JOB SUMMARY
The Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) degree program at the University of Connecticut is seeking a full-time professional staff Academic Advisor. The advisor (Academic Advisor 2) will provide academic advice and guidance, assisting students in developing a plan of study toward graduation. Advising is required for every BGS student and serves to monitor progress toward degree completion. The modality of this position is hybrid, with significant on-campus expectations and some opportunities for remote work.
The Bachelor of General Studies is a degree completion program designed for students to finish their bachelor's degree, often after some time away from formal education. BGS offers a personalized path to a bachelor's degree, recognizing the diverse backgrounds and needs of its students. Students tailor their coursework to their individual needs and goals, potentially including online, evening, and hybrid learning options. BGS students will have earned at least 60 college credits or an associate's degree upon application and can transfer up to 90 credits to the university to be applied towards their degree.
The Academic Advisor 2 is critical in helping to assess how previous coursework (often from multiple colleges and universities) might apply towards the student's degree. This advisor serves as a key resource, guiding transfer students as well as current UConn students transitioning into the program to complete their degree. The incumbent provides advice to students on registering for coursework, understanding, and interpreting academic policies, and navigating the nuances of their transition to the university. Additionally, the advisor discusses appropriate educational and career goals, reviews and approves plans of study, assists students on academic notice with academic success advising, supports students at orientation, coordinates events such as commencement, and completes other related responsibilities, such as recruitment of prospective students. Finally, the Academic Advisor 2 provides administrative oversight for the coordination and implementation of programs intended to increase academic success and degree completion.
We seek a highly independent and team-oriented advisor with experience working with non-traditional students, as well as creative ideas about student support and development, to fill this advising role. This position will report to the Director of the Bachelor of General Studies at the Storrs campus.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Advises assigned caseload of students in personalized curriculum decisions, including the appropriate choice of courses, scheduling of courses, waiver of requirements/deadlines, and related matters.
Attends to the special needs of a unique student population through the creation and implementation of tailored programs and services, advising, and collaboration with other student-centered offices.
Creates plans of study to support BGS students in meeting their educational needs, career goals, and professional development.
Audits student records to determine progress toward meeting academic requirements, academic notice/support requirements, and eligibility to graduate, including approval of final plans of study.
Refers students to other student success services such as the Dean of Students Office, the Center for Career Readiness and Life Skills, SHAW Mental Health Services, and other campus resources, as appropriate.
Evaluates how advising services are delivered to BGS students and recommends plans for improvement.?Assists in compiling annual reports regarding BGS.
Works with students experiencing academic challenges to develop strategies to improve academic standing and support their success.
Participates in discussions regarding students' status regarding academic notice, or dismissal, and provides recommendations for students who submit dismissal appeals.
Collaborates with the Orientation Office, Department Heads, Program Directors, Career Consultants, and others to plan and implement scheduling and registration activities, orientation programs, commencement, and other student academic success activities, as assigned.
Serves as a key resource for students, faculty, parents and guardians, and others with questions about the BGS degree or relevant academic policies. Coordinates and develops faculty and staff training sessions regarding BGS.
Coordinates and implements programs to promote recruitment and retention of prospective and current BGS students, particularly for transfer students and students on academic notice. Responds to inquiries regarding the Bachelor of General Studies from prospective students.
Creates, maintains, and appropriately updates files, records, and student documentation in Nexus and related databases.
Participates in events and programs for the BGS community, including but not limited to Orientation and Commencement.
May serve on campus or university committee(s).
Performs related work as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and four years of related experience (at least two of the years of experience must be in direct advising or coaching)?OR Master's degree in higher education, counseling, or a related field and two years of related experience.
Demonstrated ability to support non-traditional aged undergraduate students, with knowledge of and appreciation for the challenges of their academic experience.
Written and verbal communication skills demonstrate the ability to relate well to students, faculty, and other campus partners and stakeholders.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS.
Master's degree in higher education, counseling, or a related field.
4-6 years of experience advising, coaching, or providing academic support to students.
Knowledge of relevant student development theories and application of that knowledge in developing a robust philosophy of advising that includes prescriptive, developmental, coaching, and teaching approaches.
Demonstrated experience building relationships with faculty and campus partners.
Experience in the interpretation of academic policies, regulations, and procedures.?
Experience using data to plan, manage, and assess a program.
Demonstrated ability to develop, plan, and present programs, workshops, and events.
Knowledge of and experience with online student records software, such as PeopleSoft.?
Computer proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel.
APPOINTMENT TERMS
Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA).
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.
TO APPLY
Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #499189 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references.
This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on September 17, 2025.
All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.
All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.
The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee's unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.
