Academic Advising Specialist

The Academic Advising Specialist provides comprehensive academic advising, student success coaching, and retention support at the University of Minnesota Morris. Working within UMN Morris' faculty-led advising model, this position serves as an advising resource for the campus, partnering with faculty advisors and the Lead Faculty Advisor to strengthen student persistence, coordinating the academic recovery program, and helping students with timely degree completion. The advising specialist collaborates closely with the Office of the Registrar on degree progress monitoring and graduation planning while providing essential support to faculty advisors through training, resource development, and consultation.

Essential Job Duties:

Direct Student Advising (40%)

• Provide holistic academic advising across campus with flexible assignment based on institutional needs, serving as primary advisor for Academic Recovery students, Degree-in-Three participants, recently readmitted students, and those with academic standing concerns
• Offer drop-in advising for students, especially during critical periods (registration, withdrawal, etc.)
• Assist with complex advising cases requiring professional expertise
• Guide students in course selection, degree planning, major exploration, and academic policy navigation
• Document interactions and maintain accurate records in university systems
• Participate in retention initiatives, orientation, and relevant events (GradFest, registration, etc.)
• Engage in professional development

Faculty Advising Support & Development (25%)

• Collaborate with the Lead Faculty Advisor to design and facilitate training on advising best practices, policies, assessment, and student success strategies
• Develop and maintain advising resources including policy guides, sample plans, degree templates, and checklists
• Serve as consultant for faculty navigating complex advising situations
• Communicate policy updates to faculty advisors and partner with division chairs to identify challenges and develop solutions

Academic Recovery & Proactive Intervention (20%)

• Coordinate UMM's Academic Recovery program for students on academic warning, probation, or returning from suspension
• Collaborate with the Scholastic Committee on enrollment plans for students returning from academic warning and participate in appeal reviews
• Develop individualized success plans connecting students with appropriate campus resources
• Monitor early alert systems and conduct proactive outreach to at-risk students, particularly in gateway courses
• Contact students who fail to register to identify and address persistence barriers

Graduation & Degree Progress Operations (15%)

• Help conduct degree progress reviews
• Identify and resolve degree completion barriers including incomplete requirements, transfer credit issues, and prerequisite gaps
• Process graduation petitions, course substitutions, and requirement waivers
• Conduct graduation checks and maintain documentation in student records systems

Other duties as assigned or approved

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS degree plus at least four years of relevant experience, or master's degree plus at least two years of relevant experience
• Ability to interpret academic policies, degree requirements, and student records systems
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with diverse student populations
• Experience using data systems to inform advising and identify at-risk students
• Collaborative skills to build partnerships with faculty and staff
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in higher education, student development, counseling, or related field
• Experience in higher education academic advising, especially in a faculty-led advising model
• Track record in academic recovery or retention initiatives supporting students facing persistence barriers
• Experience using data analytics for proactive interventions
• Professional involvement with NACADA: The Global Community for Academic Advising or similar professional organizations

Pay Range: $52,400 - $54,500; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University 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 Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy 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) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

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.

Required application materials: resume and cover letter.

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 employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

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, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

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.

The University of Minnesota Morris (UMN Morris)

The University of Minnesota Morris (UMN Morris) makes its home on a 121-year-old campus on the western edge of the state and is one of the top public liberal arts colleges in the nation. The small, close-knit campus emphasizes faculty/student collaboration in research, study abroad, and community engaged learning. Deeply rooted in the tall grass prairies of Minnesota, the campus also has advanced sustainable, environmentally friendly initiatives that have grown to levels of national leadership and touch nearly all aspects of campus life.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.