SSHA Academic Advisor, Student Engagement Coordinator (Hybrid)

University of California, Merced; Merced (CA); On-site; USD 57,300 - 67,725; Full time

Job summary

University of California, Merced is seeking an Academic Advisor, Student Engagement Coordinator within the School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts (SSHA). You will provide academic advising for prospective and current students and help develop a comprehensive program across 2–3 departments.

Collaborate with SSHA faculty to interpret policies, support student success, onboarding, and coordinating Welcome Week and transitions while maintaining a welcoming environment and confidentiality.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in a related field.
• Advanced degree in Counseling, Higher Education, or related area preferred.
• Three years of related student services experience.
• Experience supervising staff preferred.

Responsibilities

• Advise students on academic progression for 2–3 departments.
• Identify students with GPA or progress problems and guide actions.
• Refer non-academic barriers to counseling or support services.
• Advise on course options and independent study opportunities.
• Onboard undergraduate students into SSHA and coordinate Welcome Week and transitions.
• Collaborate with the SSHA Academic Advising Peer Navigator program and support staff.
• Advise instructors on policy and major requirements.
• Assist curriculum planning with department chairs and faculty.
• Maintain the SSHA Advising website and social media.
• Perform other duties and supervise student employees if needed.

Skills

Advising techniques

Counseling knowledge

Communication skills

Multi-tasking

MS Office & SIS

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Banner

MyDegreePath

Job description

Hiring Range
Salary range: $57,300/yr - $67,725/yr.

Job Closing Date
Remote/Hybrid eligibility: Onsite 5 days per week on campus, then 4 days onsite and 1 day remote after the first 3 months. After probation: 3 days onsite and 2 days remote. Initial applicant review begins on or around August 3rd, 2026. Position remains open until filled.

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. Works closely with SSHA faculty on planning, developing and implementing a comprehensive academic advising program for students majoring/minoring in 2‑3 departments. Interprets and explains University and School policies and procedures. Provides a welcoming atmosphere, directs students to University resources, and counsels individuals with confidential issues, arranging specialized help when needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide advice and assistance to students on all aspects of their academic experience, including progression and requirement matters for the 2‑3 faculty departments, the School, and campus‑wide General Education.
• Identify students with GPA or progress problems, advise them, and recommend appropriate actions such as academic probation, dismissal, or Normal Progress Policy.
• Assist students in recognizing non‑academic barriers and refer them for additional counseling or support services.
• Advise on course options and ways to complete degree requirements that may not be clearly defined, including independent study or interdisciplinary programs.
• Onboard traditional undergraduate students into the School, including transition activities, events and programs such as Welcome Week, 2nd‑year transitions, Open House, and JumpStart Your 3rd Year initiatives.
• Collaborate with the SSHA Academic Advising Peer Navigator program and other student support staff to create a safe and welcoming advising environment.
• Advise new and continuing instructors on student advising issues and on major, School, and university policies and procedures.
• Assist faculty in determining course scheduling needs to support student progression to graduation.
• Participate in planning academic curriculum in collaboration with department chairs and faculty.
• Manage the SSHA Academic Advising website and social media accounts.
• Perform other duties as assigned, including responding to unanticipated advising support questions and supervising student employees if required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in a related field and/or equivalent experience/training.
• Advanced degree from an accredited university in Counseling, Higher Education, Student Affairs, or a related area (preferred).
• Three years of directly related, progressively responsible experience in a student services role, or a combination of education/training/experience.
• Professional experience in staff supervision (preferred).

Critical Knowledge and Skills

• Thorough knowledge of advising and counseling techniques.
• Deep understanding of departmental, school, and college courses and majors.
• Knowledge of department, school, and college policies, procedures, and requirements.
• Strong judgment, decision‑making, and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, active listening.
• Ability to multi‑task in a fast‑paced environment and adjust priorities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and student information systems such as Banner or MyDegreePath.

Background Check
Background check required.

Policy Statement

All positions at the University of California, Merced are smoke‑free workplaces. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

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.

E‑Verify
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E‑Verify. Positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts may require an E‑Verify check that successful candidates must pass.

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/.