Career Center

Urban Education Program Academic Advisor


About Westfield State University:

In 1839, Horace Mann founded Westfield State University as the first public higher education institution without barrier to race, gender or economic class. Westfield State University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination, equal opportunity, diversity and affirmative action. We are dedicated to providing educational, working and living environments that value the diverse backgrounds of all people including minorities, women, veterans, individuals with disabilities and other protected persons, or individuals with diverse cultural backgrounds.

Westfield State is the most residential of the state universities in Massachusetts, with over 60% of our 5600 full-time undergraduate students living on campus. The campus is ideally situated on the edge of the Berkshire Mountains in western Massachusetts just 30 minutes from the thriving cultural centers of Northampton and Amherst, and 1.5 hours from both Boston and Albany.


Job Description:

Campus Title: Urban Education Program Academic Advisor
State Job Title: Staff Assistant
Department: Center for Student Success and Engagement
Job Code: HA5600
FLSA Status: Exempt
Funding: 7115-0100 (State Funds)
Bargaining Unit: APA
Job Type: Full-Time Permanent
Timeframe: 52 weeks
Shift: Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Regular Days Off: Saturday and Sunday
Supervision Received: Reports to the Director of the Urban Education Program.
Supervision Exercised: Work study students, student leaders, and summer residential staff.
Salary: $48,000-$50,000 (salary will be commensurate with education and experience)

General Statement of Duties: Under the leadership of the Urban Education Program Director, the Urban Education Program Academic Advisor fosters student success by providing academic support to first-generation, Pell-eligible college students and assisting with the overall administration of the program including, but not limited to, student recruitment and selection, leadership development and administration of the Summer Bridge Program. The Urban Education Program Academic Advisor is expected to assist in developing program systems and protocols designed to increase student retention and graduation rates. This position requires extreme sensitivity and appropriate handling of confidential information. The advisor must be knowledgeable of all WSU policies and procedures. In addition to regular working hours, this position occasionally requires the advisor to be available to students after hours and on weekends via various communication tools (i.e., electronic mail, telephone) in an effort to expedite resolution of any student questions, concerns or issues. Student satisfaction through timely response by advisors is a paramount requirement of this position.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Duties include but not limited to:
Essential:

• Guide first-generation college scholars in their transition from high school to college.
• Assist scholars with establishing realistic and attainable goals that are in accordance with the Westfield State University undergraduate experience.
• Advise a caseload providing academic advising, guidance and support to scholars through one-on-one appointments or walk-in meetings, review of academic policies, assistance with course selection and schedules, academic progress, academic and career planning, and personal and leadership development.
• Assist scholars with the course registration process, including add/drop, course withdrawals, review of academic records, and degree planning.
• Closely monitor academic progress towards degree completion and maintain daily advising reports documenting services rendered for each session.
• Instill strategies to foster student success to all program scholars, including those on academic warning, through the implementation of academic success strategies such as time management, organization and effective studying in all disciplines.
• Provide advocacy for scholars seeking assistance and initiate appropriate intervention strategies by referring scholars to campus resources. Make referrals where necessary, and provide support until the situation is resolved.
• Provide information about program services and requirements to prospective scholars, parents and champions, university administration, faculty and staff, and high school teachers and school counselors.
• Participate in the planning and implementation of the Summer Bridge Program.
• Participate in University and Program recruitment and admissions processes, including reviewing admission files to determine eligibility of scholars for the Summer Bridge Program.
• Attend and present at open houses and recruitment events for prospective first-year scholars sponsored by the Office of Admission, and New Student Orientation.
• Assist in the training and supervision of Peer Counselors and residential staff during the Summer Bridge Program.
• Assist in the development, implementation and facilitation of the First-Year Success seminar for the Summer Bridge Program.
• Establish and maintain liaisons with important campus constituents, including faculty.
• Coordinate and evaluate student leadership initiatives and serve as an advisor.
• Participate in university-wide initiatives by representing the department at campus meetings and committees.
• Assist with public relations initiatives for the program and foster an institutional climate to support program goals.
• Attend and/or present at relevant national, regional and local professional development conferences, workshops and seminars.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A minimum of three years' professional experience in higher education, including academic advising, counseling, admissions, career services or student affairs.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Knowledge of college or university academic and financial assistance procedures; ability to work with sensitive and confidential student information.
• Ability to adapt to rapidly changing priorities and demands.
• Have an understanding of and sensitivity to individuals from diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, ethnic, sexual orientation, gender identity, and disability of first-generation college students, including those with physical and/or learning disabilities as it relates to differences in learning styles.
• Discretion and professionalism in handling confidential student records and information.
• Experience with facilitation and design of presentations, workshops and seminars.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain a productive working relationship with multiple constituencies.
• Well-developed interpersonal, written, oral, presentation and computer skills.
• Working knowledge of management database systems. Ability to design and maintain data management systems and produce reports on outcomes and retention.
• Able to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Higher Education, Counseling, Social Work, Student Personnel, or related field from an accredited university, or a master's in progress in a related field.
• Bilingual in English/Spanish.
• Knowledge of campus technology platforms such as Banner, Degree Works, and Starfish.
• Previous supervisory experience.

Additional Information:

Salary:
For the majority of new employees, the minimum starting salary will apply. Specific salary for current Westfield State University employees and individuals currently working for the state of Massachusetts must be calculated individually in accordance with collective bargaining and state policies and procedures.

State job specifications for this position may be found at the department of higher education website: http://www.mass.edu/foremployees/classificationspecs/classspecs-pers.asp

Disability Accommodations:
Westfield State University understands that persons with disabilities may need assistance with the job application process and/or with the interview process. For confidential assistance regarding disability accommodations, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (413) 572-8106.

Background Check:
Employment at Westfield State University is contingent upon a background check that is satisfactory to the University. Failure to provide written authorization for a background check will nullify the offer of employment.


Application Instructions:

An on-line application is required. The successful candidate must submit an official transcript at the time of hire. Interested candidates should electronically attach the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Contact information for three references *
• Copy of unofficial transcript of highest degree

* Provide the contact information for reference providers in the reference section of the online application.

Deadline: The job posting will be open a minimum of ten days and, if needed, will remain open until finalists have been selected.

NOTE: If you need assistance completing your application please contact our online Help Desk. The link to the help desk can be found at the top of the page via Contact Us.
Westfield State University provides equal access to employment opportunities for all applicants, regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital status, age, disability or veteran status in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations and policies.



To apply, visit https://westfield.interviewexchange.com/jobofferdetails.jsp?JOBID=144582&CNTRNO=9&TSTMP=0





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