Undergraduate Academic Advisor
Undergraduate Academic Advisor
- 10002537
- Fairfax, VA
- Classified Staff
- Opening on: Apr 8 2025
Department: College of Science
Classification: Education Support Spec 3
Job Category: Classified Staff
Job Type: Full-Time
Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)
Location: Fairfax, VA
Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible
Pay Band: 04
Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience
Criminal Background Check: Yes
About the Department:
The Department of Environmental Science and Policy (ESP) serves the university, local, state, national, and international communities by 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.
The George Mason University College of Science (Mason Science) is committed to advancing inclusive excellence and fostering an environment free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation throughout our STEM community. At Mason Science, our values include cultivating an organizational culture that promotes belonging, respect, and civility. We believe that varied opinions, cultures, and perspectives are what provides vibrancy, innovation, and growth to an academic community. By prioritizing cultural responsiveness in academics, teaching, research, and global engagement, we strive to attract faculty and staff who exemplify the Mason Science mission and vision.
About the Position:
The primary role of this position is to provide academic advising and student affairs support for undergraduate students in the department. The Undergraduate Academic Advisor is familiar with all academic programs (majors, minors, and certificates) offered by the department, and all relevant academic policies. In addition to working with students, the Advisor works closely with departmental advisors and coordinators and seamlessly serves our students. The Advisor familiarizes with additional university services to direct students to the appropriate offices or individuals. 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 Advisor is part of a team that seeks to be proactive with respect to improving the entire student experience in the department.
Responsibilities:
Provide academic advice and guidance to prospective and current undergraduate ESP students from recruitment, through 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; and
- Facilitate new student orientations and advising sessions for freshmen and transfer students.
Maintain student records to reflect current academic standing regarding undergraduate degree requirements:
- Remain current with curriculum requirements;
- Learn new advising technologies as required by the college and university; and
- 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 admission fairs, student orientations, and advising events;
- Communicate student needs, concerns, and requests to the Undergraduate Coordinator and Director;
- Collaborate with offices across George Mason University to support students’ academic programs (e.g., Office of Global Education and Career Services);
- Provide administrative support to the Undergraduate Director as needed;
- Support the department’s social-media-based outreach actively and advertise undergraduate student success to attract new potential students; and
- Support students’ experiential learning by identifying internship opportunities and creating database systems for these opportunities.
Attend and assist in all aspects of development and execution of student events including, but not limited to:
- Admissions events;
- New and transfer student orientations;
- College convocation;
- Open houses;
- 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 related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience;
- Experience working in an academic unit within a university setting, particularly with undergraduate students and academic requirements, commitment to customer service and collegiality;
- Demonstrated experience using digital tools to create and improve systems;
- Sensitivity to academic and cultural inclusion with a commitment to creating an environment in which all students can succeed;
- Prior experience in environments that required handling sensitive and confidential information, working knowledge of FERPA and Title IX;
- Excellent organizational skills;
- Excellent project management skills and the ability to lead an initiative from planning to execution;
- Demonstrated ability to solve problems as they arise;
- Ability to provide exceptional customer service, support, and problem-solving with a high degree of professionalism;
- Ability to learn quickly, prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and follow through on tasks;
- Ability to interact positively and communicate clearly with supervisor, co-workers, and all constituents including faculty, staff, and students; and
- Ability to work collaboratively with others and contribute constructively to a team environment.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in related field;
- Experience with George Mason academic/advising systems relevant to undergraduate students;
- Work experience in a STEM higher education environment;
- Experience in program coordination, and/or undergraduate advising at a four-year institution (typically 5 years); and
- Ability to work in high pressure environment.
Instructions to Applicants:
For full consideration, applicants must apply for the Undergraduate Academic Advisor at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a cover letter and resume.
Posting Open Date: April 8, 2025
For Full Consideration, Apply by: April 22, 2025
Open Until Filled: Yes
Mason Ad Statement
Mason is currently the largest and most diverse university in Virginia with students and faculty from all 50 states and over 135 countries studying in over 200 degree programs at campuses in Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William, as well as at learning locations across the commonwealth. Rooted in Mason’s diversity is a campus culture that is both rewarding and exciting, work that is meaningful, and opportunities to both collaborate and create.
If you are interested in joining the Mason family take a look at our current opportunities and catch some Mason spirit at jobs.gmu.edu/!
George Mason University, Where Innovation is Tradition.
Equity Statement
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.
Campus Safety Information
Mason’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available at http://police.gmu.edu/annual-security-report/
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