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 full salary range for this position is $22.75- $38.46. The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $22.75- $26.95.

Initial applicant review will begin on or around May 23rd, 2024. Posting will remain open until both positions are filled.

This position is typically in person on campus 5 days a week. In select weeks, there may be the opportunity to work remotely on a specific day identified based on student and department needs.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and the first American research university built in the 21st century. With more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced offers an environment that combines a commitment to diversity, inclusion, collaboration and professional development. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships, and community involvement, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide educational opportunities for highly qualified students from the San Joaquin Valley and throughout California. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and supports the economic development of Merced and the region.

The Merced 2020 Project, a $1.3 billion public-private partnership unprecedented in higher education and completed in 2020, nearly doubled the physical capacity of the campus, enhancing academic distinction, student success and research excellence. UC Merced also operates the Downtown Campus Center, a $33 million, three-story administrative building located in the heart of Merced.

The university's mission of educational excellence and rigorous inquiry is powered by three schools and numerous research institutes and centers that seek scientific and social solutions for the Valley, California and the world. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced is preparing the way for a rigorous medical education program.

The course of UC Merced's evolution is piloted by a long-range strategic plan. Enacted in 2021, the 10-year blueprint is guiding how the values of equity and justice influence our pathway to earning Carnegie R1 research status, growing enrollment, upholding our identity as a minority-serving institution, and operationalizing how commitments to equity, diversity and inclusion are enacted in each campus unit.

Provides comprehensive and developmental academic advising to first-year students in all majors and undeclared students across all class years. Focuses on academic coaching and support to enhance student persistence, including successful enrollment into the second semester and second year. Assists in planning, developing, and implementing a first-year and undeclared advising program that promotes successful university transitions, student engagement, and collaborations across units and divisions. Engages in individualized interactions to connect students with appropriate campus services and resources. Interprets and communicates academic and administrative university policies and processes to first-year and undeclared students. Advises and counsels prospective and current students, making referrals to university support services as needed. Applies professional concepts to provide prescriptive advice, working independently on straightforward issues or those with clear guidelines. May supervise student workers.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Meets regularly with first-year and undeclared students, using advising tools to provide prescriptive advice and assistance to students on degree progress. Assists students in determining a major, including alternative academic options. Advises students on course selection, scheduling changes, and ensures students are aware of the correct procedures for registration of classes and other university and departmental policies and procedures. Advises on moderately complex issues such as course enrollment or University withdrawals.
• Serves as an academic coach and meets regularly with students to assess strengths and develop learning strategies to enhance their success as a student. Identifies student needs for support and co-curricular programs and services. Refers students to campus resources as appropriate.
• Develops and implements programming intended to improve first-year retention and performance and facilitates University transitions, including individual and group advising and informational and academic skills workshops. Utilizes research and best practices in developing advising interactions that support the needs of first-year and undeclared students. Through individual and group advising, preparation, and distribution of advising materials, advisors promote student learning of skills and behaviors that contribute to their success, communicating the impact of UC Merced's mission, culture, and expectations on student success. Advisors also emphasize the relationship between curriculum and co-curriculum, assist in developing life and career goals, and provide guidance on selecting academic programs and effectively utilizing campus and community resources.
• Maintains professional standards of practice through active participation and involvement in continuing education and professional development activities. Engages in on-campus professional development opportunities, including cross-unit and cross-divisional committee service, training, and networking events.
• Contributes to developing and assessing unit goals and outcomes, actively participating in implementing actions to address findings. This may include making recommendations for program improvements, changes to office practices, or identifying opportunities for professional development.

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university. (Required)
• Advanced degree from an accredited university. (Preferred)
• One year of directly related, progressively responsible experience in a student services job function or five years of equivalent experience/training. An advanced degree is preferred but may not substitute for the required year of experience. (Required)

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Knowledge of advising and counseling techniques that support the success of first-year and undeclared students.
• Ability to understand and interpret University policies, procedures and requirements.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including active listening.
• Skills in judgment and decision-making, problem solving. Experience with common University specific computer application programs.
• Ability to multi-task.

Background check will be required.

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California, Merced is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, pregnancy, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran, or other protected categories covered by the UC Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Policy. UC Merced intentionally promotes and maintains a discrimination- and harassment-free workplace by demonstrating it neither condones nor tolerates employment practices that discriminate against or harass any person or specific group of persons on the basis listed above. We seek candidates who will support our vision to cultivate a vibrant, equity-minded, inclusive excellence university community. When applying to UC Merced, we strongly encourage you to reflect on our Principles of Community and our 2021 strategic plan.

Vaccination Program Policy:

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline. For new University of California employees, the applicable deadline is 14 days after their first date of employment.

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/

This position is eligible for the UC Merced Employee Referral Program (ERP). If you were referred by a UC Merced employee, please identify that employee by name in your application as follows:

Step 5 of 7 (on the application) Referrals

How did you hear about the job? (select) "other"

Additional information? (select) "other"

Specific Referral Source? (write in) first and last name of referring employee

Referring employee MUST be named on application for eligibility.