Posted: 20-Jun-23
Location: East Lansing, Michigan
Salary: Open
Internal Number: 875697
Position Summary
Position Overview
The Academic Specialist will advise students within James Madison College (JMC), explicitly focusing on retention and persistence. The Academic Specialist will contribute to an overall culture of inclusion, promote equity, and facilitate dialogue on diversity. They will support JMC registered student organizations and assist with other student, faculty, and staff-led initiatives.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
- Advise undergraduate students (in-coming first-year students through graduating students) at James Madison College on course scheduling, degree requirements, and other available course curriculum options. Connect students to campus resources and guide university policies and procedures. Advise during New Student Orientation and work closely with incoming students in the months leading up to their matriculation at MSU. Utilize MSU’s Student Information System, Campus Solutions, to provide information while maintaining accurate records and supporting the enrollment process. Collaboratively lead programs designed to foster persistence and retention, especially among students from historically underrepresented groups. The academic advisor will assist the college in developing programs that reduce time to degree for underrepresented groups.
- Collaborate with the Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to develop design and direct programming that builds and maintains an inclusive environment for all members of the College community. Coordinate with the Assistant Dean on developing and implementing a summer early start program. Assist with coordinating efforts related to Residential Life staff, including Residential Assistants and Intercultural Aides. Assist in assessing diversity, equity, and inclusion-related programs and initiatives within the College. Collaborate with James Madison Students Groups to liaise with College staff and leadership. Co-advise the James Madison College Student Senate in their first year, then assume primary advising responsibilities. Perform other duties as assigned, including the hiring and supervision of student employees and volunteers.
- Assist with James Madison College’s recruitment efforts in support of recruitment goals, especially related to underrepresented students.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Degree
Masters -Student Affairs & Student Services Programming
Minimum Requirements
The successful candidate will have the following:
- At least one year of full-time work in student affairs/services programs such as admissions, academic advisement, orientation, student activities, or housing/residence life.
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Excellent communication skills (oral, written, and presentation).
- Strong organizational skills with an emphasis on long-term planning for recruitment, outreach, persistence, and retention.
- Given the multiple responsibilities of the position, the ideal candidate will be self-motivated and able to work independently, yet also possess the ability to work effectively as an integral member of teams both within and outside of the college.
- Familiarity with Living Learning Communities / Residential Colleges
- Willingness to work occasional nights and weekends.
Desired Qualifications
An extremely well-prepared candidate will have experience with Campus Solutions or other electronic record systems.
Required Application Materials
Please submit a resume; a letter of interest that details experience advising students and building trust-based relationships in the professional setting, including experiences or plans to support marginalized and historically underrepresented students; and contact details for three references. Three confidential references' names and contact information must be provided during the application process. MSU will contact these references with instructions for the references on how to upload their confidential letter into MSU’s application system.
Special Instructions
Applications must be submitted electronically to the Michigan State University Human Resources web site: https://careers.msu.edu. Review of applications will begin on August 9, 2023 and will continue until the position is filled. Please contact staffing coordinator, Katie Dyjach (dyjachk@msu.edu), with any questions.
Review of Applications Begins On
08/09/2023
Remote Work Statement
MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.
Website
https://jmc.msu.edu/
MSU Statement
Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.
