Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Studies Advisor

Classification:Student Services Professional 3

Grade:Grade 79

Work type:On Campus, Staff Full-time

Administrative Unit:University of Alaska Fairbanks

School/Business unit:UAF Provost Office Operations

Location:Fairbanks

Categories: Academic Advising/Support, Student Affairs/Services

Position Summary:
Are you looking for a higher education position where you work directly with students to help them reach their academic and professional goals? The department of Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Studies is hiring an academic advisor. Experience with academic advising is a plus, but we are willing to train qualified, creative applicants who have excellent interpersonal skills and who have other experience related to student success. In addition to regular academic advising duties including helping students register for classes, advisors in our program work with students to create custom interdisciplinary studies majors and work with students in UAF’s degree completion program to develop pathways to graduation. The position has some flexibility with hours.

Duties:

Academic Advising: The primary duties of this position are as a comprehensive academic advisor for all programs within the department of Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Studies (UIS). These programs include a customizable “goals option” Interdisciplinary Studies major and a flexible and efficient “degree completion option” of the Interdisciplinary Studies major that adds a General Studies concentration. UIS also houses three academic minors: Interdisciplinary Studies, Environmental Change, and Health Sciences for Pre-professionals. Comprehensive advising includes a holistic approach to student success. A trained academic advisor will apply NACADA core competencies into working with prospective and current students on educational planning, course scheduling, and guiding students through academic challenges, referring to other UAF resources when appropriate. Advisors help educate students on the many steps that need to be taken on the path to graduation, as well as the software tools and policies that they must use along the way including degree audits and creation of semester by semester plans to ensure a timely graduation. Interdisciplinary advising requires extensive knowledge of UAF’s course catalog and research opportunities, and it requires creative thinking and networking to help students build innovative academic programs that will prepare them for graduate school or a career in their chosen field. Advisors need to develop expertise in areas such as alternative credits, transfer credits, petitions, financial aid appeals, as well as, NCAA regulations, VA and DOD tuition benefits, rules governing international students, and knowledge of services and accommodations provided to students with disabilities. Advisors in UAS are expected to help students find faculty committees, schedule committee meetings and find opportunities such as scholarships, Study Away experiences, internships and research projects. Advisors should be prepared to work with a diverse student population, who may have different learning styles and educational goals, as well as variations in academic strengths and cultural backgrounds. UIS is located on the Troth Yeddha’ campus in Fairbanks, but we serve students across the state, as well as outside of Alaska. Advisors should expect to serve students in-person, as well as on the phone and through video meeting platforms such as Zoom. Advisors must maintain confidentiality and professional demeanor adhering to FERPA regulations, and they are expected to keep accurate records on their student interactions.Essential

Retention & Degree Completion: Expedite student educational progress by promoting prior learning assessment programs such as credit for prior learning, CLEP tests, credit by exam and other non-traditional credit opportunities. Conduct degree audits using DegreeWorks system. Act as liaison with departments associated with adult learners including military/veterans services, financial aid, career services, student support services, disability services, health and counseling, and other campus or community programs. Monitor student progress and coordinate personal interaction as necessary.Essential

Program Planning & Development: Work with the director of UIS in planning department activities for students including guest lectures, semester opening meetings, and celebrations for graduates. Actively collaborate with campus-wide departments for academic advising, orientation, recruitment, and registration events. Assist in the maintenance and collection of data to generate and distribute reports as required. Assist in developing and implementing academic advising and retention campaigns targeting students who have stopped out and/or not making progress towards their degree to assist in degree completion. Help to create and update UIS forms, assist with editing UIS pages in the UAF catalog, and help to maintain the UIS website.Essential

Outreach & Engagement: Contribute and participate in communication plan by contacting students, faculty, and staff in person, by email, or phone to provide reference information, publicize events, and advertise workshops. Develop web and print resources for interdisciplinary studies and degree completion. Assist with maintaining a clean and welcoming office environment. Attend events on and off campus to help recruit students to UAF and UIS programs.Essential

Expert Guide: Assist University faculty and staff from several UA campuses by answering questions, researching accurate answers and troubleshooting unique issues as they occur. Actively participate on committees impacting academic advising or student success policies or procedures. May be asked by director to serve on various committees or participate in campus-wide initiates.Essential

Knowledge
Knowledge of student development theory, adult learning theory, the academic advising profession, and the university setting. Knowledge of interpersonal and organizational communication theory. Knowledge of best practices, federal and state laws and legal issues associated with and applicable to student services and higher education, including title IX and FERPA rules. Knowledge of decision-making strategies and problem-solving techniques. Knowledge of NACADA (National Academic Advising Association) Core Values. Knowledge or UAF’s academic programs, policies and student support resources. Knowledge of UAF’s community and rural campuses, and the diversity of cultural backgrounds represented in our students, faculty and staff.

Skills
Exceptional oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills, including public speaking. Excellent active listening, intercultural competency, and conflict resolution skills, as well as problem-solving skills to establish rapport and provide appropriate feedback to students. Strong computer-based skills associated with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet Browser, and social networking programs. Preference given to those with knowledge or experience in program marketing, desktop publishing, web-development and database systems including File Maker Pro.

Abilities
Ability to interpret student data, placement scores and assessment instruments to determine to develop realistic, meaningful and relevant educational plans. Ability to think creatively and see connections to help students build custom interdisciplinary studies majors and minors. Be able to work independently or on a small team to complete project. Actively listen to understand students’ individual goals as well as their needs and challenges. Apply growth mindset thinking to help students be self-aware, and advocates for their individual educational experience. Comprehend and apply university policies and procedures as they related to students and to refer students to relevant offices for assistance. Ability to keep accurate notes and student records. Troubleshoot situations to determine the best course of action. Apply theories gained through experience and education. Juggle multiple priorities and tasks in a fast-paced, student-centered environment. Help students explore major options as well as post-baccalaureate professional and education opportunities.

Three years relevant experience required in an educational setting.

Bachelor’s degree in a related field and three years relevant experience. Master’s degree preferred.

Bachelor’s degree must be from post-secondary institutions that have regional accreditation recognized by the US Department of Education and/or the Council of Higher Education Accreditation.

This is a full-time, 12-month, exempt staff position complete with both a competitive salary and full employee benefits package. New hires will be placed on the UA staff salary schedule, Grade 79, based on education and experience.

Please attach a resume, cover letter, and the names and contact information for three (3) professional references with your application.

The review process for applications will be begin on July 31, 2023.

*To be eligible for this position, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction.  Applicants who now or may in the future require visa sponsorship to work in the United States are not eligible.

The University of Alaska (UA) is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing this application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact UA Human Resources by phone at 907-450-8200.

UA is an AA/EO employer and educational institution and prohibits illegal discrimination against any individual: www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination

The successful applicant is required to complete a background check. Any offer of employment is contingent on the background check.

Your application for employment with the University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act.

If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Brittany Tappa, Signers’ Business Office HR Coordinator, at bjtappa@alaska.edu or 907-474-6353.