Graduate Advisor - Department of Architecture (ARCH)

About Berkeley

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.

As a world-leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice. Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic and social value.

We are looking for applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan.

At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups (staff organizations). Our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. Find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley.

Departmental Overview

Berkeley’s Department of Architecture was founded on strong principles of design, multidisciplinary collaboration, and respect for experimentation. There are over 570 students, 180 of whom are graduate students, over 20 full-time faculty, over 30 part-time faculty, and 5 career staff.

The Architecture Graduate Student Affairs Office (GSAO) role involves a wide range of student services duties and responsibilities for the Department of Architecture. The GSAO provides assistance to the chair/dean, MSO, faculty, and graduate students in academic advising, admissions, financial aid, the evaluation and awarding of fellowships and block grant funds, student orientation and events, and related programs. The incumbent will also develop and implement programs for student outreach, recruitment, and admissions, and educate the public about admissions requirements, policies, and processes.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: 9/24/26 - Open until filled

Responsibilities

45% Advising and Student Services

• Advises students on departmental, college, and university policies and procedures; reviews students' progress and advises students and faculty on requirements for degree/program completion; identifies students with progression problems and recommends interventions; provides input to curriculum planning in collaboration with faculty officers and staff colleagues.
• Provides advice and assistance to students on all aspects of their academic experience, including academic progress and satisfaction of major requirements.
• Reviews, evaluates, and advises student petitions for exceptions to requirements.
• Advises students on a wide range of course possibilities and/or ways to complete degree requirements that may not be clearly defined.
• Responsible for interpreting campus policies and advising students and faculty on student conduct, student grievances, disputes, and issues regarding discrimination.
• Identifies barriers, distractions, and complications affecting a student's academic success, helps students recognize these key non-academic issues, and makes appropriate referrals for therapeutic counseling and/or assistance from other units.
• Liaison with the Berkeley International Office (BIO) and the Graduation Division, including running queries, degree tracking, and submitting student-related administrative reports.
• Ensure timely and accurate communication to students, including the creation and dissemination of a weekly graduate student newsletter.

25% Recruitment and Admissions

• Plans and implements outreach programs with specifically targeted organizations and institutions.
• Advises prospective applicants on necessary academic preparation; appropriateness of the program as it pertains to the prospective applicant's goals.
• Utilizes in-depth knowledge of the organization's admissions criteria and helps rank applicants for admission.
• Evaluates domestic and international transcripts for degree eligibility.
• Initiates and arranges student recruitment visits to Berkeley.
• Conducts outreach/recruitment activities using many modes of communication, including in-person events, webinars, and social media marketing.
• Works collaboratively with colleagues to manage the Graduate Admissions Ambassadors.
• Coordinates with faculty on program-specific info sessions and admissions timelines.
• Manages and updates Student Services & Recruitment/Admissions materials, including department and university website content, handbooks, etc.

15% Faculty Committees/Department Policy

• Meet regularly with the department Chair and MSO to discuss current and future programming.
• Advises and guides new and continuing instructors on Departmental, College, and University policies and procedures that pertain to graduate student affairs within the Department of Architecture.
• Serve on faculty committees.
• Develop recommendations for the improvement of existing programs and/or policies, as well as initiate new programs and/or services to meet changing student needs.

10% Financial Aid

• In collaboration with colleagues, oversees and processes the administration, evaluation, and awarding of student fellowships, grants, scholarships, and other awards.
• Advises students on financial aid options on campus and extramural fellowship opportunities.

5% Other

• Plans and implements complex, high-visibility student events, such as open houses, orientations of new students, final reviews, and commencement.
• Assist colleagues in department-wide programming and/or events.
• Coordinates student exit surveys and follow-up data collection surveys.
• Embraces the principle of being a “student always” by engaging in opportunities for training, workshops, seminars,