Student Services Advisor II

University of Southern California; Glendale (CA); On-site; USD 47,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Southern California invites applications for a Student Services Advisor II within the Master's Student Services (MSS) team of USC Dornsife. This fixed-term role provides graduate student counseling, supports degree planning, and coordinates events from orientation to commencement.

You will monitor progress, maintain records, advise on requirements, and collaborate with offices across the registrar and financial aid to ensure a smooth academic journey for master's students.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required
• Minimum 3 years in student services and programming with ability to lead
• Knowledge of academic policies and student development theories

Responsibilities

• Provides academic counseling for graduate students.
• Advises on curriculum, course and degree requirements, and graduation counseling and clearance.
• Monitors student academic progress.
• Maintains student records and coordinates registration activities, grading, degree progress, enrollment and transcripts with Registrar.
• Plans and coordinates student events including commencement, orientation, receptions, and award ceremonies.
• Evaluates student problems and refers to appropriate student services office for counseling.
• Serves as advisor to student groups and organizations.
• Maintains currency on policies and regulations pertaining to admissions, financial aid, registration, transfer credit evaluation, course/degree requirements, graduation requirements, petitions and other student services.
• Assists in resolving non-routine problems and provides policy or procedural interpretations.
• Provides leadership and guidance to other student services advisors.
• Performs other related duties as assigned; USC reserves right to modify duties at any time.

Skills

Strong communication

Interpersonal skills

Data analysis

Academic policies knowledge

Student services experience

Higher education experience

Education

Bachelor's degree

Combined experience/education substitute

Master's degree preferred

Doctorate preferred

Job description

The University of Southern California (USC), founded in 1880, is located in the heart of downtown L.A. and is the largest private employer in the City of Los Angeles. As an employee of USC, you will be a part of a world-class research university and a member of the "Trojan Family," which is comprised of the faculty, students and staff that make the university a great place to work.

The USC Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences is seeking a Student Services Advisor II in Master's Student Services. The largest and oldest of the USC schools, USC Dornsife functions as the academic core of the university, offering courses and advancing knowledge across the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences.

The Master's Student Services team (MSS) provides admissions and advising support to prospective and current students across all Dornsife master's and graduate certificate programs. MSS team members cross-train and work collaboratively to ensure a consistent and seamless experience from application through graduation. The team's mission is to foster student success by offering responsive, well-coordinated guidance and support and helping master's students navigate their academic journeys and achieve their goals.

Job responsibilities:

• Provides academic counseling for graduate students.
• Advises on matters of curriculum, course and degree requirements, and graduation counseling and clearance.
• Monitors student academic progress.
• Maintains academic unit student records and coordinates registration activities, grading, degree progress, enrollment and degree verification, and transcripts with the USC Office of Academic Records and Registrar.
• Plans and coordinates student events including commencement, orientation, receptions, and award ceremonies
• Evaluates student problems, academic, administrative or personal, and refers student to appropriate student services office for additional counseling
• Serves as advisor to student groups and organizations
• Maintains currency on policies, procedures and regulations pertaining to admissions, financial aid, registration, transfer credit evaluation, course and degree requirements, graduation requirements, petitions and other student services.
• Assists in resolving non-routine problems and provides policy or procedural interpretations for matters which are not clearly defined.
• Provides leadership and guidance to other student services advisors who perform similar work.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. The university reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

List of preferred qualifications:

• Experience in higher education, specifically working with student support services and programming
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of student development theories and academic policies
• Experience with data analysis and assessment to inform student support initiatives

Salary range:

The hourly rate range for this position is $34.35 - $39.03 per hour. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer alignment, federal, state and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

Required Documents and Additional Information:

• Resume and cover letter required (may be uploaded as one file). Please do not submit your application without these documents.
• Fixed-term position.
• USC has excellent benefits, including health benefits for staff and their family with access to the renowned university medical network; eligibility for retirement plans with employer contributions after six months of employment; tuition benefits for staff and their family; free Professional Development classes; central Los Angeles location with easy access to commuter trains, buses and free tram pick up services; discounts to sporting and other campus events.

• Minimum Education:
• Bachelor's degree
• Additional Education Requirements
• Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education
• Minimum Experience:
• 3 years
• Minimum Skills:
• Directly related experience in student services and programming with ability to lead
• Preferred Education:
• Master's degree
• Doctorate