Academic Advisor I

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address):

445 Alumni Rd, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14627

Opening:

Worker Subtype:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Department:

240320 Warner School of Education

Work Shift:

UR - Day (United States of America)

Range:

UR URG 105 H

Compensation Range:

$19.96 - $27.94

The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

Responsibilities:

The Graduate Academic Advisor supports master's and doctoral students' academic success from matriculation through degree completion. The advisor provides holistic support related to academic planning, degree requirements, milestone progression, professional and career goals, institutional policies, and engagement in the academic and scholarly life of the school. The advisor communicates regularly with students regarding academic requirements, registration, key deadlines, and opportunities for enrichment. The advisor monitors student progress toward degree completion, supports students experiencing academic difficulty, and assists with navigation of policies related to academic standing, probation, leaves of absence, and degree completion. The advisor collaborates closely with faculty, program leadership, and campus partners to ensure student success and persistence, and may refer student for specialized assistance as appropriate.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Academic Planning & Advising

• Provides individualized academic advising to master's students focused on course selection, sequencing, and program planning (POS planning). Assists students in developing and maintaining academic plans aligned with degree requirements, timelines, and professional goals.
• Advises students on registration processes, enrollment status, and academic options to support timely degree completion.

Institutional Policies & Academic Standing Support

• Advises students on institutional, school, and program policies, including academic standing, probation, leaves of absence, continuous enrollment, and degree completion requirements.
• Provides targeted support to students experiencing academic difficulty and assists with navigation of academic action processes, petitions, and re-enrollment following leave.
• Collaborates closely with faculty advisors, program directors, and campus partners (e.g., Registrar, Greene Center) to support student success, persistence and retention.
• Supports the degree audit process for program completion for master's students.

Student Communication & Outreach

• Communicates regularly with students regarding academic requirements, registration, deadlines, policies, and enrichment opportunities through individual meetings, group advising sessions, and written communications.
• Sends a weekly newsletter of timely and important action items for students regarding registration, forms completion, applications, etc.
• Conducts proactive outreach to students who may be at academic risk, disengaged, or on leave of absence with incomplete degree requirements.
• Leads the development of and annual review of a Warner Student Handbook.

Advising Special Populations

• Provides targeted advising and support for special graduate student populations, including but not limited to 4+1 and 4+0 undergraduate-to-graduate pipeline programs, supporting students transitioning directly from undergraduate study into Warner graduate programs.
• Collaborates with undergraduate advising units, faculty, and program leadership to ensure continuity of advising and successful student outcomes.
• Supports pipeline students in understanding graduate-level expectations, accelerated degree requirements, credit articulation, and the transition to graduate academic culture.

Professional Development & Other Duties as Assigned

• Participates in advising-related committees, orientations, and student success initiatives.
• Engages in ongoing training and professional development to remain current with best practices, policies, and emerging trends in graduate education.

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree required
• Master's degree (particularly in education, counseling, higher education, or a related field) preferred.
• One year of academic advising experience in higher education, graduate education, or a closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience required.
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion required.
• Strong cross-cultural communication skills and experience working with students from historically underrepresented and underserved communities required.
• Excellent organizational, time-management, and written communication skills required.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and a demonstrated passion for coaching, advocating for, and supporting graduate students in achieving their academic and professional goals required.

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University's Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create - and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.