Specialist - Advisor-Continuing

Position Summary

This is a twelve-month Academic Specialist position in the continuing system with the College of Natural Science Undergraduate Academic and Student Affairs Office. The selected individual will serve as the Academic Advisor for the majors in Statistics & Probability and Earth & Environmental Science, and will report to the Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Academic and Student Affairs. This position will work for both the Department of Statistics & Probability and the Department of Earth & Environmental Science to advise and support undergraduate students and work with faculty and administration within both units.

This position will work collaboratively with the undergraduate team to engage in proactive and holistic advising, offered through an equity lens, to support and empower students to reach their goals and to make a difference in the MSU community and the world at large. Advising duties include but are not limited to assisting with meeting one on one with students, providing student success resources, course combination knowledge, academic planning, referrals to campus resources, and representing the college on various campus committees or events. The position will also be responsible for degree audits, producing materials about the major for use with current and prospective students, and other various administrative responsibilities, such as degree conferrals, course substitutions, and course overrides. Professional development is highly valued, and advisors are expected to participate in an effort to grow their skills and knowledge.

The goals of the College of Natural Science Undergraduate Academic and Student Affairs Office align with the broader institution and College goals to increase persistence, retention, and graduation rates, and decrease time to degree for all students while also closing opportunity gaps for underrepresented students by. The College seeks candidates who have a record of success or who are committed to academic advising and mentoring individuals from groups underrepresented in STEM.

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

Minimum Requirements

Required Qualifications:

1. Master’s Degree

2. A minimum of 1 year of academic advising experience, teaching, or college student affairs.

3. Evidence of successful collaborations around issues related to advising and student success.

4. Evidence of contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion in a higher education setting

5. Commitment to an approach that supports student growth and aligns with MSU and NatSci values.

Desired Qualifications

1. Evidence of and commitment to professional development 

2. Experience with Campus Solutions or other student information systems

3. An understanding of science curricula or experience working with STEM students

4. Evidence of organizational and administrative experiences in previous work

Required Application Materials

1. CV/Resume

2. Letter of Interest:

a. Must be at least 2 pages, but no more than 3 pages

b. Must include an Advising Philosophy Statement describing the applicant’s experience advising students, including experiences and/or plans to support marginalized and historically underrepresented students.

3. A list of three professional references

Special Instructions

Interested candidates should submit the required materials through careers.msu.edu, addressed to Gabby Wahla, College of Natural Science, 288 Farm Lane Road, East Lansing, MI 48824.

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.