Academic Advisor, Career Support Coordinator (Hybrid)

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The full salary range for this position is $53,500- $92,100. The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $60,000- $69,500.

Initial applicant review will begin on or around December 5th, 2024. Posting will remain open until filled.

This position will be hybrid.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and the first American research university built in the 21st century. With more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced offers an environment that combines a commitment to diversity, inclusion, collaboration and professional development. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships, and community involvement, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide educational opportunities for highly qualified students from the San Joaquin Valley and throughout California. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and supports the economic development of Merced and the region.

The Merced 2020 Project, a $1.3 billion public-private partnership unprecedented in higher education and completed in 2020, nearly doubled the physical capacity of the campus, enhancing academic distinction, student success and research excellence. UC Merced also operates the Downtown Campus Center, a $33 million, three-story administrative building located in the heart of Merced.

The university's mission of educational excellence and rigorous inquiry is powered by three schools and numerous research institutes and centers that seek scientific and social solutions for the Valley, California and the world. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced is preparing the way for a rigorous medical education program.

The course of UC Merced's evolution is piloted by a long-range strategic plan. Enacted in 2021, the 10-year blueprint is guiding how the values of equity and justice influence our pathway to earning Carnegie R1 research status, growing enrollment, upholding our identity as a minority-serving institution, and operationalizing how commitments to equity, diversity and inclusion are enacted in each campus unit.

Under the direction of the Director of Student Services, and in conjunction with other Academic Advisors within the School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts (SSHA), the Academic Advisor, Career Support Coordinator, provides academic advising for prospective and current students in the School's programs. Works closely with SSHA faculty in the planning, development, and implementation of a coordinated and comprehensive academic advising program for students within the Anthropology and Sociology majors/minors, and Community Research and Service minor, Geospatial Technology minor. Interprets and explains University and School policies and procedures relevant to undergraduate programs. Provides a welcoming atmosphere for students in the School and directs them to appropriate University resources. Advises and counsels individuals with unique and/or confidential problems and arranges specialized help for students as needed through other support services within the University.

Applies skills as a seasoned, experienced academic advisor. Provides advice to students on the full range of requirements for the School with a wide variety of course requirements. Develops advising materials and tools for use by students and other academic advising units. Recommends solutions to progression and requirement issues. Advice may include not-clearly-defined programs such as independent study programs, interdisciplinary programs, or multiple programs.

Responsible for career support programming across all SSHA departments and serves as primary contact between SSHA Leadership, SSHA Undergraduate Programs & Departments, Student Career Center, and Alumni Relations for collaborative cross-unit career-focused initiatives and outreach. Coordinates alumni career panels, career-focused events, and career-focused programming with campus partners. Collaborates with Student Career Center and SSHA faculty to develop and distribute career development opportunities to current SSHA undergraduate students. Creates and circulates advertisements of career development opportunities for all SSHA undergraduates.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides advice and assistance to students on all aspects of their academic experience, including progression and requirement matters for the Anthropology and Sociology majors/minors, Community Research and Service minor, Geospatial Technology minor, and School/campus-wide General Education. Identifies students with GPA or progress problems, advises students and recommends appropriate courses of action by the major or School (e.g., academic probation, dismissal, Normal Progress Policy). Determines barriers, distractions, and complications affecting a student's academic success, helps students recognize these key non-academic issues, and makes appropriate referrals for additional therapeutic counseling and/or assistance from other units. Determines transferability and applicability of non-UC courses and/or courses of the organization within or outside of the department that may affect ongoing requirements.
• Serves as a primary contact between SSHA and Alumni Relations and the Student Career Center for cross-unit programming and promotion. Represents SSHA at cross-functional meetings. Coordinates alumni career panels with campus constituents and other career-focused events. Partners with the Student Career Center and SSHA faculty to distribute career development opportunities to current students. Oversees career development opportunities, such as workshops and guest speakers.
• Produces and distributes communications promoting career development opportunities for all SSHA undergraduate students.
• Team Contribution: This position requires interaction with several departments and committees throughout the University. It will include collaboration and strong communication with colleagues to accomplish the overall vision and goals of the Mission for the School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts (SSHA).
• Confirms that students have met requirements for degree completion including when there are no clear precedents or articulations, such as interdisciplinary programs or when transfer work is involved. Advises students on a wide range of course possibilities and / or ways to complete degree requirements that may not be clearly defined. Evaluates and advises students in petitions for exceptions to major and/or School policy or requirements.
• Advises new and continuing instructors on student academic advising issues. Provides faculty referrals to the appropriate office, including Office of Student Conduct and the Dean of Students Office. Advises new and continuing instructors on major, School and university policies and procedures. Assists faculty on determining course scheduling needs for student progression to graduation. Participates in planning academic curriculum in collaboration with chair and faculty, and with other departments, to ensure students' progress through course sequences, avoid conflicts, and ensure compliance with organization-wide policies.
• Other duties as assigned. Includes responding to other unanticipated advising support questions, inquiries and needs.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in related area or equivalent experience/training. (Required)
• Advanced degree from an accredited university in education, counseling, or student affairs, preferred. (Preferred)
• Three years of directly related, progressively responsible experience in a student services job function, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. A master's degree as indicated above may substitute for one year of required experience. (Required)

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Thorough knowledge of advising and counseling techniques. Knowledge of multiple majors, colleges, and school.
• Thorough knowledge of college/school policies, procedures, and requirements.
• Skills in judgment and decision-making, problem solving.
• Abilities in problem identification, reasoning, ability to develop original ideas to solve problems.
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced work environment and adjusting priorities as needed.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including active listening.
• Demonstrated ability in using Microsoft Office software for business processes.
• Knowledge of and experience with student information systems, such as Banner, MyDegreePath (u.achieve) or similar.

Background check will be required.

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California, Merced is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, pregnancy, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran, or other protected categories covered by the UC Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Policy. UC Merced intentionally promotes and maintains a discrimination- and harassment-free workplace by demonstrating it neither condones nor tolerates employment practices that discriminate against or harass any person or specific group of persons on the basis listed above. We seek candidates who will support our vision to cultivate a vibrant, equity-minded, inclusive excellence university community. When applying to UC Merced, we strongly encourage you to reflect on our Principles of Community and our 2021 strategic plan.

Vaccination Program Policy:

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline. For new University of California employees, the applicable deadline is 14 days after their first date of employment.

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/

This position is eligible for the UC Merced Employee Referral Program (ERP). If you were referred by a UC Merced employee, please identify that employee by name in your application as follows:

Step 5 of 7 (on the application) Referrals

How did you hear about the job? (select) "other"

Additional information? (select) "other"

Specific Referral Source? (write in) first and last name of referring employee

Referring employee MUST be named on application for eligibility.