Academic Advisor II, Psychology

The Department of Psychology, part of the School of Mind, Brain, and Behavior (MBB) within the College of Science, is committed to advancing our strengths in scientific research and science-based training. Psychology is inherently interdisciplinary, and our faculty, staff, and students actively collaborate with other MBB programs and departments - including Neuroscience, Cognitive Science, and Speech, Language and Hearing Science - as well as a wide range of academic units across campus. Through innovative, multidisciplinary research, we advance the understanding of the mind and brain, promote successful development and aging, and develop innovative approaches to optimizing mental health. By engaging and mentoring students, we prepare the next generation of scientists, scholars, and leaders in society. We invite you to join a team of dedicated researchers, educators, and innovators working together to shape the future of psychological science.

The Psychology Department at the University of Arizona is seeking a well-organized and highly motivated candidate for the position of Academic Advisor II. In this role, you will play a vital role in undergraduate success and serve as a front-line contact for students, providing developmental academic advising to drive engagement and empower students to achieve their academic and career goals.

You will work with current and prospective Psychology and Psychological Science majors. As an Academic Advisor in the Psychology Department, you will support students through academic advising, programming, teaching, and performing other duties as assigned. You will assist students in evaluating their academic abilities, setting goals and objectives, meeting the requirements of Psychology majors, and exploring experiential learning and career opportunities.

You will also have programming responsibilities for existing or new initiatives which require the ability to plan, develop, market, and evaluate programs while working collaboratively with students, staff, faculty, and campus partners. You may also be responsible for leading workshops or courses.

This role requires the ability to work independently while managing a variety of complex tasks, including building and presenting academic program information, mentoring junior advisors, building relationships with students, providing clarification on procedures and requirements, and providing input on student data.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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Student Advisement:

• Provides
  timely and accurate advising to approximately 500 Psychology and
  Psychological Science students in person, virtually, over the phone, and
  via email.
• Evaluates
  the use of transfer credit and determines whether or not degree
  requirements have been met.
• Supports
  Psychology and Psychological Science students in establishing realistic
  and attainable academic and career goals.
• Assists
  Psychology and Psychological Science undergraduate students in determining
  educational plans, choosing courses, and exploring majors, minors, and
  career options.
• Conducts
  targeted outreach, reporting, and experiential learning coordination for
  students in the Psychological Science major.
• Identifies
  educational and career options appropriate for each student and assists
  students in
  evaluating each option, including possible outcomes and their
  implications.
• Counsels
  Psychology and Psychological Science students on options to satisfy degree
  requirements.
• Monitors
  students' academic progress, determines satisfactory progress toward
  degree completion, and assists students in completing degree requirements.
• Identifies
  current and potential needs or barriers to success (e.g., study skills,
  tutoring, mental health counseling).
• Advises
  students experiencing
  academic difficulties in the development of an academic action plan
  and refers students to appropriate campus resources for assistance as
  needed.
• Using
  University systems, maintains student files, records, and advisor notes.
• Maintains
  knowledge of regulations and policies that impact students' educational
  options.
• Utilizes
  communication tools to enable proactive outreach to Psychology students.
• Offers
  guidance and training to newer advisors.

Service to Department:

• Teaches
  a 1-unit success course for Psychology and Psychological Science
  first-year students in the fall semesters.
• Assists
  in the interviewing, selection, training, and supervision of undergraduate
  Psychology Peer Mentors.
• Identifies
  department curriculum problems and develops and recommends solutions.
• Serves
  on departmental committees, such as those focused on hiring and
  scholarships.
• Assists
  in the recruitment of potential students by advising them on general
  academic requirements of a specific college, describing courses, and disseminating information
  regarding registration procedures.
• Leads
  information sessions, workshops, and/or courses and evaluates the effectiveness
  of these programs.
• Performs other duties as assigned (typically less than 5% of work time).

Service to College and University:

• Attends
  monthly and bi-monthly meetings to stay up to date on policies and
  processes across campus and the College.
• Assists
  with Transfer and First-Year
  Orientation, including evaluating incoming students' credits.
• Assists
  with College ceremonies and convocations.

Knowledge,
Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Knowledge of campus resources, support services, and
  referral processes for student success.
• Knowledge of transfer credit evaluation and degree
  audit processes.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills to evaluate
  student academic progress and recommend appropriate solutions.
• Ability to communicate complex academic information
  clearly and effectively.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities, technology,
  and institutional needs.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in
  a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

• Bachelor's
  degree required.
• Minimum
  of 3 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of
  education and work experience.
• Previous experience working with students in a higher education setting.

• Master's degree.
  
• Five or more years of relevant work experience.
  
• Previous experience serving undergraduate students in academic advising or other student-related services at the University of Arizona or a similar higher education institution.
  
• Experience with software programs and applications, such as Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Word, and Excel), and student management databases like PeopleSoft/UAccess, Salesforce/Trellis Advise, and Brightspace.
  
• Experience with UAccess Analytics.
  
• Experience working with underprepared students.