Specialist - Advisor-Continuing

Position Summary

Michigan State University actively promotes a dynamic research and learning environment in which qualified individuals of differing perspectives, and cultural backgrounds pursue academic goals with mutual respect and shared inquiry.

The Office of Advising and Undergraduate Services in the Department of Psychology is seeking applicants for an Academic Advisor and Student Success Specialist position (12 months, 100% time).  The advisor is responsible for academic advising for a shared caseload of about 2000 students. 

Advising responsibilities will include:

• Holistic and proactive advising to assist students from 1st year through graduation.
• Attendance at university, college, and department level training, meetings, and functions.
• Participating in new student orientation sessions throughout the year for first year and transfer students.
• Co-advisor to the Psychology Club.
• Conducting degree audits for graduating seniors, maintaining accurate records, and monitoring student progress on a regular basis.
• Consultation with psychology administrators and advisors when issues arise to keep communication open.
• Participating as a team player and desires to be in a fast-paced and high-energy environment where the goal is to support students in every way we can.
• Contributing to a supportive and inclusive environment where all students and colleagues feel respected and valued.
• Using information technology to support students including MSU’s advising and student information systems, University/College/Department websites, Microsoft Office and Teams, Google docs, social media, and Zoom.

Student Success responsibilities will include:

• Supporting student success initiatives and assisting struggling and probationary students.
• Planning and assisting with programs that enrich the student experience such as graduate school, career exploration, internship, academic success, mentorship, time management, resume building, and many others.
• Assist with creation of First Gen programming for the Psychology Department.
• Conducting group advising sessions to support the success of our new freshman and transfer students.
• Assist with development of a Psychology Freshman Year Experience Course.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Masters -Master’s degree in student affairs administration, psychology, counseling, or other related field at time of hire.

Minimum Requirements

• Master’s degree in student affairs administration, psychology, counseling, or other related field.
• Ability to work independently while functioning as a member of a team.
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication, public speaking, and presentation skills.
• The ability to retain a high volume of programmatic, academic, college, and university related information while having that ability to critically think through complex situations.
• Ability to use new and existing technologies to manage data and communicate with students including working knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite and social media platforms.
• Ability to develop trust, rapport, and positive working relationships with students, staff, and faculty from a broad spectrum of backgrounds with a strong personal desire to support the unit’s Opportunity and Excellence efforts.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience working in a college academic setting preferred.
• Academic advising experience preferred.
• Ability to establish and maintain rapport when working with students, staff, and faculty.

Required Application Materials

• Cover letter outlining your interest in, and preparation for, the position.
• Resume/CV
• Name and contact information for three professional references.

Special Instructions

Applications must be submitted to the MSU Applicant Page at https://careers.msu.edu.

Review of applications will begin September 7, 2026 and will continue until position is filled.

Review of Applications Begins On

09/07/2026

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.