Undergraduate Advisor

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

The International Institute (II) seeks to be a focal point for the interdisciplinary study of issues that transcend borders. We encourage students and faculty to broaden their horizons while they deepen their knowledge of particular cultures and political, economic, and social contexts. We administer four majors (International Studies; Middle Eastern and North African Studies; Latin American and Caribbean Studies; Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies) and four minors (International Studies, Modern Middle Eastern and North African Studies, Latin American and Caribbean Studies, and Islamic Studies).

We are seeking an academic advisor who will primarily support undergraduate students pursuing majors and minors housed within the International Institute. The team member will provide a full range of administrative support to staff and faculty, serve as an advisor, and help foster a community among our students through social and academically stimulating program opportunities. As a member of the II Academic Services team, the advisor may be asked to support our broader student population, including II graduate students and those pursuing funding programs supported by the II. To learn more about the International Institute's undergraduate academic programs, please visit https://ii.umich.edu/ii/students/majors-minors.html

Student Advising: 50%

• Counsel prospective students on declaring majors or minors
• Provide one-on-one advising with in-person and virtual appointments, phone calls, or emails
• Advise students on requirements of II majors and minors, course selection, and help students assess course options thought supportive and holistic advising practices
• Provide accurate information about policies and procedures
• Maintain accurate records of advising interactions using the LSA Advising file and other relevant university systems
• Process senior degree audits and graduation releases
• Serve as an informed resource for referrals to other campus partners and provide cohesive, tailored support, and a smooth transfer to other campus services
• Maintain accurate and up to date online advising calendar
• Develop relationships with students, advise students from point of orientation and declaration through graduation providing continuity throughout their time at U-M.
• Maintain a close, collaborative relationship with the II Area Studies Centers, the LSA General Advising Office, program liaisons, and academic auditors.
• Participate in cross-training and advise II graduate and/or fellowship student populations as opportunities arise.

Curricular Administration & Data: 25%

• Assist Academic Advising Lead with coordinating time schedule and course guide publication
• Review departmental course lists for majors and minors and maintain yearly updates of LSA Bulletin entries
• Assist Academic Services Manager, Academic Advising Lead, program directors, and other team members in projects such as: development of reports that relate to students, assessment of student plans of study, course enrollments, course planning, curricular updates, and course approvals
• Provide ad hoc data request and analysis on enrollment trends, declaration volumes, and enrollment and graduation projections
• Take lead in providing up-to-date and accurate information on advising issues
• Assist Academic Advising Lead with Course Approval Request Forms (CARFs) and Program Approval Request Forms (PARFs) for undergraduate courses and program/centers
• Work with LSA curriculum and enrollment management team to approve changes for II majors/minors and update relevant websites, documents, and policies.

Program Coordination and II Team Support: 25%

• Participate in regular undergraduate team, advising, or other meetings as needed
• Assist with outreach efforts; represent the II at campus events to prospective students and other University advisors
• Help support and attend the annual International Institute Graduation Ceremony and attend II student social events, career events, backpacking sessions, end of year student receptions, etc.
• Collaborate with II Academic Services leadership as needed on future projects related to student support and development (New major requirement development, list of preferred/relevant study abroad programs, new student support initiatives or programming events, etc.)
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent education or experience in Higher Education, International Studies, International Relations, or related field.
• Demonstrated advising/counseling skills with knowledge of developmental process experienced by college students; familiarity with college students and the college environment
• Collaborative work style and ability to work well in a team environment
• Ability to act independently, manage multiple tasks at once, and exercise good judgment to adapt to change
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong cross-cultural interpersonal skills

The target salary range for this position is $47,600 to $59,500 full-time rate.

As one of the world's great liberal arts colleges, LSA pushes the boundaries of what is understood about the human experience and the natural world, and we foster the next generation of rigorous and empathetic thinkers, creators, and contributors to the state of Michigan, the nation, and the world.

To learn more about LSA's Mission, Vision and Values, please visit lsa.umich.edu/strategicvision.