Career Center

Academic Advisor
University of Minnesota - School of Nursing

Office of Student and Career Advancement Services’ Mission:
To recruit and retain a diverse student body by providing quality academic and career advising, developing committed alumni, and advancing leaders in the nursing profession who are lifelong learners.

Position Overview:
The Academic Advisor contributes to the School of Nursing’s mission by providing advisement services to students in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program. The staff member will support the overall function of OSCAS by assisting with assessment, policy and procedure creation and implementation, academic progression, and serving as the first line of contact for BSN student needs. Reporting to the Assistant Director of OSCAS/Undergraduate Programs Coordinator, the Academic Advisor also works closely with the program directors of the BSN program. The OSCAS team shares responsibility for office coverage, this person in this position will have the option to work a hybrid schedule with 2-3 days on campus per week. This is a 100% time appointment (40 hours/week). Estimated salary range is $54,000 - $61,000; salary is commensurate with candidate's qualifications and experience.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Academic & Career Advising 65%

• Utilize the University of Minnesota’s Advising Philosophy to develop and sustain meaningful student relationships to guide, challenge, and support them in becoming self-reliant and in learning to make reflective decisions about academic, personal, and career aspirations
• Advise students on course selection, graduation planning, academic success skills, and career and graduate school exploration
• Provide individual career coaching regarding application materials, licensure, and the job search
• Communicate and implement University policies, unit procedures, curricular requirements, and referrals to campus services
• Integrate student development and advising theories in advising practices to holistically support students and their transition to University life
• Serve as an engaged member of the Undergraduate Team by communicating and advocating for student needs and concerns
• Maintain accurate information about students through systems such as APLUS, PeopleSoft, and the School of Nursing database
• Work closely with Director of Pre-Licensure Programs, Co-Director of the BSN Program, and Assistant Director and Director of OSCAS to prepare nursing-specific content for current and prospective student materials
• Monitor students’ academic and degree progress
• Serve on Undergraduate Scholastic Committee and facilitate aspects of
• Analyze data and prepare reports on undergraduate nursing student trends
• Collaborate with other academic advisors at the University for networking and identifying best practice advising skills and methods

Programming and Initiatives 35%

• Lead or collaborate on the planning and execution of select student services initiatives and programs as determined by Assistant Director. Examples include: new student orientations, Nursing Seminar, Mentor Program, President’s Emerging Scholars, Living Learning Community, Welcome Week, Career Week, and study abroad information sessions
• Serve on School of Nursing and University-wide committees as requested
• Support the management of student finances and fees by collaborating with the Scholarship Committee and Business Office on waivers, exemptions, and credit thresholds.
• Assist the School of Nursing with various events, including but not limited to commencement ceremonies, recruitment/admissions events, and orientation for other degree programs
• Collaborate with Rochester located faculty and staff to develop initiatives and provide support to Rochester located Nursing students
• Engage in ongoing professional development to encourage and sustain Advisor growth
• Other program duties as assigned or required

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS degree plus at least four years of college-level advising or relevant experience, or Master's degree in higher education and student affairs, college student personnel psychology, counseling, social work, or field related to advising plus a minimum 2 years of college-level advising or relevant experience
• Commitment to equal opportunity, access, equity, social justice, and diversity
• Excellent time management, organizational, and problem solving skills
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships in an education setting with a large and diverse student, staff, and faculty population.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment and prioritize conflicting demands.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong experience with or quick ability to learn database and enterprise systems used for student records, advising, and reports
• Ability to display accountability and responsibility in determining priorities and implementing processes that will match the mission and values of the Office of Student and Career Advancement Services 
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, collaboratively, and with supervision
• Ability to work some evenings and occasional weekends

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working within the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities campus
• Experience working with the following systems: PeopleSoft, APAS, and APLUS
• Experience developing, organizing and coordinating orientation programs and other student events: information sessions, commencement ceremonies, etc.
• Experience interpreting complex policies and communicating these to various constituents.
• Training or experience with career development programming.

About University of Minnesota Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.

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