Physics and Astronomy Undergraduate Specialist-Advisor, Michigan State

 https://careers.msu.edu/en-us/job/512911/specialist-advisorcontinuing

Specialist - Advisor-Continuing

Position Summary

The Specialist-Advisor position will advise undergraduate students in the Department of Physics & Astronomy (PA). This position will work collaboratively with the undergraduate program team to engage in proactive and holistic advising, offered through an equity lens, to support and empower students to reach their goals and to make a difference in the MSU community and the world at large.

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment. This position is expected to be primarily on-campus, with office space provided in the department’s academic office in the Biomedical & Physical Sciences building. Some duties can be performed remotely, as mutually agreed upon.

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 credit. 
• Approve and manage course overrides and academic program degree substitutions in collaboration with the undergraduate program director and undergraduate secretary. 
• Support students by providing academic success strategies while encouraging growth in career development, including preparation for graduate school. 
• Create connections with on-campus resources and help students find undergraduate research and internship opportunities.
• Work with the department and college on tracking of career outcomes, on-campus and off-campus undergraduate research, and internship positions.
• Bridge connections between students and other members of PA (undergraduates, faculty, staff, specialists, graduate students, postdocs, and alumni) and the broader MSU community. 
• Participate in various undergraduate events such as New Student Orientation, department-associated undergraduate clubs, undergraduate commencement, and recruitment during the annual ADS competition and at College Colloquium. Occasional evenings and weekends may be required.
• Help with development of advertising and recruitment materials for Physics and Astronomy and related degree programs and the REU program, and professionally represent the PA department when meeting with prospective students and parents.
• Participate in undergraduate curriculum review and program updates as a member of the PA Undergraduate Curriculum Committee.  
• Engage with faculty and academic staff in the department, the College of Natural Science Dean’s Office, the Honors College, and other units on campus. 
• Collaborate and foster intentional relationships 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 the PA undergraduate program feel supported and respected in their roles towards 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.

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, one year minimum experience.
• Strong work ethic, including professionalism and accountability. 
• A commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility. 
• Successfully demonstrated the ability to work closely and comfortably a diverse student population, faculty, as well as other academic units. 
• Proficiency in standard computer software (e.g., MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams; Google Docs; Google Sheets, etc.) 
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Desired Qualifications

Desired attributes: 

• Experience in advising and career planning, or similar professional experience. 
• Experience with creating academic success-centered initiatives, including long term planning and implementation. 
• 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, D2L).
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Required Application Materials

(1) Resume/CV 

(2) Cover Letter 

(3) An Advising Philosophy Statement which addresses the applicant’s academic advising priorities and includes the applicant's efforts to address issues of diversity and inclusion.

(4) Names and contact information for three references. 

Review of applications will begin two weeks from the initial position posting and will continue until the position has been filled. 

Together-we-will Statement

The university is requiring all MSU students, faculty and staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19 with limited exceptions. Learn more at: https://msu.edu/together-we-will/

Special Instructions

For more information, please contact Prof. Stuart Tessmer (tessmer@msu.edu)

Review of Applications Begins On

11/18/2022

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.