Academic Advisor - College of Fine Arts - School of Design

The School of Design at CMU is one of the country's first and most prestigious design programs. As such, it attracts very creative, talented, and driven students. We are looking for the same qualities in our next undergraduate Academic Advisor. This position, which reports to the Head of the School of Design, is a professional non-instructional advising position that primarily supports the Undergraduate Program. This dynamic person will develop extensive knowledge about our program, School, and University, and the requirements, policies, and procedures that guide student academic success. This position requires considerable contact with students through individual meetings. The Academic Advisor must be able to provide quality academic program advising, counseling, and general student life assistance to undergraduate students.

Your core responsibilities will include:

The following list provides examples of the most typical duties of the academic advisor, but it is not an exhaustive list:

• Advise undergraduate students individually and in groups regarding academic requirements, core and/or departmental requirements, appropriate class selection, ensuring they are on track to be certified to graduate, academic policies and procedures, and campus resources. This includes all Design Undergrads, BXA (interdisciplinary programs), and Design Minors.

• Assist students with identification of long-term goals and career plans; help position students to meet requirements for graduation within appropriate periods of time.

• Support Students - help connect students who are struggling academically or emotionally to services and tutors; keep in touch with appropriate faculty and/or staff to ensure that students get the help they need.

• Advise Undergraduate students interested in Study Abroad and international students who come to CMU on an Exchange Program. Work with the Director of Undergraduate Studies to help these students select appropriate courses.

• Works with the Director of Undergraduate Studies and track chairs to develop the School of Design course schedule, including registration and room scheduling.

• Serve as a resource for new faculty regarding their syllabi, academic policies, student information system access, or other issues that might arise as they familiarize themselves with CMU and the School of Design's protocols and systems.

• Creating and updating the School of Design Course Schedule, Undergraduate Handbook, Undergrad Course Catalog, and related materials, as necessary.

• Keep up with registration deadlines and ensure students register for courses on time.

• Review student requests for funding of special projects and process these requests with the appropriate departments; make recommendations to the business manager and the Head of School.

• Provide website updates as it relates to undergraduate program changes, curricular requirements, and FAQ's.

• Maintain advising records and confidential student evaluation records. Must be familiar with student information system software.

• Serve on appropriate department, college, and university advisory committees associated with the position.

• Provide recommendations for the hiring of Undergraduate Teaching Assistants and Software Tutors.

• Organize First Year Orientation (with First Year Chair).

• Pre-college Summer Program - attend info sessions, oversee program planning, faculty hires, undergrad TA hires (including child protection compliance), curriculum planning assistance, and art supply orders.

• Perform related duties as required or deemed necessary to meet the academic advising goals within the advisor's scope of responsibility.

• Other duties as assigned.

Flexibility, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within the School of Design. Inclusion, collaboration and cultural sensitivity are valued competencies at CMU. Therefore, we are in search of a team member who is able to effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

Desired Abilities/Skills:

We are looking for an individual with strong communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Some of the skills necessary to succeed in this position include:

• The ability to build strong and trusting relationships with students while guiding them through their academic journey toward graduation and their future career goals.

• Communicating clearly with faculty about student needs.

• Valuing diversity and having sensitivity to working with students from different backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives.

• Understanding the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in various careers in Design; possessing a genuine interest in the field of Design and related courses that might interest students in other disciplines across CMU, such as those in Business, Human Computer Interaction, and the IDeATe programs.

• Represent the School of Design with the highest integrity and professionalism while interacting with potential families, students, and the wider University.

• Manage multiple projects simultaneously while keeping an eye on upcoming deadlines.

• Demonstrate proficiency with Macintosh computers, Google Suite tools, and Microsoft Excel.

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Counseling, or an academic field directly related to the advisor's specific responsibilities.

• A minimum of two years of experience in advising or related academic functions within higher education.

Requirements:

• Successful background check

Are you interested in this exciting opportunity?! Apply today!

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance. 

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

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