"ACADEMIC ADVISOR, Pardee School of Global Studies"

Job Description

Boston University (BU) is an international, comprehensive, private research university, committed to educating students to be reflective, resourceful individuals ready to live, adapt, and lead in an interconnected world. In our undergraduate Schools and Colleges, students gain depth of knowledge in their chosen major. Through the BU Hub, our university-wide general education curriculum, students follow their interests as they gain breadth of knowledge and essential skills. Inside and outside the classroom, our students engage in a vast array of activities such as cutting-edge research, artistic production, innovation and entrepreneurship, experiential learning, and global exploration. Boston University is launching a significant expansion of undergraduate advising by increasing the number of professional academic advisors, each of whom will work with a caseload of approximately 200 students in one of our undergraduate schools or colleges. Our advisors engage in holistic academic advising that supports exploration and helps students realize academic, career and life goals. Our university community welcomes differences, encourages open-minded exploration, and upholds freedom of expression. We seek candidates who support our commitment to ensuring BU is an inclusive, equitable, and diverse place where everyone can thrive.

Responsibilities

The Academic Advisor is a member of the Pardee School Student Services team and reports to the Director of Student Affairs and Services and works closely with the Associate Dean for Studies. The Academic Advisor will provide holistic academic advising, share information about degree requirements, support student services at the Pardee School, and contribute to student success efforts. The Academic Advisor will be responsible for assisting students with course selection, monitoring student performance, connecting them with appropriate academic support or enrichment opportunities, and maintaining advising records in accordance with University and legal regulations. The Academic Advisor will also provide guidance on academic policies and procedures and connect students with relevant campus resources.

Holistic Academic Advising: Each academic advisor works with a caseload of approximately 200 undergraduate students in the Pardee School, which currently includes majors in International Relations, Asian Studies, European Studies, Latin American Studies, and Middle East & North African Studies. Advisors help their advisees craft educational plans based on their aspirations, interests, and values. To support students in achieving their goals, advisors encourage academic exploration and engagement in experiential learning opportunities such as internships, research, and study abroad. Advisors regularly provide guidance on degree requirements and help students understand the purpose of those requirements. Advisors also explain University and School/College academic policies and procedures. Advisors perform outreach and track student engagement to assure that students utilize academic advising and other relevant resources on campus. As part of their role, academic advisors will need to develop expertise using MyBU, the University’s Student Information System.

Student Services: Academic advisors are involved in various student services activities. At the Pardee School, advisors may assist with incoming student orientation, support student groups or organizations, plan community events, visit with prospective students (and their families), or staff commencement activities. Advisors may also lead first-year success seminars that introduce students to campus resources, build community, and promote habits of success.

University and School/College Service: Academic advisors may serve the larger community through various University and School/College committees. They may participate in advisor hiring, provide support to the advising community, or engage in other service activities. Advisors will engage in regular professional development and extended training opportunities.

Other Duties: Other Duties related to student success, as assigned.

Required Skills

• Basic Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent and 1-2 years relevant experience.
• Additional Qualifications: Excellent interpersonal skills and strong written and oral communication abilities. Good judgement and the ability to handle confidential materials with discretion. A collaborative work approach and the ability to work well with students, faculty, and staff with diverse identities and from a range of backgrounds. Highly organized and attentive to detail. International experience and/or academic background in international relations (or similar subjects) is helpful but not required. Ability to use systems such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Zoom in the work environment and willingness to learn new software systems. Cover letter and resume required.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.