Academic Adviser - Public Health Sciences

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Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Department of Public Health Sciences at the Penn State College of Medicine in Hershey, PA is a seeking a Academic Adviser. The Public Health Sciences Academic Adviser provides comprehensive, proactive academic advising and student success support for students in Public Health Sciences graduate programs. This position focuses primarily on academic advising, degree progression, and career-aligned planning, while incorporating targeted student success interventions to promote retention, persistence, and timely graduation.

The role applies data-informed, evidence-based advising practices, collaborates with faculty and campus partners, and contributes to advising programming, recruitment, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Primary Responsibilities

Academic Advising

• Provide holistic, student-centered advising to Public Health Sciences students regarding:
  • Course selection, registration, and scheduling
  • Degree requirements and academic progress
  • Experiential learning (research, internships, practicum opportunities)
• Monitor academic progress and maintain accurate student records.
• Interpret and apply University academic policies and ensure compliance.
• Develop individualized academic and career plans aligned with public health pathways.
• Conduct individual and group advising sessions.
• Participate in orientation, recruitment, and retention programming.
• Maintain subject matter expertise in Public Health Sciences curriculum and career outcomes.

Student Success & Retention Support

• Identify students experiencing academic difficulty using performance indicators and early alerts.
• Develop and implement academic improvement and success plans.
• Conduct targeted outreach and follow-up with at-risk students.
• Connect students with campus resources (e.g. tutoring, counseling, financial support, disability services, etc.).
• Support development of student skills (study strategies, time management, academic planning).

Programming, Workshops, and Outreach

• Develop and deliver programming such as:
  • Academic success workshops
  • Curriculum planning sessions
  • Career exploration in public health
• Assist with orientation, onboarding, and transition programming.
• Create advising and student success materials and communications.

Data management, Reporting, and Assessment

• Maintain advising documentation in student success platforms (Starfish).
• Track student engagement, persistence, and outcomes.
• Analyze data to inform advising practices and interventions.
• Contribute to reports, assessment efforts, and accreditation processes.

Collaboration and Service

• Partner with faculty, academic units, and student support offices to coordinate student support.
• Participate in committees, working groups, and institutional initiatives.
• Serve as liaison between students, faculty, and administrative units.
• Serve as staff adviser to the Public Health student organization, PHASE.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in public health or health sciences education.
• Familiarity with experiential learning and career pathways in public health.
• Experience using early alert systems or student success technologies.
• Experience developing student success interventions or programming.

Key Competencies

• Demonstrates the ability to proactively support student degree persistence through targeted advising, early identification of risk factors, and implementation of strategies that promote academic persistence.
• Applies expertise in curriculum requirements and academic policies to guide students toward timely degree completion through structured, personalized academic planning.
• Effectively builds and sustains student relationships through consistent advising interactions, proactive outreach, and engagement strategies that encourage student participation and connection.
• Delivers high-quality, student-centered advising experiences that reflect responsiveness, professionalism, and a commitment to continuous improvement based on student feedback.
• Utilizes data-informed approaches to design, implement, and assess intervention strategies that address academic challenges and improve student success outcomes.
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to student-centered collaboration by working effectively with faculty, colleagues, and campus partners to support the success of Public Health Sciences students. Builds trusting relationships, communicates openly, and contributes to coordinated advising efforts that promote inclusive, high-quality support and positive student outcomes.

Why Join Us

At Penn State College of Medicine, you will contribute to advancing public health education while helping share the next generation of public health professionals. This role offers the opportunity to combine strategic student advising and success expertise with meaningful student impact, while working in a highly collaborative and mission-driven environment.

Work Schedule

• Full-time, 40 hours per week
• Opportunity for hybrid work environment (2 days in office, 3 days remote)
• Standard weekday schedule with occasional evening/weekend activities.

Application Instructions

Applicants must submit:

• Resume
• Cover letter describing relevant experience in advising and student success.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

SALARY & BENEFITS

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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