Share About Westfield State University: In 1839, Westfield State University was founded on the ideals of Horace Mann who sought to improve society through education. We were the first public education institution without barrier to race, gender or economic class. The spirit of innovative thinking and social responsibility is forged in a curriculum of liberal arts and professional studies contributing to the development of knowledge, skills, and character essential for students to become responsible leaders and engaged citizens. Westfield State is a highly residential campus with approximately 55% of our 3,100 full-time undergraduate students living on campus. The campus is ideally situated on the edge of the Berkshire Mountains in western Massachusetts just 30 minutes from the thriving cultural centers of Springfield, Northampton, and Amherst with a selection of museums, theater, collegiate and minor league sports, hiking trails, and restaurants. The University is within 1.5 hours of Boston and Albany and within 3 hours of New York City and the Green Mountain range of Vermont. Thank You for Your Interest in Becoming a Westfield State Community Member You are welcome here. You can advance your career and make a difference here. We invite you to bring your whole self and talents to Westfield State University. The University seeks applicants whose record of teaching, student advising, research, and administration positions them to contribute to the everyday practice of our institutional values. Our Values Westfield State commits to values that strengthen a common bond among all members of our community and promotes a rich campus environment.
- Embrace Diversity - We treat all members of our community with dignity and respect.
- Maintain Excellence and Integrity - We maintain excellence and integrity in all that we do.
- Collaborate with Each Other - We make decisions in a transparent and collaborative manner.
- Provide Accessible Education - We commit to providing an accessible, affordable public higher education for all.
- Build a Strong Community - We are inclusive and ensure equity, supporting the personal development of all community members, and embracing multiple perspectives.
- Engage the Outside Community - We support civic engagement in local, regional, and global initiatives.
Job Description: Campus Title: Academic Advisor for Transfer and Returning Students / 1 Year Temporary Position State Job Title: Staff Associate Department: Academic Affairs- Course Achievement and Retention Job Code: HA5300 FLSA Status: Exempt Funding: Grant 1596-2439 Bargaining Unit: APA Job Type: Full-time, 1 year temporary (strong possibility of a 1 year extension). Timeframe: 52 weeks Shift: Monday-Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm Regular Days Off: Saturday and Sunday (Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekend). Supervision Received: Direct supervision received from the Director, Academic Advising and Transfer Transition. Supervision Exercised: May supervise trust fund/work study students, graduate assistants, and office interns. Salary: $56,000.00-$58,000.00 (Salary to commensurate with education and experience) General Statement of Duties: With a strong commitment to student success, retention, and timely graduation, the Transfer and Returning Student Advisor will assist the director of academic advising in all aspects of advising and provides comprehensive, student-centered academic advising and holistic support for a diverse population of transfer and returning undergraduate students across all academic disciplines. This position develops and implements targeted programs and services that promote the successful transition, integration, and persistence of students, including part-time, post-traditional, online, and evening learners. The advisor collaborates closely with other administrators, departmental faculty, program area chairs, and campus partners to deliver proactive, individualized academic advising to an assigned caseload of students. Key responsibilities include supporting students in academic planning, onboarding and transition, curriculum selection, and course sequencing in accordance with university and departmental policies. Additionally, the advisor designs and leads orientation and transition programs for transfer and returning undergraduate students, contributes to institutional retention efforts using data-informed practices, collaborates with the College of Graduate and Continuing Education by providing advising for CE students, and serves as a resource for advising-related initiatives across campus. Duties and Responsibilities: Duties include but not limited to: Essential:
- Provide holistic support to students in achieving their educational goals through academic advising, transition assistance, and guidance on university policies, academic programs, and institutional resources.
- Develop academic plans for a diverse student population, including both individual advisees and student groups; monitor academic progress and provide guidance through key academic processes to support student success and retention.
- Assist students with registration, add/drop, withdrawals, and changes of curriculum. Review academic records for proper course recommendations.
- Design, coordinate, and deliver advising materials, programs, workshops, and events that promote student engagement, success, and retention.
- Stay current with university policies and procedures related to admissions, enrollment, and degree completion.
- Provide academic planning support to walk-in students during peak advising and enrollment periods throughout the year.
- Advocate for students by identifying barriers to success and making appropriate referrals to campus resources, ensuring continued support through resolution.
- Build and maintain collaborative relationships with faculty, staff, and key campus stakeholders.
- Communicate with faculty and Academic Deans across disciplines regarding student needs and concerns.
- Assist in recruiting, hiring, training, and supervising student employees and graduate assistants.
- Represent the advising office on university-wide committees and at institutional meetings.
- Serve as a club advisor for a transfer student national honor society that recognizes and celebrates undergraduate students.
- Attend and present at professional development events, including conferences and workshops at the local, regional, and national levels.
- Maintain proficiency in university technology systems including Banner, Degree Works, Starfish (Westfield 360), Argos/Managed Reporting, and Zoom.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Requirements: Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and a minimum of two (2) years of professional experience in higher education (e.g., advising, admissions, financial aid, career services, programs serving first-generation college students, or other offices within higher education).
- Understanding of academic and financial aid procedures within higher education.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively, demonstrating strong organizational skills, initiative, and attention to detail.
- Ability to manage several complex tasks under tight deadlines.
- Commitment to excellent customer service and student-centered practices.
- Knowledge of FERPA and ability to handle sensitive student information confidentially.
- Experience creating and delivering presentations, workshops, and training sessions.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and advising skills.
- Proficiency in data management and reporting systems; ability to interpret and report on student outcomes.
- Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekend.
Preferred:
- Master's degree in Higher Education, Counseling, Social Work, Student Affairs, or a related field from an accredited institution (or currently enrolled in a master's program).
- Experience in student-facing roles such as academic advising, counseling, mentoring, tutoring, or similar support services.
- Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.
- Familiarity with university systems such as Banner, Degree Works, Starfish, or other platforms.
- Prior supervisory or leadership experience.
Additional Information: Salary: Salaries for current Westfield State University employees and individuals currently working for the state of Massachusetts must be calculated individually in accordance with collective bargaining agreements as well as state policies. State job specifications may be found on the Department of Higher Education's webpage . Employee Benefits: Benefits are an important component of an employee's total compensation package.
- Health Insurance: Westfield State offers a variety of HMO, POS, and PPO-type health insurance plans for eligible employees. Coverage is effective on the 1st of the month following the date of hire. Exceptions to employees hired on the 1st of the month, coverage is effective immediately.
- Retirement: the MA State Employee Retirement System provides eligible employees with a retirement pension following a 10-year vesting period. In lieu of the retirement pension, eligible employees may select the Optional Retirement Plan with a maximum 5% employer matching contribution.
- Tuition Waivers & Discounts: eligible employees, including spouses and dependent children, receive reduced tuition at MA state colleges, community colleges, and universities.
- Paid Time Off: employees receive 12 paid holidays and generous vacation, personal, and sick leave benefits.
- Additional information regarding employee benefits is available on the University's Benefits & Wellness webpage .
Disability Accommodations Westfield State University is committed to the full inclusion of individuals with disabilities and will ensure the availability of reasonable accommodations. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact Human Resources at (413) ###-#### or visit us in the Horace Mann Building, 1st floor. Background Check Employment is contingent upon the successful completion and review of a background check. A criminal record will not automatically disqualify an applicant from consideration.
Application Instructions: An on-line application is required. The successful candidate must submit an official transcript at the time of hire. Interested candidates should electronically attach the following documents:
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- Contact information for three references *
- Copy of unofficial transcript of highest degree
* Provide the contact information for reference providers in the reference section of the online application. Deadline: The job posting will be open a minimum of ten days and, if needed, will remain open until finalists have been selected. NOTE: If you need assistance completing your application please contact our online Help Desk . The link to the help desk can be found at the top of the page via Contact Us. recblid 01420ugqcwlrjvt9hveosmre4u6e7r