Academic Advisor - College of Design

The College of Design (CDes) Student Services Office has an immediate opening for an Academic Advisor supporting students in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Product Design and User-Experience Design. We will hire either a Student Services Professional 2 (9702AA) or a Student Services Professional 3 (9703AA) depending on the successful candidate's experience and qualifications.

As a member of the College of Design's Student Services team, reporting to the Director of Academic Advising, this role delivers the full range of direct-service academic advising activities to undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds, from the point of admission through degree completion. The Academic Advisor maintains an advising caseload of approximately 250-300 students. Major responsibilities include curricular and co-curricular planning and progress, as well as coaching and guidance regarding academic, career, and personal development. The Academic Advisor contributes significantly to the planning, development, and implementation of efforts to enhance advising practices, processes, tools, and resources. The Academic Advisor is an active participant in College and University efforts to improve retention and graduation rates, while enhancing the experiences of all undergraduate students. In addition to academic advising, this position coordinates select initiatives regarding academic advising, student retention, and the student experience. Advisors also participate in some prospective student events. We are committed to attracting candidates from historically underrepresented groups knowing that diversity enriches the academic experience and provides a knowledge base for innovation.

Appointment:

• This is a 100%-time, 12-month, annually renewable academic administrative appointment at the level of Academic Advisor (University job code 9702AA or 9703AA, depending upon qualifications and experience.
• This is a hybrid position based at Rapson Hall on the Twin Cities East Bank, requiring 2-3 days on campus per week. More on-campus days will be required initially for training. This schedule is subject to change based on the needs of the College and its students.

Responsibilities:

Academic Advising (80%)

• Student Degree Progress and Retention
• Support academic progress and career preparation for a diverse student body; apply student development theory to individual circumstances; adapt to the changing needs of students.
• Positively influence and coach students on making choices that promote student retention and timely, realistic degree progress for individual circumstances.
• Assist in the development and delivery of new student orientation in order to provide a seamless, positive, and productive entry into the College of Design.
• Maintain advanced understanding of programmatic, collegiate and University policies, procedures and practices; effectively communicate relevant changes to students.
• Analyze student progress, approve appropriate exceptions, and guide students in academic planning and student success; proactively intervene to assist students at risk of unsatisfactory academic performance and/or degree progress.
• Use various software information systems to maintain accurate and confidential student information.
• Student Support, Advocacy and Development
• Provide individualized, holistic guidance to students on co- and extracurricular engagement activities.
• Coach students on self-reliance, wellness, and decision-making skills regarding academic, professional, and personal goals and interests.
• Demonstrate expertise in working effectively with students with diverse needs and backgrounds by adapting advising strategies within appropriate contexts.
• Advocate as appropriate for policy exceptions based on an in-depth understanding of university policies, college procedures and practices, program requirements, and resources.
• Make accurate, appropriate referrals to University resources; guide and support students through academic and personal difficulty.

Academic Program Liaison

• Serve as the primary communication conduit between Student Services and College of Design academic programs.
• Provide guidance and support to faculty and program staff on various issues including degree progress, collegiate/University policies and procedures, and individual student situations.
• Provide feedback and input to faculty on course scheduling, enrollment management, and program development.
• Actively participate in faculty program meetings regarding curricular and student life issues.

Advising Program and Service Enhancement

• Collaborate in the creation of new approaches, practices, and processes to accomplish academic advising goals, improve systems, and impact policy.
• Collaborate in the strategic planning, development, implementation, and promotion of select student services programs and initiatives.
• Participate in college recruitment events and initiatives.

Program Coordination (15%)

• Coordinate select initiatives and programs in support of academic advising, student retention, and enhancing the student experience in conjunction with the director of academic advising.

Service to the College/University and Professional Development (5%)

• Actively participate in service activities, including (in)formal committees/work groups in the department, College, University, and/or broader community that support students and the academic advising profession.
• Maintain an in-depth knowledge of current trends, models, and philosophies in academic advising through personal study and participation in professional development activities.

Required

• Student Services Pro 2 (9702AA) - BA/BS Degree plus at least 2 years of relevant experience, or a master's degree.
• Student Services Pro 3 (9703AA) - BA/BS Degree plus at least 4 years of relevant experience, or a master's degree plus at least two years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated experience fostering student learning.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively to build effective relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences and commitment to equal
• opportunity and access.
• Excellence in complex problem solving, time management, organization, and attention to detail.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, prioritize conflicting demands, demonstrated computer literacy.

Preferred

• Master's degree in a field related to collegiate advising (such as higher education student affairs or college student personnel psychology).
• Familiarity with student development theory.
• Experience with database programs or client/student record systems.
• Educational program development and management experience.
• Training or experience with career development programming.
• Experience advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusivity in the academic environment.

Pay Range: Student Services Pro 2 (9702AA): $46,000 to $55,000; Student Services Pro 3 (9703AA): $55,000 to $ 65,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position. To be fully considered for this position, please submit the following:

1. Current resume
2. One-page statement describing your approach to working with undergraduate students, including examples of initiatives, strategies or actions you have taken to support student success, engagement and retention, particularly with students who have backgrounds and identities different from your own.
3. Cover Letter is appreciated but not required

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.