Academic Counselor

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Associate Athletic Director of Academic Success, develop and implement academic support services for student-athletes in assigned sports, to include advising and counseling student-athletes on academic, personal and athletic eligibility matters. Work to enhance and nurture the relationship between the student-athlete Academic Success program and the student-athletes, coaches and faculty.

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About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Associate Athletic Director of Academic Success, develop and implement academic support services for student-athletes in assigned sports, to include advising and counseling student-athletes on academic, personal and athletic eligibility matters. Work to enhance and nurture the relationship between the student-athlete Academic Success program and the student-athletes, coaches and faculty.

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Essential Functions

• Responsible for the academic counseling of student-athletes as assigned. This includes but is not limited to coordinating and supervising study hall activities, tutoring activities, and approval of course related books.
• Communicate with student-athletes, coaches, and other applicable administrative staff regarding assigned student-athletes’ academic records in regard to matriculation, graduation and NCAA eligibility.
• Monitor and identify the means for student-athletes to satisfy NCAA progress toward degree completion requirements, as well as specific program graduation requirements including evaluating and making recommendations on academic suspension and dismissal petitions.
• Counsel and advise student-athletes in establishing realistic and attainable goals regarding course and major selection, study skills, time management and career choices.
• Identify at-risk student-athletes and works with the Learning Specialist, coaching staff, tutors and other departments to ensure necessary support and monitoring.
• Maintain confidential student files and records documenting all pertinent student-athlete academic and NCAA eligibility information within the Department, University, NCAA and FERPA regulations.
• Utilize the SPIRE registration and records system regularly to monitor and update internal academic records.
• Meet with prospective student-athletes during the academic portion of the recruitment process to disseminate information regarding the athletic Academic Success program and general University academic requirements.
• Provide referrals to the Office of Athletic Health Enhancement and appropriate campus resources for assistance as needed.
• Responsible for adhering to the philosophies and regulations of the Department, Conference, University, and NCAA as they relate to assigned duties in the Academic Success area.
• Responsible for keeping abreast of current trends and developments in the field through publications, seminars, and conferences.
• Responsible for strict adherence to NCAA, conference, and University rules and regulations.

Other Functions

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Bachelor’s Degree required from an accredited institution in counseling, education or related field.
• One to three years of demonstrated experience in academic support services
• Advanced oral and written communications skills.
• Working knowledge of computers and student database systems.
• Prior working knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends.
• Ability to foster and maintain working relationships with various athletic, University, and public constituencies.
• Ability to act independently and exercise sound judgment.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Master’s Degree from an accredited institution in counseling, education or related field.
• One year of demonstrated experience in intercollegiate athletics academic support services

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

Typical Office Environment Activity

Work Schedule

Monday- Friday, 37.5 hours per week. Evenings and weekends may be required depending on the demands of the position.

Salary Information

Level 25

PSU Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.

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