How to Apply

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.

Summary

The University of Michigan School of Information (UMSI) is a progressive, interdisciplinary professional school offering a Bachelor of Science in Information, a Master of Science in Information, a Master of Health Informatics, a Master of Applied Data Science (our newest and first online degree), and a Ph.D. Our mission is to create and share knowledge so that people will use information – with technology – to build a better world.

The Office of Academic and Student Affairs (OASA) is seeking an experienced professional academic advisor to join our dynamic Online Programs Team. Reporting to the Senior Assistant Director of Online Programs, this position will serve as the primary academic advisor for students in the Master of Applied Data Science (MADS) program. This position also coordinates student engagement and success initiatives for online learners, collaborating with internal and external partners to advance the online student experience.

The successful candidate will thrive in an open, fast-paced and collaborative work environment, and have a desire to work with a talented and diverse student, faculty, and staff population. 

For more information about UMSI, please visit our website.

Responsibilities*

Academic Advising (65%)

• Provide individualized, professional academic advising to learners in the online Master of Applied Data Science program, utilizing multiple online platforms and technologies (e.g. virtual meetings, email, and online messaging platforms).

• Orient students to the MADS program, including the curriculum and degree requirements, academic policies and procedures, and resources and opportunities for online learners to thrive in their studies.

• Support students in interpreting degree requirements, selecting courses, and developing academic plans in alignment with their educational and professional goals.

• Provide referrals to U-M resources including the Office of Financial Aid, Office of the Registrar, International Center, Services for Students with Disabilities, Counseling and Psychological Services, Student Financial Services, and Dean of Students Office.

• Create, maintain, and distribute academic planning and advising resources and communications, including administration of a LMS site and digital newsletter.

• Routinely gather and analyze data to identify students experiencing barriers to academic progress and success. Conduct proactive outreach, maintain thorough case notes, and elevate cases to the Senior Assistant Director of Online Programs as appropriate.

• Serve as a contact for students with unanticipated emergency situations that impact their academic experience; communicate with students, faculty, and other UMSI and U-M units as appropriate to provide the student with support and resources.

• Provide non-clinical counseling and crisis intervention to students experiencing stressful situations as appropriate. Communicate and collaborate with other U-M units as needed to provide critical incident management. 

• Follow guidelines for FERPA and FOIA regarding access and release of student related information.

Learner Engagement and Success (20%)

• Coordinate specialty advising for online student subpopulations, including students living across the globe, U.S. veterans and military service students, student parents and caregivers, students with non-technical backgrounds, and mid and senior level professionals, often in partnership with staff from other UMSI student-facing offices and central U-M units.

• Develop and implement strategies to promote early intervention for students experiencing academic challenges; monitor students’ progress and apply interventions to support online learner success.

• Coordinate new student orientation for the MADS program, including administration of a student orientation course, planning and implementation of activities to promote engagement and community building, and coordination of pre-registration advising for new students, in partnership with other student-facing staff teams (Student Life, Admissions, Career Development, Registrar & Student Services, etc.).

• Design and implement programs, events, and initiatives, in collaboration with Student Life amongst others, to support and enhance online student community and experience. 

Administration (15%)

• Serve as a resource for administrative questions regarding online academic advising and the online student experience; identify student and advising trends and make strategic recommendations for improvements.

• Manage a shared email inbox and email ticketing queue for academic advising inquiries from students, faculty, and staff.

• Participate in administrative processes such as the graduation audit and pre-audit process, late enrollment approvals, and Incomplete grade tracking.

• Stay informed regarding current trends in online higher education and academic advising through continued engagement in the field (e.g. conference attendance, literature reviews, workshops, etc.); analyze and incorporate knowledge into continuous improvement of programs and practices as appropriate.

• Provide supervision for graduate student interns, peer advisors, and other student employees, as needed.

• Serve on unit, school, or university-wide committees or working groups, as appropriate.

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education, certification, and experience in a related field.

• Minimum of two years experience in a related role advising, coaching, counseling and/or coordinating programs for students.

• Excellent interpersonal skills with a history of establishing positive, respectful, and collaborative working relationships with a diverse population of students, staff, and faculty. 

• Experience effectively managing and prioritizing multiple tasks in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

• Experience using data effectively, including collecting data, reviewing data for integrity, analyzing and identifying data trends, and recommending decisions or courses of action based on data interpretation.

• Demonstrated success in creating an inclusive, student-oriented environment for a diverse student body. Ability to foster, work in, and appreciate an interdisciplinary and diverse community environment. 

• Ability to exercise good judgment in handling complex, confidential matters.

Desired Qualifications*

• Master’s degree, preferably in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Counseling, or a related field.

• Experience working with students in an online master’s or professional degree program.

• Experience providing academic advising within higher education.

• Knowledge of University of Michigan policies and procedures, especially as they relate to online programs and/or students.

• Familiarity with Wolverine Access, M-Pathways Student Administration System, Google tools, and/or Coursera.

Work Locations

The work modality for this position may be in-office, hybrid, or possibly remote, in accordance with the UMSI Remote Work Policy and subject to supervisor approval.  Remote work agreements are reviewed annually and are subject to change depending upon business needs.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks.  Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

U-M COVID-19 Vaccination Policy

COVID-19 vaccinations, including one booster when eligible, are required for all University of Michigan students, faculty and staff across all campuses, including Michigan Medicine.  This includes those working remotely and temporary workers.   More information on this new policy is available on the U-M Health Response website or the UM-Dearborn and UM-Flint websites.