Academic Advisor at University of Massachusetts Amherst in Amherst, Massachusetts

Job Description:

Job no: 524966

Work type: Staff Full Time

Location: UMass Amherst

Department: Dean - College of Nursing

Union: PSU

Categories: Academic Advising & Learning Resources, College of Nursing

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Under the general supervision of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, this position provides entry-level advising for College of Nursing (CON) students. The position uses computer-based registration and academic records technology, such as SPIRE and EAB, and works closely with other advising personnel to ensure high-quality advising and academic services for all Nursing students, with particular emphasis on programmatic needs for first-year, transfer, and at-risk students. The position is responsive to the widely varied needs of diverse student populations and works in a high-volume and fast-paced work environment.

• Provides entry-level individualized and small group advising to a diverse population of students during the academic year, including new student & transfer orientation/registration periods and current student registration periods.


• Responds to common issues such as registration-related matters including fulfilling university general education requirements, interpreting major and college requirements and providing guidance for students interested in transferring into the Nursing major.


• Assists students with matters that involve goal setting, self-assessment, time management skills, planning and decision-making such as establishing an academic plan, selecting courses, evaluating courses for study-abroad experiences, and recommending relevant scholarship opportunities.


• Collaborates with other Advisors on completing student-related scholarship duties, including partnering with the scholarship review committee and performing duties assigned in AcademicWorks.


• Responds to at-risk students experiencing academic and often critical personal difficulties by addressing relevant issues and making appropriate referrals to University agencies.


• Responds to inquiries from parents in accordance with FERPA.


• Attends meetings of college and university-level committees and councils as a member of CON Undergraduate Advising.


• Regularly holds information sessions for current CON students, as well as for prospective students and students in other majors wanting to transfer into CON. Participates in evening and weekend activities including Open Houses, Destination Days, Senior Celebration, Undergraduate Commencement, Scholarship Award Ceremony, and other activities and additional events that may be developed.

• Executes special projects as needed to support the mission and strategic plans of the CON Advising Office and the College.


• Performs related duties as assigned or required to meet department, college, and university goals and objectives.


• Understands responsibilities with respect to Title IX, FERPA, and other compliance requirements.


• Demonstrates capacity, skill and willingness to engage students and contribute to student success.


• Works collaboratively with other campus stakeholders to fulfill the mission of Student Affairs, Campus Life, and Student Success.

• Bachelor's degree. 


• Excellent oral and written communication skills.


• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.


• Intermediate level computer proficiency.


• Able to take initiative and work independently and collaboratively with various university personnel.


• Able to manage varied client needs.

• Professional experience in the areas of academic admissions, advising, recruiting, or counseling. 


• Experience serving a large, culturally diverse population.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Typical office environment.

• Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm.


• Required to work some nights and weekends.

Level 25

PSU Hiring Ranges

Upload your resume along with your completed application. Our team will check references at the final stage of the interview process. Please be prepared to provide contact information for at least three (3) professional references. This position will remain open until filled or the advertised closing date, whichever occurs first. Early submissions are recommended.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.

Advertised: Sep 12 2024 Eastern Daylight Time

Applications close: Dec 15 2024 Eastern Standard Time