The Office of Undergraduate Education at the College of Liberal Arts (CLA) is seeking Academic Advisors (Levels 2 and 3) for the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) Program. The MLK Program is an opt-in academic advising and student life program to any CLA student who wants to be a part of a community of academic advisors from different ethnicities and cultural backgrounds. These advisors have extensive knowledge of working with students with intersecting identities from historically excluded, minoritized, and diverse populations, who want to learn, engage with, and participate in current social justice movements. Our is an advising community that focuses on diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice while helping students develop self-awareness and identity.

The MLK Jr. Program Academic Advisors participate in four major areas of responsibility: Advising, Teaching a First Year Experience Course, Program Operation, and Professional Growth. Advisors provide students with a balance of support and challenge, engaging in a professional practice that is highly contextualized, nuanced, and responsive to the individual learner's preparation, ability, and interests. Great emphasis is placed on equity and equity-mindedness expanded intercultural competence, in line with the broader university and college goals of diversity, inclusion, equity, and social justice. Furthermore, Advisors are responsive to collegiate and university goals in the areas of retention and timely student progress. Academic Advisors are expected to perform a range of advising activities, provide significant contributions toward program development, and continue professional development. The Academic Advisor is expected to gain a thorough familiarity with the subject matter within the degree programs represented by the student community and with the liberal education requirements in order to advise students regarding curricular planning and academic progress.

Responsibilities

Academic Advising (Level 2: 80% | Level 3: 75% | Level 4: 70%)

• Maintain a professional advising caseload of CLA students (with a mix of students in all four years of progress, and in a variety of majors/minors)
• Utilize the operative model positioned at the intersection of development and learning, drawing on multiple theoretical perspectives in the professional literature (promising practices in higher education academic advising, identity and social learning development, self-agency, and social responsibility) to provide appropriate challenge and support to each assigned student as needed to facilitate the student's having a successful academic experience. This includes helping students get progressively more sophisticated in their decision-making about current academic plans and eventual post-graduation plans, including careers. Assist students in assessing program options in relation to their strengths, interests, and abilities.
• Incorporate interpersonal, intercultural, communication and equity-mindedness skills to build rapport with students to create a productive working relationship between the student and the advisor.
• Demonstrate and advance the value of a liberal arts education. Articulate comprehensive knowledge about the curriculum, academic programs (majors, minors, and certificates), degree requirements, and engagement options (study abroad, service learning, internships, and research). Apply this knowledge and understanding to student interactions with the goal of furthering student success.
• Encourage students' utilization of the college's and the university's academic support and engagement resources to maximize their undergraduate experience.
• Support and engagement resources to maximize their undergraduate experience.
• Conduct timely outreach to students as needs arise, utilizing the college's electronic alert system. Generate individual student outreach strategies to foster students' retention and degree progress.
• Conduct analytic review of student records to certify students' academic standing in relation to academic probation, suspension, and degree completion.
• Uphold the integrity of academic and curricular policies established by the University and the College. To best uphold the integrity of the degree and serve the values these policies are meant to advance, exercise informed judgment to apply exceptions when warranted.
• Be responsive to College and University goals in a dynamic environment, including outcomes related to retention, timely degree completion, support to students in academic difficulty, diversity, equity, inclusion, race equity and social justice initiatives, and participation in key engagement opportunities.

Participation in Programs and Initiatives (Level 2: 15% | Level 3: 15% | Level 4: 15%)

• Develop and conduct unit programs such as orientation, recruitment, commencement, workshops, parent programming, and student employment.
• Serve as an instructor for MLK 1001 & 1002 First Year Experience course.
• Develop and conduct programs related to civil rights education, social justice education, and programs related to Dr. Reverend Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy.
• Participate in unit, collegiate, and university events i.e. Golden Events for BIPOC students with intersecting identities, and other initiatives, such as review of scholarship applications, prospective student programming, and career and internship events.
• Identify and report on issues that may impede student progress, such as concerns about course availability or lack of appropriate academic programs to match student interests. Suggest recommendations for changes to academic programs, policies, and procedures that would enhance students' progress and satisfaction.
• Collect, summarize, and evaluate data related to trends and make recommendations for improved student service.

Service and Engagement in Academic Advising (Level 2: 5% | Level 3: 10% | Level 4: 15%)

• Stay abreast of current trends and philosophies in academic advising and student support.
• Engage in scholarly or creative activities in the professional relevant areas by one or more of the following: membership in professional associations; attendance at workshops, seminars and conferences; writing and publishing articles for internal e-newsletters and professional journals.
• Participate in professional development events and activities in the unit, College, University, and/or broader community.
• Service on unit, College, or University committees as requested
  

Required Qualifications for Academic Advisor:

• Level 2: BA/BS degree plus at least two years of relevant advising work experience, or master's degree.
• Level 3 (Academic Advisor): BA/BS degree plus at least four years of advising or higher education experience, or master's degree plus at least two years of relevant experience.
• Level 4 (Senior Advisor): BA/BS degree plus at least five years of relevant academic advising work experience, or master's degree plus at least three years of academic advising work experience.
• Capacity to articulate the nature and advantages of a liberal arts education
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and social justice

Preferred Qualifications for Academic Advisor:

• Demonstrated background and experience working with students of color, first-generation college students, and students from various diverse backgrounds
• Knowledge of leading theories of academic advising and student support development theories
• Familiarity with liberal arts programs and university-wide student support services.
• Additional relevant higher education advising experience or experience working with college students in other capacities
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Experience with web-based advising software or other technologies used to support student success

About the College of Liberal Arts

The College of Liberal Arts (CLA) at the University of Minnesota is part of a premier land-grant research university committed to excellence and student success. The college spans the arts, humanities, and social sciences and prepares students to be independent and original thinkers, to be innovators in their chosen fields, to create meaning in their life's work, and to become productive citizens and leaders in their communities and the world. CLA is the largest college in the University of Minnesota, with approximately 500 faculty, 900 staff positions, nearly 13,000 undergraduate, and 1,400 graduate students across 31 academic units.

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Please visit the for more information regarding benefits.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Priority Deadline: Wednesday, May 1st, 2024.

MLK is currently seeking candidates for the following positions:

Level 2 Academic Advisor: Salary Range $47,725 - $48,750

Level 3 Academic Advisor: Salary Range $51,875 - $61,200

To apply for position, please submit (PDF copies are preferred.):

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion statement.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U:

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).