Pre-Concentration Academic Adv at Harvard University in Boston, Massachusetts

Job Description:

Harvard University


Position Title: Pre-Concentration Academic Adv

Req ID: 65894BR

School or Unit: Faculty of Arts and Sciences

Description: Position Description

The Advising Programs Office (APO) and its team of advisors work with all incoming undergraduate students from pre-matriculation through concentration declaration (sophomore fall). Advisors serve as a point person for enhancing the academic advising experience for students from all backgrounds, including traditionally marginalized communities (such as first-generation students, low-income students, and students from under-resourced high schools) and others who might benefit from more proactive forms of advising support. Although advisors bring subject matter expertise, they are trained as generalists to advise undergraduate students across all disciplines and academic interests and support students as they navigate their first-year and sophomore fall.

The Advising Programs Office (APO) launched an academic advising pilot program in AY2023-2024, whereby the APO hired a team of six Pre-Concentration Academic Advisors who act as the primary advising resources and support for students on academic requirements, degree progress, course selection, and more for students in their first three semesters. The APO is hoping to scale-up its efforts by way of a multi-year phased implementation.

Academic advising work begins pre-matriculation for incoming cohorts. Beginning in July 2024, training for PCAs will take place, followed by webinars and small group advising for the incoming class. Advisors will be expected to participate in all sessions.

Primary responsibilities of advisors include:

• Advise a caseload of roughly 50-55 assigned students on academic requirements and course selection during course registration windows (August, October-November, and March-April).
• Advise cohort of assigned students on resource navigation and academic tools for success, with follow through until concentration declaration (October of sophomore year).
• Work with assigned student cohorts across a wide variety of interests and needs through individual and/or group academic advising meetings/appointments.
• Work with other integral College personnel to case manage assigned students, including Resident Deans of First-Year students, in residence Proctors, and faculty.

• In collaboration with APO leadership, identify and design programs to enhance the quality of the student academic experience, including hosting programs for students, such as group advising sessions, webinars, academic workshops, etc.
• Assist with engaging the community of advisors, including faculty/departments, collaborative offices, peer advising fellows, and undergraduate students through trainings, seminars, programs, events, and related initiatives.
• In collaboration with APO leadership, design and deliver pre-matriculation programs, first-year orientations, and share your own expertise with your peer cohort of advisors.
• Assist specifically with the preparation and delivery of First-Year Orientation, Sophomore Orientation, and related academic advising activities.
• Assist with creating and distributing academic advising print and web resources including information from peer schools, national associations, academic departments, and collaborative offices (i.e., newsletters, informational material for students and shared Advisor Portal).

• Assist with research and implementation of best practices, policies, procedures, organizational tasks, and advising assessment.
• Participants would be expected to participate in feedback loops to help leadership assess the pilot.

Summary of Key Responsibility Breakdown

35% Student academic advising meetings

30% Student/Inter-College Communications

20% Student and advisor facing programming and resource creation

15% Individual training on academic policies, disciplines, resources, etc.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 5 years' relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills

Must fulfill the qualifications set forth by FAS department to teach (Masters or PhD may be required).

Preference will be given to candidates who have earned a Ph.D. in an area of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences and who have taught undergraduates at Harvard College, who possess strong speaking and writing skills, and strong interpersonal skills.

The candidate must have the ability to work well with students, faculty, and administrators, and have demonstrated experience (preferably in higher ed) working with students from under-resourced educational backgrounds and/or from traditionally marginalized communities. They will also need to handle competing priorities efficiently, and to execute complex tasks on time with a high degree of creativity and independence.

Experience designing and implementing advising programs preferred. Experience creating electronic and/or print advising resources (content development, not technical development) also preferred.

Applicants must currently hold a teaching appointment in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences or must plan to accept an offer for a teaching appointment in the FAS in the academic year 2024-2025.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in an office setting

• May be required to work nights and weekends

Additional Information

This staff appointment should be accompanied by a second appointment within the Faculty of Arts and Sciences as a Preceptor or Lecturer.

Term Date: Through December 31, 2025.

Advising Programs Office - Advising Pilot

With the NACADA motto, advising is teaching, in mind, the APO piloted an advising model in AY2023-24 whereby the APO worked together with non-ladder faculty across disciplines, who are in the classroom with students regularly, to also advise students in creating their unique academic journey. This pilot required advisors to dedicate 50% of their time to academic advising, managed by the APO, and 50% of their time to their teaching obligations, managed by their individual academic division appointment.

Participants should recognize that their advising load would be double in one (overlapped) semester, as they take on a new cohort and finish with their current first-year cohort. It should also be noted that with registration taking place in the prior term and concentration declaration in October, the burden for the third semester should be much lighter as sophomores would have already registered and are beginning to think about concentration declaration.

The PCAs work closely with the core team of the APO-Director, Associate Director, Assistant Director, Program Manager, and Program Coordinator-to elevate academic advising through individual academic advising and programming designed to support students through academic exploration, planning, resource navigation, and reflection.

We recognize that this hybrid model of advising and teaching requires dual reporting structures and clear communication from respective supervisors. Participation in this program will pause the term limit in place for preceptors and/or lecturers.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Department Office Location: USA - MA - Boston

Job Code: S0357P FSS Student Servics Officr III

Job Function: Faculty & Student Services

Work Format: Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Sub Unit: College

Salary Grade: 057

Department: Advising Programs Office


Union: 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Time Status: Part-time

Pre-Employment Screening: Identity


Commitment to Equity Diversity Inclusion and Belonging: Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EOE Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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