Academic and Student Affairs Advisor

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Salary Range: $64,350 to $65,000

Position Summary

The Department of Computer Science in the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS) is currently seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented Student Affairs Advisor to join our team. In this role, the Advisor will have a unique opportunity to build a fulfilling career with a high degree of autonomy and discretion. Reporting directly to the Director of Academic Administration and Student Services, the Advisor will operate within a collaborative team while taking a lead role in advising and maintaining the accuracy of student records for the Undergraduate and Masters student populations within the Department of Computer Science.

Responsibilities

(50%) Academic and Student Affairs:

• Advisory Expertise: Monitor and promptly respond to the main CS Advising email inboxes for undergraduates, MS, and MS Bridge Students. Provide expert advice on academic progress, general degree requirements, program options, and administrative policies. Direct complex cases to the appropriate CS Advising team member, faculty advisors, or external offices.
• Drop-in Advising Hours: Conduct regular drop-in advising hours (QQ hours) to address students' academic and student-related inquiries.
• Graduation Clearance: Take the lead in facilitating the graduation clearance process for undergraduate students in collaboration with the Director, and support the graduation clearances of MS students in coordination with the Associate Director.
• Graduate Student Support: Provide comprehensive support for graduate student accommodations.
• Correspondence Distribution: Distribute academic and student affairs-related correspondence to students. In-Person Inquiries: Direct in-person inquiries to the appropriate team or channel, showcasing a proactive and solution-oriented approach.

(20%) Administrative and Operations:

• Database Management: Create, maintain, and update student records via the department's Mice database, demonstrating a high level of autonomy in ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Website Management: Independently update and maintain accurate student services website pages with pertinent advising notes logged.

(10%) Graduate Admissions:

• Admissions Support: Address admissions inquiries and proactively resolve administrative concerns for students.
  
• Application Review: Assist the Associate Directors with the review process of MS and Doctoral applications via Slate, showcasing a high degree of responsibility.

(10%) Student Services Events:

• Event Planning: Collaborate with the Student Services team to plan and execute various events (e.g., Campus visit day, PhD social events, departmental events, Bridge recruitment and info session events, Undergrad and MS orientations, graduation events, etc.) to enhance student life and foster a strong sense of community within the CS programs.

(10%) Other related duties, as assigned:

• Assume additional responsibilities and tasks as assigned, demonstrating adaptability and flexibility.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Education, Counseling, Student Affairs, or a related discipline. A master's degree may be advantageous but is not always required.
• At least 1-2 years prior experience in student affairs, academic advising, or a related field within a higher education setting.
• Familiarity with academic and student affairs policies and procedures.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively advise students, collaborate with colleagues, and respond to inquiries.
• Experience in working in an open office environment.
• Ability to articulate complex information clearly and concisely.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills to handle various responsibilities concurrently.
• Attention to detail in managing student records and advising notes.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, showing a proactive and solution-oriented approach.
• Capability to take the lead on administrative tasks, database management, and website updates.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team, especially in planning and executing events with the Student Services team.
• Experience working with diverse teams and populations.
• A genuine interest in supporting student success and a commitment to fostering a positive student experience.
• Ability to provide guidance and support to students facing academic or personal challenges.
• Proficiency in using relevant software and databases for managing student records and updating departmental websites.
• Familiarity with tools like Slate for admissions processes. Must have strong proficiency with MS Office, including Word and Excel, and Google Docs.
• Experience in planning and coordinating events, orientations, and activities to enhance the student community.
• Understanding of graduate admissions processes, including handling inquiries and assisting with application reviews.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and take on additional responsibilities as needed.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including industry partners and alumni.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.