SSHA Student Academic Advisor 2 (Hybrid)

University of California Merced; California; On-site; USD 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California, Merced seeks an Academic Advisor within the School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts (SSHA) to provide comprehensive academic advising for prospective and current students in psychology programs. The role interprets policies, guides students through degree requirements, and works with faculty to implement advising plans that support timely degree completion.

The advisor will help develop resources, assist with petitions, and coordinate with campus offices to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university and/or equivalent experience.
• Advanced degree preferred.
• 1 year of directly related, progressively responsible experience in student services.
• A master's degree is preferred, but may not substitute for the required year of experience.

Responsibilities

• Advises on degree progress and General Education requirements per program policies.
• Assist with petition processes and course selection advising.
• Support faculty with advising issues and policy guidance.
• Develop advising materials and ensure referrals to support services.
• Participate in campus events representing SSHA and assist students as needed.

Skills

Advising skills

Communication skills

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

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 hourly range the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $24.47/hr - $30.69/hr.

Job Closing Date

This posting will remain open until filled with initial applicant review expected to be on or around November 2, 2026.

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 their first 3 months. With successful completion of the full probation period work modality will be 3 days on campus and 2 days remote.

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

CANRA (U13): Mandated Child Abuse Reporter.

This position is career contingent upon funding with an expected end date of 6/30/2027.

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 9,600 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 Assistant Director of Student Services, and in conjunction with the Director of Student Services and other Academic Advisors within the School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts (SSHA), the Academic Advisor provides academic advising for prospective and current students in the School's programs. Works closely with faculty in the planning, development, and implementation of a comprehensive academic advising program for students within the Psychology majors/minors. Interprets and explains University and School policies and procedures relevant to undergraduate programs. Advises faculty and management on a variety of student issues/challenges. Works with SSHA management to recommend changes to policies, practices, and procedures as they apply and impact students. 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 for specialized help for students as needed through other support services within the University.

Provides advice to students on the full range of School requirements, including a wide variety of course requirements. Develops academic advising materials and tools for 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. Supports the student academic advising form petition process. Attends campus-wide events, including but not limited to Commencement, Bobcat Day, etc., in representation of SSHA. Works independently on issues that are straightforward and/or have clear guidelines. Receives assistance on more complex issues.

Key Responsibilities

• Applies professional concepts in providing advice and assistance to students on academic and degree progress, including requirements for the major/minor/School/campus-wide General Education, alternative academic options, and promotion of degree completion within university policy. Advises on moderately complex issues, including but not limited to multiple degrees or withdrawals from the University. Identifies students with GPA or progress problems, advises students, and recommends appropriate courses of action by the major, minor, or School (e.g., academic probation, dismissal, Normal Progress Policy). Determines barriers, distractions, and complications affecting a student's academic success, helps students recognize the key non-academic issues, and makes appropriate referrals for additional counseling and/or assistance from other non-academic units. Advises 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 University, which may affect ongoing requirements.
• Support SSHA undergraduate student academic advising form petition process, which includes, but is not limited to: General Petition Form, Normal Progress Policy, faculty petitions, MC2UCM Cross Campus Enrollment, excess units, Petition of Academic Policy, Subsequent Course Repeat, course withdrawals, etc. Work collaboratively within the unit and across campus.
• Advises new and continuing instructors on student academic advising issues. Provides faculty referrals to the appropriate office, including the Office of Student Conduct and the Dean of Students. Advises new and continuing instructors on major, minor, 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 other departments to ensure students' progress through course sequences, avoid conflicts, and ensure compliance with organization-wide policies.
• Confirms that students have met requirements for degree completion, including when there are no clear precedents or articulations, such as interdisciplinary programs or when transfer work is involved. Advises students on a wide range of course possibilities and/or ways to complete degree requirements that may not be clearly defined.
• Other duties as assigned. Includes responding to other unanticipated advising support questions, inquiries and needs. May supervise student employees.

Qualifications

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university and/or equivalent experience/training.
• Advanced degree from an accredited university. (Preferred)

AND

• 1 year of directly related, progressively responsible experience in student services, or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.
• A master's degree is preferred, but may not substitute for the required year of experience.

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE And SKILLS

• Knowledge of advising and counseling techniques. Knowledge of multiple majors, colleges, and school.
• 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 ideas to solve problems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including active listening.
• Ability to multi-task.

Background Check

Background check required.

This position will be required to complete all pre-employment requirements, including a background investigation, the University's credentialing process, and verification of licensure and/or certification through the appropriate California licensing or certifying board(s), as applicable.

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/