SSHA Academic Advisor, Student Engagement Coordinator (Hybrid)

University of California Merced; California; Hybrid; USD 57,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California, Merced is seeking an experienced Academic Advisor, Student Engagement Coordinator within the School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts (SSHA). You will provide comprehensive advising to prospective and current students, collaborate with SSHA faculty, and develop advising materials to support degree progression.

You will also lead onboarding activities for traditional students, coordinate with the SSHA Peer Navigator program, and participate in campus events to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in a related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
• Advanced degree from an accredited university in Counseling, Higher Education, Student Affairs, or a related area. (Preferred)
• 3 years of directly related, progressively responsible experience in a student services role, or a combination of education/training/experience. A Master's degree is preferred but may not substitute for the required years of experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide advice and assistance to students on academic experience, progression and requirement matters for multiple departments.
• Onboard traditional students into SSHA including Welcome Week, orientation, and transition activities.
• Coordinate with SSHA Peer Navigator program and student employees to support SSHA advising.
• Advise instructors on student advising issues and plan curriculum with departments to ensure progression to graduation.
• Manage the SSHA Academic Advising website and social media.

Skills

Advising techniques

Communication skills

Multi-tasking

Microsoft Office

Student information systems

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree in Counseling/Higher Education/Student Affairs

Tools

Banner

MyDegreePath (u.achieve)

Microsoft Office

Job description

Hiring Range

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The salary or hourly range the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $57,300/yr - $67,725/yr.

Job Closing Date

Remote/Hybrid eligibility: Onsite 5 days per week on campus, it will then move to 4 days on campus and 1 day remote after successful completion of the first 3 months. With successful completion of the full probation period work modality will be 3 days on campus and 2 days remote.

Initial applicant review will begin on or around August 3rd, 2026. This posting will remain open position are filled.

CANRA (U13): Mandated Child Abuse Reporter

This is a union represented position, covered by UAW-SSAP (SV).

About UC Merced

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and one of the youngest universities to be designated an R1 research university. With approximately 9,100 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced is a smaller, more intimate campus compared to its sister campuses, while equipped and staffed as a cutting edge, 21st century research institution. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships and a growing community in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff. Ranked in the top 30 among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and #1 for social mobility by the Wall Street Journal, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide world class educational opportunities to dynamic and enterprising students in the Valley and throughout the state. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced has launched a rigorous medical education program that will supply the Valley with culturally competent providers dedicated to improving local access to quality care. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and is accelerating the continued economic development of the region.

About The Job

Under the general direction of the Director of Student Services, and in conjunction with other Academic Advisors within the School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts (SSHA), the Academic Advisor, Student Engagement Coordinator, provides academic advising for prospective and current students in the School's programs. Works closely with SSHA faculty in the planning, development, and implementation of a coordinated and comprehensive academic advising program for students majoring/minoring within 2-3 departments. Interprets and explains University and School policies and procedures relevant to undergraduate programs. Provides a welcoming atmosphere for students in the School and directs them to appropriate University resources. Advises and counsels individuals with unique and/or confidential problems and arranges specialized help for students as needed through other support services within the University. Applies skills as a seasoned, experienced academic advisor. Provides advice to students on the full range of requirements for the School with a wide variety of course requirements. Develops advising materials and tools for use by students and other academic advising units. Recommends solutions to progression and requirement issues. Advice may include not- clearly-defined programs such as independent study programs, interdisciplinary programs, or multiple programs.

Responsible for onboarding traditional undergraduate students into the School of Social Sciences, Humanities, and Arts, including but not limited to transition activities, processes, events, and programs such as, but not limited to, Welcome Week planning, 2nd-year transitions, Open House week, and JumpStart Your 3rd Year initiatives. Works closely with the SSHA Academic Advising Peer Navigator program, which consists of at least 6 undergraduate students who provide peer-to-peer support to continuing SSHA students on a range of topics, including but not limited to: academic success, degree completion planning, course scheduling, on-campus and off-campus resources, university, and School policies. Attends campus-wide events, including but not limited to Commencement, Bobcat Day, etc., in representation of SSHA. Works independently under general supervision and professional judgements about complex issues without direct guidance. May supervise student employees. Manages the School of Social Sciences, Humanities, and Arts (SSHA) Academic Advising website and social media accounts.

Key Responsibilities

• Provides advice and assistance to students on all aspects of their academic experience, including progression and requirement matters for the 2-3 faculty departments/School/campus-wide General Education. Identifies students with GPA or progress problems, advises students, and recommends appropriate courses of action by the major or School (e.g., academic probation, dismissal, Normal Progress Policy). Determines barriers, distractions, and complications affecting a student's academic success, helps students recognize these key non-academic issues, and makes appropriate referrals for additional therapeutic counseling and/or assistance from other units. Advises students on a wide range of course possibilities and/or ways to complete degree requirements that may not be clearly defined. Determines transferability and applicability of non-UC courses and/or courses of the organization within or outside of the department that may affect ongoing requirements.
• Responsible for onboarding of traditional students into the School of Social Sciences, Humanities, and Arts (SSHA), including but not limited to transition activities, processes, events, and programs. Researches, develops, plans, and executes School activities & initiatives for students in transition, including but not limited to Welcome Week planning, New Student Orientation programming, 2nd year student transition, and JumpStart Your 3rd Year initiatives.
• Works closely with the SSHA Academic Advising Peer Navigator program, which consists of at least 6 undergraduate students who provide peer-to-peer support to continuing SSHA students on a range of topics, including but not limited to: academic success, degree completion planning, course scheduling, on-campus and off-campus resources, university, and School policies. Works closely with SSHA Academic Advising Student Assistants and the Student Services Assistant to ensure students’ experience when visiting SSHA Academic Advising reception is a safe and welcoming space for all students.
• Advises new and continuing instructors on student advising issues. Provides faculty referrals to the appropriate offices, including the Office of Student Conduct and the Dean of Students Office. Advises new and continuing instructors on major, School, and university policies and procedures. Assists faculty in determining course scheduling needs for student progression to graduation. Participates in planning academic curriculum in collaboration with the department chair and faculty, and with other departments, to ensure students' progress through course sequences, avoid conflicts, and ensure compliance with organization-wide policies.
• Manages the School of Social Sciences, Humanities, and Arts (SSHA) Academic Advising website and social media accounts.
• Other duties as assigned. Includes responding to other unanticipated advising support questions, inquiries, and needs. May supervise student employees.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in a related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
• Advanced degree from an accredited university in Counseling, Higher Education, Student Affairs, or a related area. (Preferred)

AND

• 3 years of directly related, progressively responsible experience in a student services role, or a combination of education/training/experience. A Master's degree is preferred but may not substitute for the required years of experience.
• Professional experience in staff supervision. (Preferred)

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE And SKILLS

• Thorough knowledge of advising and counseling techniques.
• Thorough knowledge of departmental/school/college courses and majors.
• Thorough knowledge of department/school/college policies, procedures, and requirements.
• Skills in judgment and decision-making, problem solving.
• Abilities in problem identification, reasoning, ability to develop original idea to solve problems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including active listening.
• Ability to multi-task in fast-paced work environment and adjusting priorities as needed.
• Ability in using Microsoft Office software for business processes.
• Knowledge of and experience with student information systems, such as Banner, MyDegreePath (u.achieve) or similar.

Background Check

Background check required.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

Smoke And Tobacco Free Policy

The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify

All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/