Biological Sciences Advising & Accommodation Support Coordinator

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Who We Are

The Program in Biology is a collaborative and interdisciplinary home for undergraduate biology education in the University of Michigan's College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. We support a vibrant community of students pursuing majors and minors across the biological sciences and help them turn their curiosity about the living world into purposeful academic and career paths. Our team works at the intersection of student support, science education, and program innovation. In partnership with faculty, departments, and colleagues across campus, we make complex academic systems easier to navigate and help ensure that students have equitable access to learning and assessment. We are curious, collaborative, and committed to continuous improvement and we believe thoughtful advising and well-designed student services can have a lasting impact. Joining the Program in Biology means becoming part of a welcoming team that values new ideas, different perspectives, and meaningful work. Whether we are helping a student find their direction, coordinating accessible testing, or improving the systems behind the scenes, we share one goal: empowering the next generation of biologists to learn, grow, and make a difference.

Mission Statement

The mission of the University of Michigan is to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values, and in developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future.

Responsibilities*

Student Accommodation Support & Coordination (50%)

• Collect and verify SSD and exam time conflict information
• Make room reservations and coordinate proctor assignments for alternate, make-up, and extended time exams
• Coordinate times and room reservations for grading sessions, study sessions, and ad hoc course needs
• Coordinate exam schedules for all courses and liaise with the Registrar's Office
• Collect last-minute exam illness/emergency cases; organize and present them to instructors

Student Advising (30%)

• Maintain advising appointment hours for Ecology and Evolutionary Biology majors and minors and meet with students individually for course planning, releases, declarations, or any advising-related questions or concerns
• Provide support for Peer Advisors
• Train and support faculty advisors

Advising Coordination & Outreach (20%)

• Conduct audit reviews and corrections; ensure that Program in Biology major and minor requirements are represented accurately in the LSA Degrees and Requirements pages
• Maintain and/or develop program guides for each major and minor, ensuring correct information is available online and in printed form.
• Follow up after faculty appointments to ensure required action is taken
• Oversee advising calendar and student appointment system.
• Conduct advising information sessions and participate in panel advising sessions as necessary
• Work closely with advising and departmental staff to coordinate student-focused, major-specific initiatives
• Maintain positive working relationships with LSA Advising, LSA Auditors, and other relevant constituencies
• Keep up to date with advising issues; advance advising skills through conferences, workshops, and continuing education

Required Qualifications*

• Associate degree or equivalent and more than four years of experience
• Excellent writing, verbal, and interpersonal skills; must be attentive to detail
• Demonstrated ability to exercise initiative, independent judgment, and discretion
• Capable of analyzing and resolving complex requests and issues
• Extensive computer experience including Google Suite applications, e-mail, spreadsheets
• Well-organized; able to work well both independently and as part of a team

Physical requirements

• An ability to move/transport objects weighing 10-25 lbs.

Skills You Have

You are an approachable, highly organized professional who enjoys helping undergraduate students succeed. You are excited by biology and energized by the opportunity to empower the next generation of biologists. You communicate with empathy and clarity, build trust with students and colleagues, and are comfortable supporting individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You can manage large and complex datasets accurately, coordinate multiple time-sensitive processes, and maintain careful attention to detail. You exercise sound judgment when working with confidential information and respond calmly and flexibly as needs evolve. You enjoy collaborating with others, improving systems, and balancing relationship-centered advising with the operational work needed to provide students with consistent and equitable support.

Desired Qualifications*

• Bachelor's Degree and progressively responsible work experience
• Student advising experience
• Knowledge of University policies, rules, and administrative procedures
• Familiarity with relevant university-based applications
• Demonstrated interest in ecology, evolutionary biology, biodiversity, conservation, sustainability, or related fields

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Work Locations

The Program in Biology office is located in the Biological Sciences Building in Ann Arbor, MI. A hybrid work schedule (some days on campus and some days working remotely) is available for this position; however, this is subject to change based on the responsibilities of the position and the needs of the department.

Additional Information

As one of the world's great liberal arts and sciences colleges, LSA pushes the boundaries of what is understood about the human experience and the natural world, and we foster the next generation of rigorous and empathetic thinkers, creators, and contributors to the state of Michigan, the nation, and the world.

To learn more about LSA's Mission, Vision and Values, please visit lsa.umich.edu/strategicvision.

Union Affiliation

This position is included in the bargaining unit represented by the University Staff United (USU), which represents bargaining unit members in all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.