Academic Advisor

Michigan Technological University; Houghton (MI); On-site; USD 37,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Michigan Tech is seeking an academic advisor to support students in the Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering Technology baccalaureate programs. You will help with course and degree scheduling, and transfer credit review to align with MMET requirements.

You will collaborate with campus services, assist with orientation, and contribute to program assessment and accreditation. The role emphasizes advising across diverse student populations, building study skills, and guiding students toward

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree applicable to essential duties.
• One year of professional or administrative experience.
• Experience in undergraduate higher education student services.
• Experience working with students from diverse backgrounds.
• Experience with word processing and spreadsheet software.
• Master’s degree is desirable.
• Experience advising undergraduate students is desirable.
• Experience using Banner and WebFocus is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Advise students in MMET baccalaureate programs, minors and certificates.
• Assist with course registration conflicts, waivers, wait lists, etc.
• Guide degree audits and create semester-by-semester plans.
• Encourage problem-solving and student ownership of progress.
• Collaborate with Career Services and student support resources.
• Review transfer courses for MMET degree applicability.
• Review degree audits and graduation requirements.
• Assist with departmental marketing materials.
• Coordinate with Registrar's Office on student records.
• Participate in First-Year Orientation and advising meetings.
• Disseminate current academic policies and procedures.
• Support program assessment and accreditation efforts.
• Update department web pages and advising materials.
• Participate in scholarships/awards selections.
• Participate in committees and outreach events.
• Engage in continuous improvement initiatives.
• Apply safety-related knowledge to daily work.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Presentation skills

Confidentiality

Initiative

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

Banner

WebFocus

Job description

Ensured Consideration Date: 25 Sep 2026

Michigan Technological University is an R1 technological research university founded in 1885 in Houghton. Our rural campus is situated just miles from Lake Superior in Michigan's scenic Upper Peninsula and is home to nearly 7,500 students from more than 60 countries around the world. Consistently ranked among the best universities in the country for return on investment, Michigan's flagship technological university offers more than 185 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Research focus areas include defense, health, energy, automotive, environment, and aerospace.

The area's waters, forests, and snowfall support year-round recreation, including skiing, snowboarding, hiking, biking, and paddling. The University is an integral part of the region, supported by a friendly and welcoming community that takes pride in being a true college town. We embrace our size, climate, sense of adventure, and originality.

Summary

Provide academic and career advising for students in the Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering Technology baccalaureate programs at Michigan Technological University. Assist students with their course schedules, degree schedules and the transferring of credits from other universities/colleges. Evaluate previous course work regarding degree requirements for the MMET Department undergraduate programs.

Responsibilities and Essential Duties

• 1. In collaboration with other advising staff, advise students in baccalaureate programs, minor and certificates, providing guidance in all aspects of their programs of study.
• 2. Assist students with course registration conflicts, including filled sections, waivers, wait lists, etc.
• 3. Empower students to understand their Degree Audit/Flowchart so they can take ownership of their academic journey. Guide the student in creating a semester-by-semester course plan. Provide feedback and guidance as needed.
• 4. Promote strong problem-solving habits by encouraging students to work through challenges as far as they can on their own before seeking help. Building confidence, resilience, and deeper understanding while ensuring they get meaningful help.
• 5. Promote student success by collaborating with campus services including Career Services, Student Mental Health and Well-being, Waino Wahtera Center for Student Success, writing and learning centers, etc. to assist students in areas such as career advising, study skills and time management.
• 6. Review transfer courses from other colleges for applicability to the engineering degree requirements and incorporate into MMET student academic plans.
• 7. Carefully review degree audits, graduation requirements and previous coursework for MMET major programs.
• 8. Assist with creation of departmental marketing and promotional materials such as undergraduate and graduate program brochures.
• 9. Cooperate with the Registrar's Office in maintaining student records.
• 10. Coordinate and participate in First-Year Orientation and conduct first-year advising meetings.
• 11. Disseminate current academic policies and procedures.
• 12. Participate in program assessment and provide support for accreditation of degree programs.
• 13. Assist with the creation and updates of department web pages, flowcharts and other advising material.
• 14. Participate in the selection process for scholarships and awards to department students.
• 15. Participate in appropriate departmental and university level committees.
• 16. Participate in outreach events such as SYP, Preview Day, Open House, Engineering Exploration, Texting Night.
• 17. Other duties as assigned.
• 18. Commit to learning about continuous improvement strategies and applying them to everyday work. Actively engage in University continuous improvement initiatives.
• 19. Apply safety-related knowledge, skills, and practices to everyday work.

Required Education, Certifications, Licensures

• * Bachelor's degree that can be applicable to the essential duties & responsibilities of the position.

Required Experience

• * One year professional or administrative experience.
• * Experience working in undergraduate higher education student services, or closely related area.
• * Demonstrated experience working with students with different backgrounds.
• * Experience using personal computers and basic software packages including word processing and spreadsheet software.

Desirable Education and/or Experience

• * Master's degree.
• * One-year professional manufacturing engineering experience.
• * Experience in advising undergraduate students.
• * Experience using desktop publishing and BANNER software.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

• * Superior interpersonal and written/oral communication skills.
• * Excellent individual, small group and large group presentation skills.
• * Demonstrated ability to use judgment when dealing with confidential information.
• * Demonstrated ability to take the initiative to solve problems.
• * Demonstrated success in working with people with a wide variety of personal characteristics and viewpoints.
• * Demonstrated commitment to contribute to a safe work environment.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

• * Experience using degree audit reporting software; Banner and WebFocus for accessing student academic information.

Work Environment and/or Physical Demands

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate. Examples: Work will be done in an office environment where noise levels are usually low to moderate frequent repetitive hand/wrist motions and finger manipulation.

Required Training and Other Conditions of Employment

• Employee Safety Overview
• Annual Data Security Training
• Anti-Harassment, Discrimination, Retaliation Training
• Annual Title IX Training

Additional training will be required by the department on a periodic basis.

Background Check: Offers of employment are contingent upon and not considered finalized until the required background check has been performed and the results received and assessed.

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) % (1=100%)

0.75

FLSA Status

Exempt

Appointment Term

12 months

Pay Rate/Salary

The anticipated salary range for this position is $37,073 - $40,975 ; however, the final salary is negotiable based on experience and qualifications

Title of Position Supervisor

Department Chair

Posting Type

Internal & External

Dependent on Funding

No

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

If you require any auxiliary aids, services, or accommodations during Michigan Tech's hiring process please notify the Human Resources office at 906-487-2280 or [e-mail].

Other Conditions of Employment: Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of your appointment, and maintain eligibility without sponsorship throughout your appointment.

Michigan Technological University is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Equal Opportunity Employer that provides equal opportunity for all, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. Michigan Tech will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the Michigan Tech Public Safety.

In compliance with the federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA) and its implementing regulations (34 CFR Part 86), Michigan Tech is committed to maintaining a drugfree campus environment and actively promoting the health and safety of its community. Find our notice that outlines the University's policies, legal sanctions, health risks, and available support resources related to the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol.