B.S. Program Undergraduate Advisor, Global and Community Health, Microbiology, and Human Biology

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INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

Application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring unit for consideration. Materials submitted after the IRD will ONLY be forwarded at the request of the hiring unit. To ensure your application is routed for consideration, submit your materials before 11:59 p.m. on the IRD. Application materials cannot be accepted outside of the jobs portal. Applications cannot be edited on an applicant's behalf. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, view this link.

The IRD for this job is: 01/06/2025

ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Division of Physical and Biological Sciences provides general science education for all UCSC undergraduates, educates undergraduate science and engineering majors, and maintains research and graduate programs of national and international stature. The division is comprised of departments and programs of study, organized research units, instructional and research programs to attract and retain a diverse population of students, and a variety of support programs and facilities.

ACADEMIC MAJORS OVERVIEW:

This position supports two recently launched undergraduate majors and one major that is sunsetting.

1) Global and Community Health B.S:
Launched in fall 2022, the Global and Community Health (GCH) B.S. degree serves the needs of students who aspire to a wide range of careers in the science of medicine and direct patient care. Students in the BS program learn about the biological basis of health and disease, and how biology interacts with social, political, economic, and environmental factors to create patterns of disease in communities and societies. GCH B.S. students choose between two concentrations. Learn more at gch.ucsc.edu.

2) Microbiology B.S:
Launched in fall 2023, the Microbiology B.S. degree program strives to foster an interdisciplinary understanding of how environmental agents, including toxins and microbes, cause harm to humans and animals. The Microbiology major provides students training in the biology of microbial agents. Learn more at https://science.ucsc.edu/department/metx/

3) Human Biology B.S:
As we gradually discontinue the Human Biology major, some students remaining in the program will be advised by this position. The Human Biology major at UC Santa Cruz was designed to provide students with a solid foundation in biology, while also emphasizing human health and disease within the context of both biological and social sciences.
As of fall 2022, enrollment in the Human Biology major has been closed, and the program is being sunsetted. It has been replaced by the GCH B.S. program, which broadens the focus to global and community health challenges, incorporating insights from both the biological and social sciences.

More information can be found at: https://admissions.ucsc.edu/programs/global-and-community-health

JOB SUMMARY

The B.S. Program Undergraduate Advisor provides comprehensive academic advising to students in three Bachelor of Science majors: Global and Community Health (GCH), Microbiology, and Human Biology (currently being sunsetted).

The advisor uses knowledge of university policies to guide students through their academic journey, ensuring degree completion. The advisor also collaborates with peer advisors, faculty, other campus staff and accesses campus resources to support students' academic and personal success. The position reports directly to the GCH Co-Director and works closely with the GCH B.A. Advisor and GCH Managing Director to support students across all four degree programs (GCH B.A., GCH B.S., Microbiology B.S., and Human Biology B.S.).

The primary responsibilities of this position are as follows:

1) Providing comprehensive academic advising to current and prospective students, guiding them through degree requirements, course planning/selection, and academic progress to ensure timely graduation.

2) Managing student petitions and appeals, addressing requests for exceptions to university and program policies, and making recommendations based on individual student needs and circumstances.

3) Collaborating with program faculty and staff, offering insights on program capacity, course availability, and policy development to enhance the academic experience and support student success.

4) Emphasizing transformational advising by supporting students in their broader academic and career development, promoting long-term success beyond degree completion.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $29.00 - $32.50/hour. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.
Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.

Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits

Schedule Information:

• Full-time, Fixed
• Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Fri
• Shift Includes: Day

Employee Classification: Career appointment

Job End Date: None

Work Location: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus

Union Representation: Non-Represented

Job Code Classification: 004544 (STDT ACAD ADVISOR 2)

Travel: Never or Rarely

JOB DUTIES

60% - Academic Advising

• Provide in-person academic advising to students in Global and Community Health (GCH), Microbiology, and Human
  Biology majors, assisting with course selection, degree progress, petitions, and graduation checks.
• Collaborate closely with the undergraduate advisor for the GCH Bachelor of Arts (BA) program to ensure consistent academic advising across both degree tracks. Work together to align program goals, coordinate student advising efforts, and develop shared resources to support the success of students in both the BA and BS programs.
• Participate in cross-training and provide backup advising support as needed to ensure seamless student service in all four programs, particularly during peak periods or advisor absences.
• Monitor students' course enrollment and academic progress through advising technology systems, identifying at-risk students and providing proactive support.
• Monitor and evaluate students' progress toward degree completion, conducting regular academic checks and ensuring fulfillment of program requirements.
• Deliver holistic advising by addressing students' academic and social development and connecting them with campus resources (e.g., counseling, wellness services) to support their overall success.
• Lead workshops and individual advising sessions on major declaration, academic planning, and post-graduation opportunities (e.g., career and graduate school planning).
• Identify individual student needs for programs and services, ensuring tailored support and resource referrals.
• Provide information to students about special programs with defined eligibility requirements, including honors programs, fellowships, scholarships, and advanced-level courses.
• Advise students on moderately complex issues, including pursuing multiple degrees or considering withdrawal from the University.
• Maintain accurate student records in the Academic Information System (AIS) and use advising technologies (e.g., degree audit, early alert systems) to track student progress towards degree requirements while ensuring adherence to
  Family Educational Rights and Policy Act (FERPA) and confidentiality requirements.
• Stay current with best practices in advising and equity-minded strategies to support diverse student populations.

25% - Program Support and Coordination

• Advise program leadership on academic policies and program development.
• Develop and maintain resources for programs, including online materials, newsletters, and publications for students.
• Advise the academic programs on course scheduling needs to support student progression and timely completion of degree requirements.
• Provide estimates of anticipated course demand for curricular planning and scheduling purposes.
• Distribute permission codes for select courses, observe course waitlists, and assist instructors with enrollment.
• Assess the effectiveness of advising services, including remote and in-person modalities, and implement improvements to enhance the student advising experience with the degree programs leadership team and the undergraduate advisor for the GCH B.A. program.
• Represent the academic programs in Physical and Biological Sciences Advising Team meetings, contributing to event planning, coordination of class offerings, and sharing best practices.
• Collaborate closely with other advising offices, faculty, and student support services (e.g., Counseling and
  Psychological Services, Career Center, Registrar, Judicial Affairs, Colleges, etc.) to ensure seamless and comprehensive support for students and compliance with university policies.
• Assist faculty in gathering and organizing materials for student fellowships, grants, and undergraduate research awards (e.g., Deans' and Chancellor's Awards).
• When applicable, supervise and mentor student peer advisors, providing training and support to ensure consistent and accurate advising services.

10% - Student Recruitment, Admissions and Orientation

• Engage in outreach programs with local community colleges and prospective students, promoting GCH, Microbiology, and related majors.
• Advise incoming freshmen and transfer students on degree pathways and academic preparation.
• Review transcripts and assist with the admissions process, including transfer articulation.
• Plan and conduct orientation sessions to support students' transition into the program, providing guidance on degree requirements and campus resources.
• Attend University and Divisional outreach events.

5% - Event Planning and Coordination

• Organize and facilitate workshops, information sessions, and events for student development in academic areas.
• Collaborate, coordinate, and support the advising team and office as needed.
• Assist with the planning and execution of larger events (e.g., orientation, commencement, career fairs) to promote student engagement and program visibility.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
• Interpersonal skills sufficient to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
• Skills in service orientation.
• Ability in problem identification, reasoning, and critical thinking.
• Ability to multi-task.
• Strong verbal communication skills, including the ability to engage in active listening.
• Strong written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills sufficient to independently set priorities and maintain a professional manner within a complex and fast-paced environment with competing needs and requiring attention to detail.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to maintain a high level of professionalism in all circumstances.
• Ability to work effectively in a team situation.
• Ability to make presentations to small and large audiences.
• Basic knowledge of advising and counseling techniques.
• Knowledge of University-specific computer application programs and pertinent databases.
• Knowledge of University processes and procedures.
• Understanding of University rules and regulations.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Selected candidate must pass the employment misconduct disclosure process.
• Ability to work long periods of time at a computer with or without accommodation.
• The selected candidate has the option to work a hybrid work schedule. If a hybrid work schedule is confirmed, the selected candidate must be able to work successfully from a home/remote office and be able to fulfill the requirements of the UCSC telecommuting agreement.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California vaccine program.
• Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment. CANRA Penal Codes, and related definitions, requirements, and responsibilities may be obtained here.

MISCONDUCT DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENT

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

a. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

SAFETY STATEMENT

All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY

EEO/AA

The University of California is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. UC Santa Cruz is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees.

For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20

For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination