Academic Advisor, Undergraduate

Department: College of Humanities and Social Science

Classification: Education Support Spec 3

Job Category: Classified Staff

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible

Pay Band: 04

Salary: Mid 50's to low 60's depending upon experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

About the Department:

The Department of Criminology, Law and Society (CLS) is a top-ranked, award-winning, multidisciplinary unit that offers degrees at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels.  We serve around 1,300 undergraduate majors, and the program has concentrations in law and society, criminal justice, and homeland security.  The department embraces a wide range of methodological approaches and scholarship that contribute to a fairer, more socially just, and effective criminal legal system.  More information about the department, its award-winning faculty, and its research centers and labs is available at https://cls.gmu.edu/.

About the Position:

The Academic Advisor provides a full range of academic advising services to support and enhance students' undergraduate experiences, including, but not limited to, monitoring degree progress of majors and minors, providing information related to students' academic and career goals, making appropriate resource referrals, and representing the department at recruitment events. This position requires some evening and weekend hours.

Responsibilities:

Academic Advising:

• Provide academic advice, guidance, and support to prospective and current undergraduate CLS students (including majors and minors) from admission to graduation in support of the students' academic and career goals;
• Support and engage students in the process of developing clear and attainable educational goals;
• Effectively interpret, implement, and communicate Mason degree requirements, deadlines, policies and procedures;
• Work closely with the Registrar's Office to ensure accuracy of degree audits;
• Approve and process academic forms related to student records and requests;
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA);
• Utilize student information systems to maintain student records that reflect current academic standing with regard to undergraduate program requirements; and
• Learn new advising technologies as required by the college and university.

Student Outreach:

• Conduct proactive outreach initiatives to various student populations to support and encourage student success;
• Review and assess graduation applications on a semester basis; and
• Contact students of concern referred by professors to address academic and/or attendance issues. 

Admissions/Recruitment:

• Facilitate new student orientation sessions for freshmen and transfer students;
• Represent and promote the CLS department at admissions fairs and advising events; and
• Meet with prospective students, as requested, to discuss CLS programs and opportunities.

Program and Administrative Support:

• Communicate student needs, concerns, and requests to Undergraduate Director/Coordinator and Chair;
• Collaborate with department faculty and university offices across campus to support student and academic success (i.e., Global Education, Career Services, CAPS); and
• Provide administrative support to the Undergraduate Program Coordinator as needed.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Experience in academic advising, career counseling, or providing student support in a higher education environment;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills;
• Demonstrated interpersonal and presentation skills;
• Detail-oriented, organized, and ability to multitask;
• Ability to work independently, and as a member of a team; and
• Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Office suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in related field;
• Mason Advisor Certificate (MAC) or NACADA membership; and
• Demonstrated experience in academic advising, career counseling, or providing student support within a higher education environment (typically obtained in one year).

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for the Academic Advisor, Undergraduate at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a cover letter and resume.

Posting Open Date:  February 26, 2024

For Full Consideration, Apply by:  March 18, 2024

Open Until Filled?:  Yes