Specialist - Advisor-Continuing

Position Summary

This twelve-month Academic Specialist-Advisor position in the continuing system within the College of Natural Science Undergraduate Academic and Student Affairs (UASA) Office. The selected person will serve as an academic advisor for the Integrated Science Secondary Education (ISSE) major, a Student Success Advisor and report to the Assistant Director of Student Success. The advisor will be a part of the Student Success Team and work in collaboration with advising colleagues in the College of Natural Science and at Michigan State University to support student success.

The Student Success Team supports students on academic probation, students not making satisfactory academic progress towards their major and any student within the college that needs support with their academic success. They provide individual advising related to student success, provide accurate and timely information about academic status and track student progress through the Student Information System.

The goals of the College of Natural Science Undergraduate Academic and Student Affairs Office align with the broader institution and College goals of closing opportunity gaps for underrepresented students by increasing persistence, retention, and graduation rates, and decreasing time to degree. The College welcomes candidates who have a record of student success advising or mentoring individuals from underrepresented groups.

The work modality of this position is a combination of in-person and remote days.  

Primary Responsibilities:

• Advise Integrated Science Secondary Education (ISSE) undergraduate students at various stages of their academic careers, help on a range of topics including enrollment, course planning, co-curricular engagement, career exploration, and interpretation of academic policies.
• Collaborate with advisors in the College of Education to ensure that students are on track to apply for the Teacher Preparation Program, meet the teaching requirement and obtain certification.
• Plan and implement programming tailored to the needs of ISSE students.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation of student interaction.
• Advise students (juniors and seniors) on academic probation.
• Serve on committees representing the interests of students in the ISSE major.

• Engage with student success initiatives via unit, department, and college/university collaborations.
• Participate in College and University events, including but not limited to Alumni Distinguished Scholars, Colloquium, Commencement and Admitted Students Day.
• Communicate effectively with various audiences using email, social media, video conferencing software, presentations for small groups, and individual sessions as appropriate.
• Continuously develop knowledge of best practices, policies and procedures, and technological tools related to academic advising.

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 -Education/Higher Education, Student Affairs, Counseling, the sciences, or other relevant field.

Minimum Requirements

1. Master’s degree in education/higher education, student affairs, counseling, the sciences, or other relevant field.
2. Evidence of strong communication and interpersonal skills.
3. Commitment to or experience with advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
4. Demonstrated ability and willingness to work both autonomously and as a key member of a collaborative team.
5. Commitment to professional development.
6. Ability to adapt to change and critically think through complex situations.
7. Willingness to use new and existing technologies to manage data and communicate with students, including working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite. 
8. Commitment to an approach that supports student growth and aligns with MSU and NatSci values

Desired Qualifications

1. Experience working with college or high school students
2. Prior experience advising for STEM majors or student success advising
3. Experience working with student information systems
4. Experience developing programming with students to cultivate student success skills

Required Application Materials

1. Resume/CV
2. One-page cover letter describing your interest in the position, highlighting your experience working in collaborative groups and ways in which your educational background has prepared you for it.
3. An advising statement (1-2 pages) describing your philosophy on advising students and student success including experience or plans to advance diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.
4. Names and contact information for three references who will be contacted if invited for a final interview.

Interested candidates should submit the required materials through careers.msu.edu.

Review of applications begins November 15, 2024.  Questions regarding the position may be directed to Kanchan Pavangadkar, Assistant Director of Student Success, kanchan@msu.edu

Review of Applications Begins On

11/15/2024

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.