Academic Advisor - Arts & Humanities

About the Role

This Academic Advisor position operates within the Department of Undergraduate Advising under the Division of Strategic Enrollment Management and Student Support at California State University, Bakersfield. The primary focus is to guide and support students throughout their academic journey in the Arts & Humanities college by providing personalized advising tailored to each student's unique requirements. The Academic Advisor assists with class registration, academic planning, and clarifying degree requirements, while helping students access crucial campus resources such as faculty mentoring, tutoring, counseling, and career services to foster student engagement and timely graduation.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of curriculum and program requirements for all majors within the assigned college to offer accurate advising.
• Create individualized academic plans aligning with students’ goals and unique situations.
• Engage students regularly to monitor progress, set goals, and address challenges to ensure successful degree completion.
• Evaluate petitions and recommend program amendments to support student academic goals.
• Provide information on academic options, career paths, extracurricular activities, and graduation requirements.
• Refer students to appropriate university resources, including tutoring centers, health services, counseling, and financial aid support.
• Collaborate with university faculty, staff, and administrators to promote comprehensive student support.
• Track and document student progression and update electronic records accordingly.
• Communicate clearly and consistently with students through various channels about academic policies, deadlines, and available resources.
• Participate in program-related activities such as orientations, workshops, and outreach, and engage in ongoing professional development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in behavioral sciences, public or business administration, or related field, plus two years of relevant professional experience in student services or related areas; a master’s degree may substitute for one year of experience.
• Excellent communication abilities, including confidentiality, discretion, and independent judgment.
• Strong organizational skills, initiative, and resourcefulness in managing advising responsibilities.
• Capacity to interpret and apply academic policies, manage sensitive situations diplomatically, and establish cooperative work relationships across diverse populations.
• Proficiency in computer applications like word processing, spreadsheets, databases, email, and online calendaring.
• Ability to work occasional evenings or Saturdays for events and attend off-site training programs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Experience in higher education environments.
• Familiarity with student information systems such as PeopleSoft.
• Demonstrated commitment to a customer-centered and service-oriented approach.

Terms & Conditions

• Employment is full-time, on-site, under a 12-month pay plan, ending on or before June 30, 2027.
• Starting monthly salary expected to be up to $5,083, with a salary range from $5,083 to $7,228.
• Benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, vision, retirement plan participation, tuition waiver, vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays.
• Position is designated sensitive requiring background checks and adherence to mandated reporter responsibilities under California law.
• Applications received by May 12, 2026, receive priority consideration; position remains open until filled.

Physical & Environmental Conditions

The role mainly involves sedentary work with minimal physical exertion, occasional lifting up to 15 pounds, and a standard office environment.