Montana10- Academic Advisor II-UM Western

Montana10, Academic Advisor II

Department: Student Success, Montana10
Position: Academic Advisor II, .75 FTE
Wage: $15.35 hourly DOE
Union Affiliation: MFPE
Benefits Include:

·         Insurance package

·         Mandatory retirement plan

·         Dependent partial tuition waiver

·         Faculty/staff tuition waiver

·         Wellness program

Description

The UMW Department of Student Success invites applicants for an Academic Advisor II position to support the academic success of students and serve as an advisor within Montana 10 (MT10) for admitted students at the University of Montana Western (UMW). This position will serve as a continuous point of contact for students at the University of Montana Western.  This advisor will be responsible for ensuring that all pre-admission criteria, including but not limited to housing, meal plans, financial aid, immunization record holds, referrals to support offices, student employment, transcripts, dual credit, insurance, mandatory tutorials, and technological supports are in place or completed prior to new student orientation.  They will onboard and outboard students with in the program with the intention of retaining students within the system.  

The MT10 advisor will carry a caseload of students whose majors are in a variety of departments as well as undeclared students. The advisor will meet a minimum of once a month with their students and support students daily on a walk-in/video-in basis.  With this, the MT10 advisor will continue to work closely with and support students through the entirety of their enrollment at UMW. This support includes but is not limited to: 

• Reviewing student progress and use of community and academic support services. 

• Consistent outreach to instructors and other UMW staff to support student success. 
• Accompanying students to meet with various departments on campus to ensure that any barriers to the students’ continuation at UMW are resolved (i.e., financial aid, business services, mental health services). 
• Engaging in practices to ensure consistent communication with students who are having trouble reaching out. 
• Referring students to campus and community resources as needed to address barriers. 
• Working in a team setting to create a wraparound support network for MT10 students. 

• Support student transfers within the system. 
• Carry out best practices in advising and objective set by the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education (OCHE). 
• Other duties as assigned

 
The MT10 advisor will collaborate closely with academic departments and faculty advising contacts. This is to ensure smooth transitions of each student into respective academic departments into majors after initial advising and general education evaluation is complete. This position is also responsible for tracking students’ progress and will adhere to the MT10 guidelines and associated best practices in advising.  

MT 10 is a highly collaborative team.  No one functions independently as it would be counterproductive to the program.   Advisors have a very high level of skill in terms of communication within the program, they provide mutual support to the program director, student employees, program coordinator and academic coaches.  

This position is contingent on continued funding from OCHE.

Requirements

• ·         Exemplary customer service skills including: effective interpersonal, public relations, and communication skills
• ·      Supports and demonstrates the Student -> University -> Unit -> Individual decision-making model.
• ·      Demonstrated very strong commitment to student success.
• ·      Ability to facilitate and manage working relationships with students, campus, departments, faculty, and staff.
• ·      Ability to work productively and professionally with diverse populations.
• ·      Basic Marketing skills, including the use of social media.
• ·      Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• ·      Adaptable-flexible, can handle multiple tasks and projects.
• ·      Strong organization skills.
• ·      Knowledge of basic skills in active listening, rapport building and/or individualized student support models. Experience working in team settings and interdisciplinary collaboration. 
• ·      Ability to think analytically and problem solve.
• ·      Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel and integrated databases (for example, Banner)

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree and academic advising experience or related experience in a higher education setting or an equivalent combination of education and experience.  

The University and Dillon Area

The University of Montana Western is a dynamic, innovative, undergraduate university with over 70 full-time faculty and over 1,200 students. It is located in Dillon, Montana in the scenic Rocky Mountains and has been awarded numerous top national rankings for delivering high quality, affordable education.

Montana Western is the only public four-year college in the nation offering Experience One (X1), experiential learning delivered on the block schedule. Class sizes are small and students take a single course at a time, three hours each day for 18 days, before moving on to the next course. Each course is four credits and four blocks are offered each semester. The block schedule facilitates field and lab work, undergraduate research, study travel, and interdisciplinary teaching. Montana Western’s faculty strongly believe in mentoring and inspiring students, and assisting them in the transition from university life to professional careers.

The University of Montana Western is an integral part of the Dillon Community. With a population of 5,000 people, Dillon is known for outstanding public schools, safe environments, recreational opportunities, and an excellent quality of life.

The University of Montana Western is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and encourages applications from qualified women, minorities, veterans and people with disabilities. Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the Offer of Employment In accordance with University regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations. ADA/EOE/AA/Veteran’s Preference Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, we encourage applications from minorities, veterans, and women. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law. References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. Testing: Individual hiring departments at UMW may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions. Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UMW, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9).

Application

Review of applications will begin immediately, but will remain open until the position is filled.

A complete application Includes:

1.       Letter of Interest – addressing your qualifications and experience related to the stated required skills for the position. A general letter salutation such as “Dear Search Committee” or “Dear Hiring Manager” is acceptable.

2.       Curriculum Vitae/Detailed Resume

3.       Official or Unofficial undergraduate and graduate transcripts (Official transcripts will be required at time of hire)

4.       Professional References – names and contact information for three (3) professional references.

*Please note: only five (5) attachments are allowed per application. Please combine documents accordingly.

**Applying through Indeed.com or easy apply through Indeed.com may result in submission of an incomplete application.  Applications may be removed from full consideration if they are not complete with materials listed above under the “How to Apply” section.  It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure complete application materials are submitted and received by the date listed above. 

Dillon, Montana, United States