Academic Success Advisor

Title: Academic Success Advisor

Executive Area: Academic Affairs

College/School/MBU: Public Health/ Health Sciences

Department: Dean - Pub Health & Health Sci

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Hybrid

Job Summary

Under the general supervision of the Director of Advising and Academic Success in the School of Public Health & Health Sciences (SPHHS), this school level position provides comprehensive advising for university undeclared and exploratory track students; implements and coordinates programs and services to promote the academic success of undergraduate at-risk students; works closely with departmental advisors with particular emphasis on first-year and at-risk students; provides 4+1 advising for undergraduate students moving into graduate study; and is responsive to the needs of a large number of highly diverse students.

Essential Functions

Advise and counsel diverse incoming class of first year, undeclared, exploratory track and transfer students in a fast-paced, high volume individual advising format, during New Student Orientation (NSO) programs held in summer, fall, and winter.

Advise and counsel incoming new students across all major programs within SPHHS.


Advise and counsel prospective and incoming 4+1 accelerated master's students across SPHHS programs.

Advise and counsel students on straight-forward matters such as registration-related, fulfilling university general education requirements, interpreting major and school requirements, and declaration of major process.

Advise and counsel students with complex matters that involve goal setting, planning and decision making. Examples include developing an academic plan, choosing a major, and course selection.

Advise undergraduate students during peak times by supporting departmental needs and support for programs at the departmental level (Majors Fair, Undergraduate advising blogs, student panels, etc.)

Collaborate with other academic advising personnel to develop and maintain a library of academic resources to aid students in evaluating choices, making academic plans and career decisions.

Co-plan and implement events and activities such as Open Houses, Destination Days, and all activities associated with the NSO and 4+1.

Provide targeted outreach and support to students on Academic Warning, Academic Probation, and returning from Suspension.

Provide proactive and responsive interventions to support student success.

Respond to inquiries from parents in accordance with FERPA in a highly professional and respectful manner.

Work with campus departments to keep up to date with various policy/procedural changes relevant to advising, campus-wide initiatives affecting student services and advising and informing new school and campus policies to (department) advisors and providing training and support when necessary.

Work with campus support services such as the Center for Counseling and Psychological Health (CCPH), Disability Services, Learning Resource Center, Registrar, Dean of Students, etc. and makes appropriate referrals when necessary.

Other Functions

Perform related duties as assigned or required to meet department, executive area/division, and University goals and objectives.

Understand responsibilities with respect to Title IX, Clery and other compliance requirements.

Work collaboratively with other campus stakeholders to fulfill the mission of Academic Affairs, Student Affairs and Campus Life.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree and three (3) years of experience in academic advising, counseling, student support, or other related student facing roles.

Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communications skills.

Strong organizational skills.

Documented experience in academic advising, student support, or other related student-facing roles.
Ability to take initiative and work independently and collaboratively.

Demonstrated commitment to continued learning or professional development in diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice issues.

Ability to work with confidential material, always maintain student confidentiality and to manage multiple complex tasks within short time frames.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree.

Ability to recognize at-risk individuals and provide appropriate support and direction.

Additional Details

May supervise up to 3 students.

This position is subject to final budgetary and administrative approval.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Monday through Friday

This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee's work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week. As this position falls within the Professional Staff Union, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the Professional Staff Union collective bargaining agreement.

Salary Information

Pay Grade: PSSAP Grade 26

Click here to view the Professional Staff Hiring Ranges.

Special Instructions for Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.