Transitional Guide (Transitional Advisor)

University of Miami; Coral Gables (FL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Miami is seeking a First-Year Transitional Guide to provide onboarding support and student-success services for incoming undergraduate students. This role serves as the primary contact during onboarding, guiding students as they prepare their records for Cane Navigator and assisting with major changes across schools.

The position emphasizes building relationships with campus partners, applying FERPA-compliant practices, and communicating clearly about policies, calendars, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; 1 year of advising/counseling or customer service preferred.
• Candidate must be passionate about supporting students and families with thorough, compassionate care.
• Ability to build relationships across campus to provide well-rounded support and solutions.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills for diverse audiences.
• Positive attitude, strong interpersonal skills, and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Attention to detail and the ability to follow instructions and policies (FERPA aware).

Responsibilities

• Provide onboarding and student success services to incoming first-year students.
• Serve as primary contact for assigned students during onboarding and prepare records for Cane Navigator transfer.
• Guide students through major changes involving multiple schools/colleges.
• Apply best practices in student success and advising; build consistent high-quality services.
• Know all undergraduate programs and curricula to offer holistic support and information.
• Explain policies, procedures, and deadlines; navigate university systems and processes.

Skills

Advising

Student Success

Relationship Building

Communication

Collaboration

FERPA

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

CaneLink

Navigate

EAB Navigate

Job description

The Transitional Guide will provide onboarding support, including guidance for first-semester academic planning for new incoming undergraduate students. This team plays a vital role in educating students on University of Miami policies, procedures, and student systems, promoting empowerment for students to take ownership of their academic journey- all with a mission of educating students on UM resources and positively impacting first-year retention. This position reports directly to the Assoc./Asst. Director of Student Success & Transitions and works collaboratively with all academic programs as well as other campus partners.

CORE JOB FUNCTIONS

• Provide onboarding and student success services to incoming first-year students to support their integration into the University of Miami.
• Beginning at the point of deposit, serves as the primary contact for assigned students throughout their onboarding cycle and assists them in preparing their student records to officially hand them off to their Cane Navigator.
• Guide University of Miami students through the process to change majors when it involves two different schools/colleges.
• Employ best practices in student success and advising. Build connections and deliver consistently high-quality services.
• Know and keep up to date on all undergraduate programs and curriculums at the University and provide students with holistic support and consistent experience as they transition to the University of Miami.
• Introduce students to academic policies, procedures, and guidelines and help students navigate the school/college/department and university-level administrative processes. Including, but not limited to the University Bulletin, the Academic Calendar, CaneLink (student information system), Navigate (student success system), the registration process and deadlines.
• Collaborate with Senior Transitional Guides on projects that support continuous improvement of office practices, processes, and service delivery.
• Partner with academic and non-academic units (e.g., Cane Navigators (academic advisors), Undergraduate Admissions, Financial Aid, Veteran Resource Center, International Student and Scholar Services, Housing and Residential Life, Orientation and Commuter Student Involvement, etc.), including collaborating with the Cane Navigation team during peak times, such as drop/add period, providing registration support as needed.
• Collaborate with academic and non-academic units (e.g., Office of the Registrar, International Student and Scholar Services, Housing and Residential Life, Office of Financial Assistance, etc.).
• Responsible for an assigned group of students, including but not limited to outreach and monitoring their progression, first semester course registration, and service satisfaction.
• May facilitate registration permissions, course equivalency reviews, and prerequisite checks.
• Use tools, analytical dashboards, and technology fully to manage student onboarding and student communication, maintain accurate student records, and document student interactions in EAB Navigate.
• Achieve established unit benchmarks, customer service standards, key performance indicators, and daily productivity metrics.
• Consistent with Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) guidelines, interacts with parents and families of students, Proxies, and faculty to support students.
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development programs.
• Be trained as a career champion through the University's Toppel Career Center.
• Participate in student events, including onboarding and orientation events.
• Candidate must have passion and dedication for providing students and their families with thorough, compassionate support, and the utmost care.
• May have the option to fill the role of First Year Directions Facilitator if qualifications are met.
• Adhere to University and unit-level policies and procedures and exercises sound judgment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities as necessary.

CORE QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Bachelor's degree

Certification and Licensing:

N/A

Experience:

Minimum of 1 year of experience in advising, counseling and/or customer service is preferred. Any relevant education, certifications and/or work experience may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes:

• Candidate must have passion and dedication for providing students and their families with thorough, compassionate support, and the utmost care.
• A keen ability to build relationships and connect with members across campus to ensure thorough, well-rounded support and solutions to students and their families.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.
• Demonstrate a positive attitude and strong interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrate a strong ability to stay focused in a fast-paced work environment.
• Demonstrate accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to handle difficult and stressful situations with professional composure.
• Ability to maintain effective interpersonal relationships.
• Ability to understand and follow instructions.
• A keen ability to build relationships and connect with staff members across campus to ensure thorough, well-rounded support and solutions to students and their families.

The University of Miami is recognized as one of the nation's premier research institutions and academic health systems and is among the largest employers in South Florida.

With more than 20,000 faculty and staff, the University is committed to excellence and guided by a mission to positively impact the lives of students, patients, and communities locally and globally.

We are dedicated to fostering a culture where every individual feels valued and empowered to contribute meaningfully. United by shared values, the University community works together to build an environment defined by purpose, collaboration, and service.

The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law. Click here for additional information.

Job Status:

Full time

Employee Type:

Staff