ESP Undergraduate Academic Advisor

ESP Undergraduate Academic Advisor

The George Mason University, Department of Environmental Science and Policy, invites well qualified applicants to apply for our position as Undergraduate Academic Advisor. George Mason University has a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff, and strongly encourages candidates to apply who will enrich Mason’s academic and culturally inclusive environment.

Mason Science is committed to advancing access, justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (A-JEDI) throughout our STEM community, including within our hiring and retention practices. At Mason Science, our values include fostering an organizational culture that promotes anti-racism, belonging, respect, and civility. We believe that a diversity of opinions, cultures, and perspectives is what provides vibrancy, innovation and growth to an academic community. By prioritizing inclusive excellence in academics, teaching, research, and global engagement, we strive to attract a diverse pool of faculty and staff who exemplify the Mason Science mission and vision.

About the Position:

The Department of Environmental Science and Policy is dedicated to delivering academic programs to graduate and undergraduate students and performing scholarly activity in the areas of environmental science, environmental policy, conservation science and policy, water and watershed science and policy, and ecological health and sustainability. We also serve the university, local, state, national, and international communities with our expertise and our teaching programs.

The Undergraduate Academic Advisor (UAA) will provide academic advising and student affairs support for undergraduate students in the department. This educational specialist must be familiar with all academic programs (majors, minors and certificates) offered by the department and all academic policies that pertain to the undergraduate student population. The incumbent must be able to work closely with departmental advisors and coordinators and seamlessly augment the advising power of the department and must also be familiar with the university’s student services in order to effectively direct students to the appropriate offices or individuals within or outside of the department and College. An ability to work effectively with students from the prospective stage through the alumni stage is essential. Familiarity with advising is a critical aspect of this position. The UAA is part of a team that seeks to be proactive with respect to activities that can improve the student experience in the department.

Responsibilities:

• Provide academic advice and guidance to prospective and current undergraduate ESP students from admission to graduation in support of the students’ academic and career goals:
• Support and engage students in the process of developing clear and attainable educational goals;
• Effectively interpret, implement, and communicate Mason degree requirements, deadlines, policies and procedures;
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) laws;
• Facilitate new student orientation advising sessions for freshmen and transfer students;
• Maintain student records to reflect current academic standing with regard to the undergraduate degree requirements;
• Keep current on continually changing curriculum requirements;
• Learn new advising technologies as required by the college and university;
• Work closely with the Registrar’s Office to ensure accuracy of degree audits;
• Support undergraduate program and department operations as needed;
• Represent the ESP department at admissions fairs, student orientations, and advising events;
• Communicate student needs, concerns, and requests to the Undergraduate Coordinator and Director;
• Collaborate with offices across campus to support students’ academic programs (e.g., Office of Global Education and Career Services);
• Provide administrative support to Undergraduate Coordinator as needed;
• Support the ESP’s social-media-based outreach actively and advertise undergraduate students’ success to attract potential students;
• Support students’ experiential earning by identifying internship opportunities and creating database systems for these opportunities;
• Attend and assist in all aspects of the development of and participation in the following student events including, but not limited to:
• Admissions events;
• New and transfer student orientations;
• College convocation;
• Open houses; and
• Special events held by the department, college and/or the university; and

Create and lead undergraduate and Accelerated Master’s program outreach events and advertise undergraduates’ successes to recruit future students.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent combination of education and related experience. 1-2 years of relevant work experience preferred. Graduate work in a relevant field preferred;
• Demonstrated experience in academic advising, student career counseling, or providing student support within a higher education setting;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills;
• Demonstrated interpersonal and presentation skills;
• Detail-oriented, organized, and ability to multitask;
• Ability to work independently, and as a member of a team; and
• Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Office suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Preferably Degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Studies or a related field;
• Knowledge of university academic policies and procedures; and
• Experience with advising technology/programs (e.g., Ellucian Banner, Degree Works, EAB, etc.).

Special Instructions to Applicants  

For full consideration, applicants must apply for position number 03300Z at https://jobs.gmu.edu/; complete and submit the online application; and upload a cover letter, resume, and a list of three professional references with contact information.

George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.