Academic Advisor

Academic Advisor

Honors Advisors work with high-ability undergraduate students to help design their Honors Experiences to help students challenge themselves, achieve their academic and personal goals, and expand their understanding of the complexity and interconnectedness of the world in which they live. Honors students' co-curricular interests, post-graduate plans, and career goals will be particularly relevant discussion topics during advising appointments. The Honors Advising Program (UHP) is a pan-collegiate program through which honors advisors and directors work collaboratively with faculty and colleagues across the University to provide strong advising support for UHP students.

Typical advising work hours are scheduled in discussion with the advisor supervisor, with the office being open 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday-Friday. UHP advisors have the option of a flexible work arrangement, allowing for a maximum of two remote days per week during the Fall and Spring semesters in accordance with UHP's remote work policy. A few times per year, advisors will be expected to attend UHP events scheduled outside of typical work hours.

Responsibilities

Advise Honors students on academic goals, personal development and post-undergraduate career and educational opportunities. (60%)

• Provide information, advocacy and support to honors students regarding eligibility and requirements for graduation with Latin Honors.
• Conduct orientation meetings and lead other presentations depending on professional expertise and interest.
• Meet individually with advisees in person and virtually throughout the calendar year to discuss goals and progress with Honors requirements.
• Communicate with advisees via email and telephone.
• Record notes related to advising and maintain other necessary documentation.
• Assist students in identifying resources for undergraduate research, learning abroad opportunities, civic engagement, and academic success support.
• Work with students experiencing academic challenges to help them create academic goals that will enable academic improvement.
• Counsel students on personal issues affecting academic performance as appropriate, and make referrals to other University and community resources for specialized assistance or counseling services when needed.
• Encourage qualified students to apply for appropriate departmental, college, national, and international scholarships.
• Complete other administrative duties as assigned.

Attend UHP staff meetings and participate in UHP working groups, committees, and projects. (15%)

• Assist UHP leadership in planning and implementing UHP initiatives.
• Present UHP informational sessions to campus units and organizations.
• Conduct information sessions or workshops for students on study abroad, graduate-school planning, research and scholarship opportunities, and other topics.

Serve as liaison with departments, colleges, and other units as assigned. (10%)

• Attend meetings and serve on committees, update UHP Director and staff on developments in assigned college/unit, and promote the UHP mission with them.
• Participate in various cross-campus or system-wise initiatives or committees.
• Communicate with departmental Honors faculty representatives regularly.

Participate in supplemental high-impact professional practices, developed with input from the advisor and their supervisor which contribute to the advisor's professional satisfaction and growth. (5%)

• Examples include: Lead a NEXUS experience, participate in service learning and community engagement initiatives, support Honors student groups, campus-wide initiatives, etc.
  

Participate in professional development and lifelong-learning activities that contribute to the advising profession, Honors advising, and the intellectual life of the University and the community. (5%)

Other duties as assigned. (5%)

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A BA/BS degree plus four years of full-time relevant work experience, or a Master's degree plus two years of full-time relevant work experience.
• Work experience must include full-time academic advising experience, or equivalent combination of coaching, mentoring, and/or advising students at a higher education institution.
• Strong, articulated interest in working with high-ability undergraduate students.
• Ability to work effectively with faculty, staff, and students, and to use sound judgment in a fast-paced environment.
• Evidence of strong written and oral communication skills, team-building, and interpersonal skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A Master's degree is preferred.
• Familiarity with developmental advising theory, student development, best practices for retention of first-generation college students and/or historically underserved populations, as well as proactive advising approaches.
• Previous experience advising, teaching, and/or mentoring honors or high-ability college students.
• Experience advising high academic ability students and coaching students on co-curricular pursuits including undergraduate research, study abroad, internships, leadership opportunities, post-graduate planning, etc.
• Proven skills in creating and contributing towards high-performing teams, work climates, and student programs where all are respected, valued, feel a sense of belonging, and are able to contribute to their full potential.
• Experience with collegiate-level curriculum and/or co-curricular program development
• Commitment to lifelong learning and professional development.
• Excellent skills in communication, mastering and disseminating complex information, time management, and project management skills.
• Computer literacy (including technology and advising tools such as APLUS, PeopleSoft and APAS/DARS, Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite).

With offices located in the beautiful Jones Hall, Honors Advisors enjoy a wide range of professional opportunities, including: shaping UHP programs, serving on UHP and University committees, and working with colleagues who have a passion for advising high-ability undergraduate students and who are life-long learners. UHP seeks to provide our students with a rich environment in which to pursue an enhanced undergraduate experience. To accomplish this, we offer innovative coursework, specialized advising, a vibrant intellectual community, and unique experiential learning opportunities. These inspire and support our students as they identify, articulate, and overcome the challenges they face as learners and life-long members of a global community.
UHP is a student-centered place of connection for undergraduate education across the University; a place where our community can come together to innovate, create, lead, and serve; a place that challenges high-ability students to be bold, unconventional thinkers.

Pay Range: $50,000 - $56,000 annually, depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 75%-100% Appointment (If job description above does not specify appointment or expected weekly hours, assume a 100% appointment.)

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Required application materials: must have resume and cover letter

Priority Deadline June 6, 2025

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

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