About this role
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
POSITION SPECIFICS
The Division of Undergraduate Studies (DUS) is seeking a student-focused individual to serve as an Academic Adviser. DUS is one of Penn State’s largest enrollment units for first- and second-year students and is dedicated to helping undecided and exploratory students. This is a standing, full-time, and in-person position at the University Park campus.
About the role
As a professional Academic Adviser in DUS, you will support first- and second-year undergraduate students as they navigate their academic journey to major declaration. The primary task of this position is to build meaningful relationships with your advisees, helping them discover their interests, connect with campus resources, and develop the skills needed for academic and personal success. In this role, you will also contribute to a community of academic advisers and other professionals within DUS who are committed to empowering individual students to explore, define, and achieve academic goals that are meaningful to them.
In this role, you will:
- Serve as the primary academic adviser for a roster of undergraduate students, providing personalized guidance both in-person and virtually
- Support students in exploring academic options, selecting courses, and making informed decisions about their educational paths
- Monitor students’ academic progress, offering encouragement and strategies for overcoming challenges
- Interpret and communicate university policies, procedures, and curricular requirements
- Facilitate academic advising during New Student Orientation (May–August)
- Present at unit- and university-wide events, representing DUS at various programs (e.g., recruitment and matriculation events for students and families)
- Engage in unit, university, and/or professional-association committees, projects, or initiatives that advance student success and high-quality academic advising
- Report to a unit director who encourages your professional growth and career development
Who we are looking for
DUS academic advisers come from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds. We value the unique perspectives and expertise each team member brings to our work of engaging individual students in exploration and self-growth.
We seek applicants who:
- Are committed to holistic student success
- Understand the role of academic advising in student achievement
- Enjoy working collaboratively with colleagues and want to contribute to a positive team culture
- Demonstrate strong interpersonal, communication, and emotional intelligence skills
Qualifications:
- Experience in academic advising, teaching, counseling, or related fields is valued.
If you want to make a difference in students’ lives and be part of a professional academic advising community, we encourage you to apply. Both a cover letter and resume/CV are required for consideration; incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Review will begin on February 2nd and will continue until the position is filled.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as Academic Adviser - Senior Professional, this position requires: Master's Degree 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None If filled as Academic Adviser - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Master's Degree 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $46,400.00 - $81,500.00.
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.
Other facts
About Penn State University
The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University is an integral part of one of the leading research universities in the nation. ARL-Penn State supports national security, economic competitiveness, and quality of life through Education; Scientific discovery; Technology demonstration; and Transition to application. As a designated University Affiliated Research Center (UARC), ARL-Penn State conducts essential research, development, and systems engineering in support of our nations priorities free from conflict of interest or competition with commercial industry.
What you'll do
- As an Academic Adviser, you will support first- and second-year undergraduate students in their academic journey and help them declare their majors. You will build relationships with students, guide them in course selection, and monitor their academic progress.
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