Human Resources Employment Opportunities

General Summary:  

The overall goal of the College of Science and Mathematics (CSM) Student Success Center (SSC) is to enhance advising in the academic home of CSM students, to increase the number of places that a student can find guidance and support, and to do so in a network of partnerships, so as to improve student retention and reduce time to graduation. The mission of the Student Success Advisor includes supporting CSM faculty in implementing major-specific advising procedures and policies, effectively communicating said procedures and policies to the CSM student body and supporting CSM students in attaining their educational and career goals. Thus, the specifics of Student Success Advisor interactions with faculty and students can be expected to vary in a way that reflects differing advising practices across CSM departments. 

The Student Success Advisor will be responsible for continuing a proactive, developmental advising culture in order to provide to student’s guidance based on theories and knowledge of teaching, learning and human development, reflective of developmental and demographic profiles of the student population, and responsive to the needs of individuals, special populations, and communities. 

Examples of Duties:  

• Provide individual (on both walk-in and appointment basis) and group advising for students served by the Student Success Center on a wide range of academic issues, including degree requirements and the general education curriculum of the university. 
• Participate in New Student Orientation program to present Advising and Registration sessions for CSM, as well as Open House and Welcome Day sessions; assist students with making a smooth transition to campus. 
• Explain and interpret transfer credit policies and evaluations; assist students with the inter-college transfer process. 
• Use WISER, the degree progress report, and other technological tools to advise students. 
• Serve as designated academic advisor for sections of Science Gateway Seminar. 
• Manage and develop as well as assist others in one or more programs and/or projects related to student success and retention such as:
  -Freshman Success Communities – communication of block scheduling and advising of students selected to participate.
  -Supplemental Instruction – working with faculty and student leaders to offer additional help for traditional gateway courses.
  
  -Student Referral Program – working with faculty to identify at-risk students and intervene with advising and other support services. 

• Academic Probation Program – intrusive advising program for students who have been placed on academic probation by the university. 
• Assist with communications to students – distribution of news and information through e-mail and by using technology as a communication tool in advising. 
• Academic Enhancement Services – location and communication of undergraduate research or internship opportunities for CSM students. 
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications:  

Bachelor’s degree and at least 2-3 years in a higher education setting or similar setting involving teaching, counseling and/or academic advising required; master’s degree in counseling, Higher Education or Human Development or a related field preferred. Some evenings and occasional weekends may be required. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Knowledge of current student development theory and research. 
•  Understanding of professional development needs of science and mathematics students. 
• Proven ability to work with diverse populations. 
• Ability to utilize technology to promote access, efficiency and effectiveness of programs and services offered by the Student Success Center. 
• Ability to use and understand student success data in advising. 
• Demonstrated organizational ability and attention to detail. 
• Excellent oral, written and interpersonal skills. 
• Strong commitment to customer service. 

Application Instructions:  

Please apply online with your resume, cover letter and list of three professional references. 

Review of candidates will begin following the application closing date.  

Only Internal candidates in the Professional Staff Bargaining Unit will be considered during the first 10 business days of the posting.  All other candidates will be considered after that period.  

Salary Ranges for the appropriate Pay Grade can be found at the following link:  

Grade: 30              

Salary Ranges 

This is an exempt union position. 

All official salary offers must be approved by Human Resources. 

UMass Boston is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the ADA/504 Coordinator Andrea Haas  or 617-287-5148.