Director of Academic Advising - College of Design | North Saint Paul, MN

Detailed Information

  • Location: Saint Paul, MN

  • Company: University Of Minnesota

Services.

This position provides strategic planning and management for the College's academic advising program that serves approximately 1,600 undergraduate students. This working manager is responsible for staff management, advising, programming, implementation, evaluation of services, and the evolution of academic advising for the College while providing holistic and culturally fluent advising, coaching, and advocacy.

This director also provides expertise and guidance on curriculum updates, policies, and procedures, makes interpretations of complex policies and procedures, and manages non-routine issues. Expected Salary Range: $80,000 - $88,000 annually Areas of Responsibility

Lead Academic Advising Services (50%): Develop strategies and resources to support timely graduation for College of Design undergraduate students. Recruit, hire, and train academic advisors; evaluate advisors via ongoing and annual performance reviews; coach advisors on continuously improving their advising skills; take appropriate action related to individual and team performance.

Mentor and coach CDes academic advisors on dealing with students and parents; provide expertise, guidance, and coaching to CDes and University faculty and staff to resolve student issues; serve as consultant on complex cases and collegiate and university policies. Ensure the academic advising team stays current

with university standards, policy, practice, and theory in student development and academic advising through professional development opportunities.

Manages overall student caseload of all academic advising staff including making initial advisor assignments and coordinating changes in advisor assignments. Provide consultation to academic program directors on collegiate majors and minors, including academic advising, administrative processes, and promotion (including website resources, 4-year plans, etc. ). Leverage university systems such as APLUS, APAS, and Peoplesoft to increase effectiveness and ensure compliance with collegiate and university policy and practice.

Ensure quality joint academic advising for students in selected populations through close coordination with the University Honors Program, International Student and Scholar Service, and the Learning Abroad Center. Represent the academic advising team on the Student Services Leadership team. Ensure compliance (supported by administrative professionals) with university student records and support systems, including academic advisor assignments and registration holds. Propose and manage advising team budget; provide consultation to Assistant Dean regarding unit budget planning. Academic Advising and Planning (20%): Utilize holistic advising models to guide, challenge, and support students in becoming self-reliant and in learning to make important reflective decisions about academic, personal, and career aspirations.

Influence student retention and degree progress through relationship development and establishment of trust through numerous and varying contact strategies across the academic lifespan; including orientation, one-on-one appointments, workshops and programming, drop-in advising, and email. Employ analytical reviews of student progress reports at key academic markers (e.

g. probation, degree application, major declaration), to determine appropriate next steps for student success. Apply extensive knowledge of curricular options, requirements, and engagement opportunities to showcase viable degree programs that match student interests and goals. Advise students in crisis and those with extenuating circumstances; refer students to relevant campus/community resources; intervene as appropriate regarding academic progress issues, including withdrawal from courses; advocate for students as appropriate. Utilize university technologies and systems to maintain accurate information about students.

Program Development, Management, and Leadership (20%): Work with the Assistant Dean and the Student Services Leads to evaluate current unit practices and visualize new ideas about future student needs, services, partnerships, strategies, and other business models. In consultation with the Assistant Dean, develop, implement, lead, and evaluate programming strategies for undergraduate student retention for freshmen and transfer students, including new student orientation; first-year programming initiatives, second-year initiatives, registration, etc. Mentor and coach CDes academic advisors on dealing with students and parents; provide expertise, guidance, and coaching to CDes and university faculty and staff to resolve student issues; serve as consultant on complex cases and collegiate and University policies.

Interpret and implement university academic probation/suspension review policies and processes, including readmission from suspension and cases before the Student Scholastic Standing Committee; monitor academic progress of students who have returned from suspension. Oversee collegiate scholarship business processes, including promotion of scholarship opportunities, recipient selection, annual distribution and tracking, and troubleshooting; liaise with collegiate units and University offices regarding stewardship of funds, best practices, and university policy; propose annual spending of scholarship funds to Assistant Dean.

Create and deliver training for staff and faculty on relevant and current topics related to academic advising and student success. Strategize and oversee initiatives for communication with current undergraduate students, including via CDes e-mail, university My U portal, and social media. Service and Engagement to the Unit, College, and University (10%): Serve as the College of Design's representative on the university's Behavioral Consultation Team (BCT).

Serve on College of Design and university-wide committees as requested and assigned. Participate in college recruitment, outreach, and commencement events. Qualifications Required Bachelor's Degree and at least eight years of related experience OR a master's degree and six years of related experience. A demonstrated record of systematic growth and accomplishment. Supervisory experience, and supervision of students may be included, with a proven track record of ability to lead and develop staff.

Demonstrated leadership ability, attention to detail, and effective communication. Demonstrated excellent interpersonal skills, particularly the ability to lead teams and work effectively and collaboratively with multiple groups and diverse constituencies. Proven ability to be decisive and resourceful, with the organizational sensitivity to gain the support and trust of faculty, staff, and students. Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment. Preferred Master's Degree Five years of supervisory experience.

Demonstrated ability to listen effectively and strategically, translating and prioritizing strategic goals and initiatives into action. Evidence of the ability to identify emerging trends and associated student/collegiate needs and create appropriate responses/interventions. Ability to understand and work effectively within a complex, dynamic environment. Excellent listening skills, empathy, and the ability to respond well to people from diverse communities. Proven effectiveness at gaining consensus and resolving conflict among diverse interest groups. Ability to act as interface, mediator, interpreter, and initiator of policies relevant to academic performance and healthy student culture.

Previous management experience in a student services unit within higher education. Familiarity with design disciplines. About the Department The College of Design Student Services unit is co-located in Mc Neal Hall on the Saint Paul campus and Rapson Hall on the Minneapolis campus. The offices are located near where students have their major program classes and faculty have their offices. Student Services staff work closely with students and faculty to support the undergraduate experience with a focus on retention and graduation.

We are committed to supporting all our students from admission to the college to the final stage of graduation and becoming alumni and members of the professional community. Benefits Working at the University At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work. The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes: Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Low-cost medical, dental, and shop plans Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts University HSA contributions Disability and employer-paid life insurance Employee wellbeing program Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Financial counseling services Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area Please visit the for more information regarding benefits.

How To Apply Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume. Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your " My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the " My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).

Diversity The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds. The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, interactionual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

To learn more about diversity at the U: Employment Requirements Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment. About the U of M The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research.

Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations. At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).

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