Academic Advisor and Student Support Specialist

Categories: Northeast Region 1

Department:

Advising and Academic Services Center, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Institution:

University of Maine

Date Posted:

Sep 4 2024 3:22PM

Close Date:

Nov 4 2024
 

Position Description

PURPOSE: The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Academic Advisor and Student Support Specialist position advises undergraduate students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS), primarily students in the Explorations program who enter UMaine as undeclared. Using a purposeful, holistic, and developmental approach, the Academic Advisor and Student Support Specialist guide students throughout their college experience. The Academic Advisor and Student Support Specialist position is the CLAS lead for connecting with students who are issued an alert through the UMaine tracking system (currently EAB Navigate). The Academic Advisor and Student Support Specialist may teach various first-year seminars and academic recovery courses during the academic year. The typical hiring range for this 12-month position is $43,830 - $45,830, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Duties

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Meets individually with assigned and walk-in students to discuss transitional issues; provides information about campus resources; assists with registration; and familiarizes students with academic policies and procedures. Monitors student academic performance and progress toward degree completion, providing or recommending interventions as needed. Builds a sense of belonging and connection with each student by utilizing high-touch strategies.

• Provides accurate information on the academic requirements of the University and of each college and major. Assists Explorations and CLAS undecided students with transferring to the UMaine college and major of their choice.

• Serves as the CLAS lead for communication and tracking systems (e.g., EAB Navigate) that identify struggling students early. Recommends success strategies, services, and resources. Monitors reports of students not attending classes and maintains an electronic log of communication with these students through the tracking system. Ensures confidentiality of student information and personal discussions. Serves as an active member on the Navigate Advisory Committee.

• Serves as a student advocate by assessing individual student needs, making appropriate referrals to other campus services and resources as needed, and aiding students in establishing realistic and attainable academic and career goals.

• Teaches sections of first-year seminars and academic success courses. Participates in ongoing development of advising curriculum and materials and in assessment.

• Prepares for and participates in recruitment and retention programs (New Student Orientation, Accepted Student Days, and Open Houses), including enrollment campaigns for current and newly accepted unregistered students.

• Acquires and maintains an awareness of new developments and best practices in academic advising, incorporating such knowledge into their support for students. Engages regularly in professional development relevant to the position.

• Serves as a resource for faculty and staff in matters related to student advising. Develops and maintains professional relationships that reflect courtesy, civility, and mutual respect.

• Utilizes coaching and mentoring methods that provide an anticipatory, supportive environment and encourages constructive feedback on performance. Commits to organizational improvement by identifying opportunities to improve and recommending possible alternatives for a situation.

• Performs other reasonably related duties as assigned by the Advising and Academic Services Center Director.

Application Process

To be considered for this position you will need to visit the following website: https://umaine.edu/hr/employment-university-maine/ Search the job title, and click “Apply” and upload the documentation listed below: 1.) a cover letter which describes your experience, interests, and suitability for the position 2.) a resume/curriculum vitae

Candidates selected to proceed to the final stages of the search process will be requested to provide a list of names and contact information for references. Incomplete application materials cannot be considered. Materials received after the initial review date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University. For full consideration, materials must be submitted by September 16, 2024.

For questions about the search, please contact search committee chair John Mascetta at [email protected] or 207-581-1952. The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screening.

Institution Information

The University of Maine is a community of more than 11,900 undergraduate and graduate students, and 2,500 employees located on the Orono campus, the regional campus in Machias, and throughout the state. UMaine is a land, sea and space grant university, and maintains a leadership role as the University of Maine System's flagship institution. UMaine is the state's public research university and a Carnegie R1 top-tier research institution, dedicated to providing excellent teaching, research and service for Maine, the nation and the world. More information about UMaine is at umaine.edu. The University of Maine offers a wide range of benefits for employees including, but not limited to, tuition benefits (employee and dependent), comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short and long term disability as well as retirement plan options. As a former NSF ADVANCE institution, the University of Maine is committed to diversity in our workforce and to dual-career couples. UMaine is located in beautiful Central Maine. Many employees report that a primary reason for choosing to come to UMaine is quality of life. Numerous cultural activities, excellent public schools, safe neighborhoods, high quality medical care, little traffic, and a reasonable cost of living make the greater Bangor area a wonderful place to live.

Additional Information

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is performed in a fast-paced, professional office setting with frequent interruptions requiring flexibility and good humor. The utmost tact, confidentially, and professionalism are required to carry out the duties of the position in a gracious, welcoming, and successful student-centered manner. WORK YEAR: Full-time, twelve-months. The schedule for vacation time is established by the Center Director in consultation with the employee to afford optimal support for students during semester breaks. WORK SCHEDULE: Expected to work in office during normal University of Maine business hours of Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Generally, work is expected to be accomplished during traditional work hours at the office provided by the Advising and Academic Services Center. Occasionally duties will require meetings or events outside the traditional workday, or completion of work after hours. In consultation with supervisor, the employee will establish regular office hours and adjust the schedule as necessary.

POSITION TYPE: Ongoing, base-budgeted position.

SCHEDULE FOR EVALUATION: In the initial six months of employment then annually thereafter in accordance with UMPSA Agreement.

JOB FAMILY/SALARY BAND: 18 Student Services A: Academic Services / 03. Appropriate background checks are required.

All UMS employees are required to comply with applicable policies and procedures, as well as to complete applicable workplace related screenings, and required employee trainings, such as Information Security, Safety Training, Workplace Violence, and Sexual Harassment. In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability physical or mental, genetic information, or veterans or military status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity, 101 Boudreau Hall, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5754, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System). Clery Act The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, such as the University, prepare, publish and distribute an Annual Security Report, (ASR) and provide notice of the availability of the ASR to all prospective employees. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University’s crime statistics for the past three calendar years; and disclosures regarding the University’s current campus security policies. You may view the University’s Annual Security Report. If you wish to have a paper copy of the ASR or you need to have a copy of the ASR in an accessible format, the University will provide such a copy upon request. Please contact: UMaine Police Department, 81 Rangeley Rd., The University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5794, or call 207.581.4053.

Contact Information

John Mascetta, MEd Advising and Academic Services Center & Explorations Program Director, Stevens Hall, Room 100, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, The University of Maine Orono, ME 04469 Pronouns: he, his, him [email protected] // (207) 581-1952

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree.

• Demonstrated experience working in academic advising or student support services in higher education.

• Effective verbal, written, and computer skills. Proficiency in use of standard business software such as Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and Zoom. Demonstrated ability to develop proficiency in new software products.

• Well-developed interpersonal skills and demonstrated success in building positive relationships with students, faculty, and staff.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Education, Higher Education Administration, Counseling, Social Work, Guidance, or a related field.

• Knowledge of college or university academic information systems and learning management software, including early alert systems like Navigate or Starfish. Evidence of resourcefulness, creativity, and efficiency in solving problems.

• Classroom teaching experience.