Academic Advisor 1 - CAHNR/RH Office of Academic Programs

JOB SUMMARY

The Office of Academic Programs (OAP), a part of the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources at the University of Connecticut, seeks applicants for a full-time Academic Advisor 1. The Academic Advisor will advise undergraduate students within the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources, as well as within the Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture. The advisor provides essential support to department and faculty advisors by interpreting academic policies and serving as a bridge between the College and central University offices. The Academic Advisor 1 will report to the Director of Advising and will be based at the Storrs Campus.

Within the Office of Academic Programs, this position will support College activities and events and collaborate on developing programs that promote student retention, recruitment, and experiential learning opportunities. The Academic Advisor will provide guidance to undergraduate students and assist faculty and departmental advisors with complex College-level advising issues related to University policies and regulations. Additional responsibilities include contributing to special programs and initiatives coordinated by the Office of Academic Programs.

The successful candidate will work flexibly and collegially with a dynamic team of professional advising and administrative staff, as well as faculty and students across the College and University. The Office seeks a highly motivated, independent, and team-oriented individual who demonstrates creativity, outstanding interpersonal skills, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. The incumbent is expected to advance CAHNR’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of their work. The selected incumbent is also expected to maintain confidentiality of student records in compliance with FERPA, a commitment to ongoing professional development in advising and student success, and flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and needs. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as a resource for students, faculty, parents, and others with questions about programs or academic policies.
• Advise current, readmitted, and prospective students regarding coursework and graduation requirements; audit student records to determine progress toward meeting academic requirements.
• Advise students regarding policies and procedures, including selection or change of major or minor, waiver of requirements/deadlines, and related matters.
• Review and make recommendations regarding dismissal and provide additional counseling to students on academic probation and those with academic difficulties.
• Provide academic advising and procedural assistance to faculty advisors and departmental groups as requested.
• Participate in the admissions process for the Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture (RHSA), and in making admissions decisions regarding transfer of major within or into the College and School.
• Assist in planning and implementing scheduling and registration activities, orientation programs, commencement, etc.
• Assist colleagues in composing and maintaining the Office’s websites, social media, and other communications materials.
• Develop and participate in student recruitment and retention activities, including coordination of high school visits, career development events, open houses, and admissions events. Special focus on recruitment and retention of traditionally underrepresented groups and first-generation students is a goal of our college.
• Provide leadership for various special programs.
• Participate in planning and instruction of Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture First Year Experience course.
• Track and analyze student progress, retention, and graduation rates; prepare reports for departmental and College leadership.
• Develop and implement strategies to support student success, including early intervention for at-risk students.
• Provide students with information about internships, research opportunities, and career development resources.
• Use advising software and student information systems to maintain accurate records and support advising processes.
• Assist in reviewing and updating advising policies and procedures to ensure compliance and effectiveness.
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development to stay current with advising best practices and University policies.
• Serve on College or University committees related to advising, student success, or curriculum development.
• Perform other related duties and special assignments.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Bachelor’s degree in a related field and three years of advising/academic support experience, OR Master’s degree in a related field and one year of related experience.
2. Experience supporting a variety of students which may include STEM undergraduate students, first-generation students, and underrepresented groups. 
3. Experience working with individuals from diverse academic, socio-economic, and cultural backgrounds.
4. Communicate effectively through both oral and written means.
5. Interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
6. Experience organizing and managing multiple tasks independently and collaboratively.
7. Demonstrated experience utilizing Microsoft Office and online student records systems (e.g., PeopleSoft).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Advanced degree in higher education, counseling, STEM, or related discipline.
2. Advising experience in a higher education setting.
3. Experience with academic policies, regulations, and STEM programs related to Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources.
4. Experience with Agricultural Education and Agri-science programs.
5. Experience with retention initiatives or student success programs.
6. Experience coordinating academic events.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, permanent, twelve-month UCPEA staff position located on the main University of Connecticut campus in Storrs, CT. Salary will be commensurate with the successful candidate’s background and work experience. 

The University offers a competitive salary, and outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment. For additional information regarding benefits visit: https://hr.uconn.edu/health-benefits/.

Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA).

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

The selected incumbent is expected to work occasional nights and weekends and hold a valid driver's license and/or reliable transportation to travel between campuses or to off-site events. 

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #499350 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references.

The review of applications will begin immediately and the position will remain open until filled.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics, which may be found at https://portal.ct.gov/Ethics/Statutes-and-Regulations.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. 

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.