"Academic Advisor for Transfer and Returning Students"

General Statement of Duties:

With a strong commitment to student success, retention, and timely graduation, the Transfer and Returning Student Advisor will assist the director of academic advising in all aspects of advising and provides comprehensive, student-centered academic advising and holistic support for a diverse population of transfer and returning undergraduate students across all academic disciplines. This position develops and implements targeted programs and services that promote the successful transition, integration, and persistence of students, including part-time, post-traditional, online, and evening learners.

The advisor collaborates closely with other administrators, departmental faculty, program area chairs, and campus partners to deliver proactive, individualized academic advising to an assigned caseload of students. Key responsibilities include supporting students in academic planning, onboarding and transition, curriculum selection, and course sequencing in accordance with university and departmental policies. Additionally, the advisor designs and leads orientation and transition programs for transfer and returning undergraduate students, contributes to institutional retention efforts using data-informed practices, collaborates with the College of Graduate and Continuing Education by providing advising for CE students, and serves as a resource for advising-related initiatives across campus.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide holistic support to students in achieving their educational goals through academic advising, transition assistance, and guidance on university policies, academic programs, and institutional resources.
• Develop academic plans for a diverse student population, including both individual advisees and student groups; monitor academic progress and provide guidance through key academic processes to support student success and retention.
• Assist students with registration, add/drop, withdrawals, and changes of curriculum. Review academic records for proper course recommendations.
• Design, coordinate, and deliver advising materials, programs, workshops, and events that promote student engagement, success, and retention.
• Stay current with university policies and procedures related to admissions, enrollment, and degree completion.
• Provide academic planning support to walk-in students during peak advising and enrollment periods throughout the year.
• Advocate for students by identifying barriers to success and making appropriate referrals to campus resources, ensuring continued support through resolution.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with faculty, staff, and key campus stakeholders.
• Communicate with faculty and Academic Deans across disciplines regarding student needs and concerns.
• Assist in recruiting, hiring, training, and supervising student employees and graduate assistants.
• Represent the advising office on university-wide committees and at institutional meetings.
• Serve as a club advisor for a transfer student national honor society that recognizes and celebrates undergraduate students.
• Attend and present at professional development events, including conferences and workshops at the local, regional, and national levels.
• Maintain proficiency in university technology systems including Banner, Degree Works, Starfish (Westfield 360), Argos/Managed Reporting, and Zoom.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and a minimum of two (2) years of professional experience in higher education (e.g., advising, admissions, financial aid, career services, programs serving first-generation college students, or other offices within higher education).
• Understanding of academic and financial aid procedures within higher education.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, demonstrating strong organizational skills, initiative, and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage several complex tasks under tight deadlines.
• Commitment to excellent customer service and student-centered practices.
• Knowledge of FERPA and ability to handle sensitive student information confidentially.
• Experience creating and delivering presentations, workshops, and training sessions.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and advising skills.
• Proficiency in data management and reporting systems; ability to interpret and report on student outcomes.
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekend.

Preferred:

• Master's degree in Higher Education, Counseling, Social Work, Student Affairs, or a related field from an accredited institution (or currently enrolled in a master's program).
• Experience in student-facing roles such as academic advising, counseling, mentoring, tutoring, or similar support services.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.
• Familiarity with university systems such as Banner, Degree Works, Starfish, or other platforms.
• Prior supervisory or leadership experience.

Additional Information:

Salaries for current Westfield State University employees and individuals currently working for the state of Massachusetts must be calculated individually in accordance with collective bargaining agreements as well as state policies. State job specifications may be found on the Department of Higher Education's webpage.

Employee Benefits: Benefits are an important component of an employee's total compensation package. Health Insurance: Westfield State offers a variety of HMO, POS, and PPO-type health insurance plans for eligible employees. Coverage is effective on the 1st of the month following the date of hire. Exceptions to employees hired on the 1st of the month, coverage is effective immediately. Retirement: the MA State Employee Retirement System provides eligible employees with a retirement pension following a 10-year vesting period. In lieu of the retirement pension, eligible employees may select the Optional Retirement Plan with a maximum 5% employer matching contribution. Tuition Waivers & Discounts: eligible employees, including spouses and dependent children, receive reduced tuition at MA state colleges, community colleges, and universities. Paid Time Off: employees receive 12 paid holidays and generous vacation, personal, and sick leave benefits. Additional information regarding employee benefits is available on the University's Benefits & Wellness webpage.

Disability Accommodations: Westfield State University is committed to the full inclusion of individuals with disabilities and will ensure the availability of reasonable accommodations. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact Human Resources at (413) 572-8809.

Background Check: Employment is contingent upon the successful completion and review of a background check. A criminal record will not automatically disqualify an applicant from consideration.