About Berkeley

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.

As a world-leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice. Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic and social value.

We are looking for applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan.

At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups (staff organizations). Our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. Find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley.

Departmental Overview

The Student Services unit in the College of Computing, Data Science, and Society (CDSS) was established in 2024 following CDSS's July 2023 college status. CDSS hosts over 4,500 undergraduate students and oversees the two largest major programs on campus (Computer Science, Data Science), as well as Statistics. One in four Berkeley undergraduate students received a degree in these majors in 2024, and one in three of these majors held a second major in a discipline outside the college. CDSS has rapidly become the second-largest college on campus (roughly tied with the College of Engineering).

CDSS Student Services Mission: CDSS Student Services (SS) aims to invest in all students holistically, with a commitment to their personal and professional success as students and future alums. CDSS SS actively and respectfully support students to: gain the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to succeed in today's datafied world; receive sound advice centered on their personal experiences, and take advantage of research opportunities and career services so they are ready to masterfully engage as informed leaders to tackle the world's most pressing problems.

CDSS offers outstanding undergraduate programs in Computer Science, Data Science, and Statistics. CDSS undergraduates study with faculty from a wide range of fields, where they gain the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to succeed in today's datafied world, interact with data ethically, and masterfully engage as informed leaders.

The CDSS Undergraduate Advising Office (UAO) provides academic advising to over 3,500 undergraduate students. The UAO guides academic programs, policies, and procedures in the College of CDSS. UAO enforces and adjudicates the academic regulations of the College to ensure the integrity of degrees and the continuing quality of the institution. UAO works collaboratively with academic and administrative departments across campus. To enhance the student experience, UAO works closely and collaboratively with CDSS major advisors.

There are six college advisor positions in the Advising Office. Three of these positions are Senior College Advisors, and three are College Advisors. These positions report directly to the Director of College Advising. The incumbent for the Senior College Advisor serves as an academic advising expert and consultant to College Advisers and to college and campus partners. The incumbent provides advanced-level academic advising on academic progress, degree requirements, major exploration, College policies, and CDSS UAO processes. This position provides undergraduate students with guidance on CDSS majors, enrichment opportunities, student support and engagement, resources and tools, and college and University academic requirements.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: 2026-06-23 - Open until filled

Responsibilities

60% ACADEMIC ADVISING:

Apply professional student development and academic advising theories, knowledge, and experience to support undergraduates in identifying, defining, and obtaining their educational goals.
Advise students on the wide range of course possibilities and/or ways to complete complicated degree requirements.
Empower students through holistic and collaborative advising to achieve their own definition of academic and personal success.
Engage and build relationships with students to maximize their experience at Berkeley. Explain registration and enrollment procedures and assist students in taking full advantage of a wide range of academic and nonacademic enrichment opportunities, such as study abroad, internships, undergraduate research opportunities, scholarships, and extracurricular activities. Advise on special eligibility requirements such as Honors programs, fellowships, and scholarships.
Based on extensive knowledge of College policies, advise students on rules, regulations, and requirements as well as provide assistance on all aspects of a student's academic experience. Help students make connections with academic and non-academic departments, and make referrals to appropriate resources.
Maintain thorough knowledge of College policies, rules, and regulations. Create and implement workshops for students, such as information about the organization, academic strategies, and enrichment programs. Present information effectively in individual and group situations using electronic, written, and oral formats.
Review applications from continuing students wishing to add or change a CDSS college major.
Review and process student petitions and forms, including academic plan updates and degree program modifications, ensuring accuracy and policy compliance.
Review requests for exceptions, substitutions, and changes to college requirements.
Assess, monitor, and verify students' academic progress to ensure timely declaration of major, adherence to semester limits, advancement to degree, and degree completion.

20% PROJECTS:

Serve on committees representing CDSS Advising as assigned; participate in short-term and long-term planning.
Support senior advisors on special projects, including communications, peer advising, and/or yield/outreach.

10% Admissions and Recruitment:

Utilizing in-depth knowledge of College admissions criteria, reads and ranks junior transfer applications; organizes scoring data for review by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
Determines the transferability of technical coursework with departments to allow subject credit.
Advises prospective students, parents, and high school and community college counselors regarding College degrees, programs, and policies.
Represents the College at recruitment and yield events, including at Power in Community Day, Bridges Senior Weekend, Cal Day, Golden Bear Welcome, and transfer admit yield receptions.

5% Professional Development and Growth:

Engages in opportunities for training, workshops, conferences, and seminars that are relevant to this position.

5% Other job duties as assigned and relevant to the position.

Required Qualifications

Demonstrated ability to make consistent and sound recommendations and deliver clear judgment in the application of policies affecting students.
Organization and planning skills with the ability to prioritize workload and issues, and to function effectively under time constraints and rapidly changing priorities.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and students, foster a team environment, and be adaptable to change in a diverse, inclusive campus climate.
Strong knowledge of advising and counseling techniques and student development theory.
Knowledge of common University-specific computer application programs and knowledge of University and departmental requirements, policies, and procedures.
Ability to conceptualize, design, and implement undergraduate enrichment programs, which involve multiple tasks, priorities, and deadlines.
Skilled in problem identification, reasoning, and the ability to develop original ideas to solve problems.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including demonstrated effectiveness in active listening and interpersonal communication skills.
Demonstrated discretion and sensitivity in dealing with urgent and/or confidential situations.
Ability to identify and effectively address the needs of students with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in the workplace and student body.
Bachelor's degree in a related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
FERPA