination of experience and education that provides the competencies necessary to successfully discharge the duties and responsibilities assigned to the position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• Experience in academic advising
• Knowledge of the College of Humanities and Sciences.
• Knowledge of University Advising software
• Experience working with “at risk” student population

About UM and the College of Humanities and Sciences

The University of Montana is flagship, research institution with approximately 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students. It is located in Missoula, a culturally vibrant community of about 75,000, surrounded by mountains and three rivers converge. Abundant recreational opportunities in surrounding state and national forests and nearby Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park complement a thriving intellectual atmosphere. The University of Montana offers eligible employees a generous benefits package that positively separates UM from other local employers and offers many programs and policies to support work-life balance for its employees.

The University of Montana is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. In that spirit, we are particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of qualified people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five priorities for action : Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of “mission first, people always"; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story.

The mission of the College of Humanities and Sciences is to pursue academic excellence by providing unique educational experiences through integration of the liberal arts, graduate study, and professional training with international and interdisciplinary emphases.

As the intellectual core of the University of Montana, we fulfill the central purpose for which the University was chartered in 1893 by providing a liberal education and integrated knowledge of the humanities and the sciences. In doing so, we promote:

• The transformative power of education, in which knowledge and understanding is created through active learning, research and creative scholarship;
• Intellectual and human diversity, so that respect for different points of view is encouraged and students, faculty, and staff realize their full potential;
• Global perspective and engagement;
• A safe and respectful learning and workplace environment; and
• A sustainable future for our local, state, and global communities.

Position Details

Position Title: Academic Advisor II

Position Number: 047500

Department: Humanities and Sciences/Dean

Work Schedule: Full time, 1.0 FTE (40 Hours a week), 12 months/year. Within Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. An alternative work schedule to this schedule may be negotiated with the supervisor.

Salary: $16.984/hr – Current employee’s rate of pay for this position will be determined by the staff compensation plan and may be different from the posted salary. For questions and details regarding the staff compensation plan, email the Compensation Department .

Union Affiliation: FOCUS-MFPE

Probationary Period: Six months minimum

Benefits Include : Insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the Offer of Employment In accordance with University regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations. ADA/EOE/AA/Veteran's Preference Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, we encourage applications from minorities, veterans, and women. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law. References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. Testing: Individual hiring departments at UM may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions. Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9).

How to Apply

Priority Application Date: Monday January 24, 2022 by 11:59 PM (Mountain Time)

Complete applications received by the ‘Priority Application Date’ will be guaranteed consideration. The position will remain open until filled. Candidates are required to submit the following materials online via "New Resume/CV" button below/

A complete application Includes:

1. Letter of Interest – addressing your qualifications and experience related to the stated required skills for the position.
2. Detailed Resume – listing education and describing work experience.
3. Professional References – names and contact information for three (3) professional references.

Job Location Missoula, Montana, United States
Position Type Full-Time/Regular