Position Description

Position Summary

The Specialist-Advisor position will advise undergraduate students in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (EES), and the Department of Statistics and Probability (STT). The individual selected for this position will serve as a professional advisor collaborating with the undergraduate program teams in both ESS and STT departments. The successful candidate will be engaged in proactive and holistic advising offered through an equity lens, to support and empower students to reach their goals and make a difference in the MSU community and the world at large.

As an advisor, this individual will:

• Assist undergraduate students in course selection, while maintaining and monitoring student records towards degree completion.
• Assist current students with identifying transfer credit equivalents as appropriate and help transfer students to develop academic plans based on incoming transfer credits.
• Support students by providing academic success strategies; creating connections with campus resources, research, and internship opportunities; encouraging growth in career development, including preparation for graduate school or professional career.
• Bridge connections between students and other members of the EES and STT (undergraduates, faculty, staff, specialists, graduate students, postdocs, and alumni) and the broader MSU community.
• Represent both the departments (EES and STT) while meeting with prospective students and parents; advising students during New Student Orientation programs; department-associated undergraduate clubs; undergraduate commencement; recruitment at College Colloquium, “Community, Curriculum, and Career” (C3) Expo, and other associated undergraduate events. (Occasional evenings and weekends may be required.)
• Assist with tracking of on-campus and off-campus undergraduate research and internship opportunities.
• Approve and manage course overrides/permissions and academic program degree substitutions in collaboration with the undergraduate program directors for EES and STT.
• Engage with faculty and academic staff in both departments, the College of Natural Science Dean’s Office, the Honors College, and possibly other units on campus.
• Assist with development and distribution of advertising materials for EES, STT and related degree programs.
• Collaborate with advising colleagues through college-wide advisor meetings and professional development activities to promote professional growth and to support the student’s academic success.
• Work collaboratively through an equity lens to ensure all students and members of EES and STT undergraduate program feel supported and respected in their roles towards student success.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Masters -Science, Mathematics, Engineering, Curriculum Development

Minimum Requirements

Master’s degree in Science, Mathematics, Engineering, Curriculum Development, Education, Student Affairs, Counseling, or related field. Successful applicants should have:

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills with the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Strong work ethic, including professionalism and accountability.
• A commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
• Demonstrated ability to work closely with fellow Academic Advisors and a diverse student population, faculty, other academic units, and potential employers.
• Proficiency in standard computer programs (e.g., MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams; Google Docs; Google Sheets, etc.)
• Dynamic presentation skills and comfort working with students individually and in groups.

Desired Qualifications

Desired attributes:

• Experience in advising and career planning, or similar professional experience.
• Experience working with STEM majors.
• Previous experience developing connections with and supporting a diverse group of students and colleagues.
• Familiarity with University policies, procedures, and software systems (e.g., Campus Solutions). Experience with creating academic success-centered initiatives, including long term planning and implementation.

A background in Statistics and/or Earth and Environmental Sciences, or related STEM discipline.   

Required Application Materials

(1) Resume/CV

(2) Cover Letter

(3) An Advising Philosophy Statement which includes discussion of your previous efforts in diversity, equity, and inclusion.

(4) Names and contact information for three references.

Please apply at: https://careers.msu.edu/en-us/job/512566/specialist-advisorcontinuing

Together-we-will Statement

Special Instructions

Review of applications will begin on 10/24/2022 and will continue until the position has been filled.

Questions regarding the position may be directed to chair of the search committee, Leonard Johnson, Director of Undergraduate Studies, STT, (john2772@msu.edu)

Review of Applications Begins On

10/24/2022

Website

https://stt.natsci.msu.edu/; https://ees.natsci.msu.edu/

Department Statement

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer and is committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential. The University actively encourages applications and/or nominations of women, persons of color, veterans and persons with disabilities. MSU is committed to providing a work environment that supports employees' work and personal lives, and MSU offers employment assistance to the spouse or partner of candidates for faculty and academic staff positions. 

Together We Will Statement: Michigan State University requires all MSU students, faculty, and staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19 with limited exceptions. Learn more at https://msu.edu/together-we-will

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.