Advising Dean

University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 73,000 - 89,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Virginia College of Arts & Sciences seeks an Academic Advising Dean to provide senior-level undergraduate advising, handle complex cases, and support students through academic transitions. The role emphasizes a student-centered approach, policy interpretation, and collaboration with faculty and departments.

Advising Deans will also teach within the General Education curriculum and participate in professional development to maintain up-to-date advising practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required or equivalent experience.
• At least five years of relevant advising experience.
• Preferred terminal degree in liberal arts and sciences.

Responsibilities

• Provide academic advising for a designated caseload of undergraduate students and offer proactive outreach and education.
• Interpret College and University policies related to academic progress and degree requirements.
• Document student interactions and progress using university platforms; coordinate with partner offices as needed.
• Develop academic progress plans for students identified as at risk and oversee graduation planning in partnership with students.
• Support students through transitions (orientation, transfer, graduation) and connect them with campus resources.

Skills

Student-centered advising

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

The College of Arts & Sciences at the University of Virginia is seeking to fill the role of Academic Advising Dean as they continue their major investment into undergraduate advising. Academic Advising Deans are senior level academic advisors who provide specialized services for undergraduate students in the College. While students have a primary pre-major advisor, Academic Advising Deans handle complex matters such as academic warnings and suspensions, university referrals, student appeals to academic decisions, and helping students navigate their academics amid extenuating circumstances. Each semester, Advising Deans oversee the academic audit to identify students in potential academic jeopardy and help them develop a plan for working toward graduation. Advising Deans also teach within the College’s General Education curriculum, the highlight of which are the Engagements, a sequence of courses that celebrate learning while introducing first-year students to the liberal arts and sciences through unique seminar topics.

Position Summary

Academic Advising Deans will model a student-centered approach to advising. Most Academic Advising Deans work with a general population of students, but they may be assigned to a specialized portfolio of students, such as athletes, veterans, transfers or Echols scholars. Academic Advising Deans will be expected to participate in professional development activities and act as a resource to faculty and/or departments seeking guidance on various issues.

Advising Deans in the College of Arts & Sciences have a demonstrated commitment to the Liberal Arts and Sciences, a thorough understanding of the College curriculum and policy, and an ability to help students navigate academic policies. Critically, Advising Deans demonstrate an empathetic and student-centered approach to supporting students' intellectual and emotional development.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Serve as Advising Dean for a designated caseload of students through proactive outreach, support, and education. Develop a rapport of trust and accessibility with assigned students. Ensure accurate advice and quality support, contributing to persistence and a positive student experience.
• Interpret College and University policies relevant to academic progress and degree requirements.
• Use a variety of technical platforms to document student interactions, assess academic requirements and progress to degree, and make referrals to partner groups across Grounds
• Develop a plan for academic progress for students flagged by the academic audit and at academic risk.
• Monitor student progress and develop graduation plans in partnership with individual students. Provide information regarding curriculum, policies, procedures, opportunities, and guidelines for academic programs.
• Evaluate student needs and provide appropriate resource referral to career, academic, counseling, and student life resources and opportunities.
• Support students through educational transition processes (ex. orientation, academic exploration, transfer, and graduation.
• Recommend actions related to academic warning, suspension, and dismissal of students.
• Identify opportunities for high-performing student engagement and goal attainment.
• Engage ongoing professional development and training to maintain up-to-date knowledge about advising concepts, practices, policies, technologies, and student success needs at the university and in higher education.
• Function as a member of the College advising team to ensure the proper workflow and outcomes of the unit.
• Liaise between the College and University offices focusing on student affairs to ensure student service functions are performed consistently.
• Provide academic advising to facilitate students' educational planning and degree completion in alignment with their educational and career goals.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree. Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of degree requirement.

Experience: At least five years of experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred candidates will have a terminal degree, preferably in the liberal arts and science.

Physical Demands

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

Salary Range

The anticipated salary is $81,000 commensurate with education and experience.

Position Type & Work Location

This is an exempt-level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits.

This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and must be performed fully on-site.

About UVA and the Community

To learn more about UVA and in the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA.

Additional Requirements

Background checks will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.

This position will not consider candidates who require immigration sponsorship now or in the future.

Reference Check Process

Reference checks will be completed by UVA’s third-party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will be requested, with at least three responses required.

Contact

For questions about the application process, please contact Jon Freeman, [e-mail].

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.