Academic Advisor - Environmental Studies Program

Position Description 

Under the general supervision of the Student Academic Services Manager, the Academic Advisor is both the initial source of academic advising for undergraduate students in the Environmental Studies Program and is responsible for providing specific types of academic advice, which include but are not limited to reviewing & approving petitions, degree completion analysis, major/minor requirements, educational resources, experiential opportunities such as internships and study abroad, and other student advising services. The Academic Advisor serves as liaison to the College of Letters & Science Academic Advising Office, other campus agencies, other colleges and universities, as well as students, faculty and the departmental curriculum committee. Assists the Student Academic Services Manager in implementing systems to track student data. Assists in managing multiple databases including current student and alumni information. Monitors academic progress of declared ES majors, interprets and applies UC systemwide and campus policies and develops procedures and practices for student advising. Maintains a supportive climate by identifying student related problems and refers students to campus resources. Coordinates publicity for the undergraduate program, courses and faculty research. Conducts informational sessions and helps manage social media accounts to provide advice to large student audiences. Serves as a department contact for current students and alumni. The position requires comprehensive and professional knowledge of College, campus and university policies, procedures, and resources; strong initiative; ability to multitask in a high paced environment; professional problem-solving ability; excellent verbal and written communication skills; sound judgment; and the capacity to organize and handle a wide range of responsibilities. Must possess ability to work at a high level of professionalism and work well with staff colleagues under pressure to meet deadlines and other needs of the faculty, students, and the Program as a whole.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in related area or equivalent experience / training.
• Skills in judgment and decision-making, problem solving.
• Ability to multi-task and attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Master's Degree - An advanced degree or certificate in counseling, academic advising, or higher education administration.
• 1-3 years of experience working with and/or guiding students as a peer advisor, mentor, coach, tutor, student leader, or counselor.
• Knowledge of advising and counseling techniques.

 
Special Conditions of Employment

Satisfactory conviction history background check.
UCSB is a Tobacco-Free environment.

Essential Job Duties, Percent Time:

Academic Advising 50% - Provides approximately 1,100+ ES majors and potential majors with academic advising regarding major requirements, academic planning, course requirements, academic problems, transfer work, and graduation. Is knowledgeable about departmental, college, and University degree requirements, procedures, policies, and can accurately interpret and explain them to students, parents, and faculty. Evaluates students' major progress and identifies students' academic challenges, suggesting appropriate courses of action and/or educational resources. Analyzes, provides guidance, and has authority to sign petitions on change of major, double major, and transfer of courses from other institutions, requirement substitutions and waivers, and independent studies and other forms as appropriate. Advises transfer students and EAP students on their transfer work and evaluates courses transferable from other institutions. Increases students' awareness of educational resources available to them, including but not limited to Campus Learning Assistance Program (CLAS), Disabled Students Program (DSP), Counseling and Career Services, College Honors Program, Education Abroad Program, Educational Opportunity Program, third-party study abroad programs, field study opportunities, and independent study courses with faculty members. Is knowledgeable and disseminates information about special student opportunities through URCA, UCDC, UC Sacramento, Transfer Student Center, ONDAS Center, internship programs, and scholarship opportunities. Provides career and graduate school information as needed. Assists in clarifying career and academic goals and develops appropriate education plans. Gives guidance regarding acquiring internships and letters of recommendations and clarifies the graduate school application process. In compliance with University, State, and federal regulations, enforces policies and procedures regarding access to student records. Works within the established policies and procedural guidelines relating to the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act in regards to student records. Exercises professional judgement, discretion, confidentiality, and sensitivity in all communication (electronic, verbal, written) regarding student academic performance and student matters.

Academic Administration 35% - The Academic Advisor is expected to be proficient with all campus student data systems (Gaucho Blue, AAA, Gaucho Space, etc.). Under the general supervision of the Student Academic Services Manager, the Academic Advisor serves as advisor of three distinct degree programs: the B.A. and B.S. in Environmental Studies, and the B.S. in Hydrologic Science. Ensures that all student academic records are accurate. Provides expert analysis of progress towards degree. Monitors, interprets and advises on students' progress toward degrees and graduation. In conjunction with the Program Chair, Business Officer/MSO, and the Student Academic Services Manager, assists in developing and preparing the Environmental Studies Program curriculum plan for each academic year. Provides input to the Curriculum Committee on matters relating to the ES curricular program. Anticipates, coordinates and resolves faculty teaching constraints, general classroom assignments, and teaching conflicts. Prepares and reviews all general catalog revisions to meet campus deadlines, processes new course approvals. Assists the Student Academic Services Manager in the administration of the ES Honors Program, the ES Internship Program, and ES Student Awards and Scholarships. Updates, prepares and distributes annual ES awards informational flyer, serves on Awards Committee and participates in awardees identification and notification processes. Researches, recommends, and implements programmatic changes. Serves on ES, College, and Campus Student Affairs Committees as necessary. Prepares and disseminates the weekly (electronic) ES newsletter for all undergraduate students. Is responsible for website updates on pages pertaining to advising and student services. Sends periodic electronic communications on behalf of ES Student Academic Services through a variety of department social media accounts. Assists with preparation of recruitment material. Other duties as assigned.

Outreach 15% - Works in conjunction with various Departments and Programs to conduct informational meetings about the Program and curriculum for students attending UC Santa Barbara and prospective students. Assists with Program orientation for new students each fall. Meets with new freshmen and transfer students and parents during summer orientation, UCSB open house, and throughout the year. Provides ES academic program and services information to students, the campus and the general public through regular and one-time events. Efforts include participating in community events such as Earth Day, career fairs, and UCSB outreach and recruiting efforts. Assists the Student Academic Services Manager in maintaining an up to date list-serv, social media accounts, as well as alumni and donor database.