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Simmons University
  • Position Number: 1376988
  • Location: Boston, MA
  • Position Type: Academic Advising


Academic Advisor

Main Campus - Boston, MA
R05614

The Academic Advisor is responsible for managing the advising functions for new and enrolled students in SocialWork@Simmons. The Advisor participates in the planning, implementation and evaluation of the academic advisement program's goals and objectives. The Academic Advisor also participates in decision making in the admissions process for escalated applications.

The Academic Advisor will facilitate student success by defining and implementing strategies that help students fulfill educational goals. The Advisor will monitor degree completion, interpret Simmons School of Social Work policies and procedures, use judgment to provide solutions and resolve student problems.

The Advisor takes a leadership role in addressing retention and persistence for online students. Specifically, the Advisor works more intensively with students admitted under a conditional admissions status and students exhibiting poor academic performance; these are students who are at higher risk for withdrawal, leave of absence and dismissal. The Advisor collaborates with the external partner and the Simmons College registrar to manage data on persistence and retention, the Advisor analyzes this data and presents it to the weekly Core team meeting for the purpose of addressing needs of students at risk for program non-completion and for reviewing policies impacting student retention that may be in need of revision.

The Academic Advisor works closely with the Associate Program Director and the College's external partner and has regular contact with their student support team.

This is a full-time position located on the Simmons University campus in Boston.

As an MSW-prepared social worker, the Academic Advisor ensures that academic advising is provided within the framework of graduate preparation for professional practice as a licensed clinical social worker.

Provides comprehensive academic advisement to all online students including:
Provides students pre-emptive guidance on acclimating to new graduate online learning environment.
Provides individual and group advising sessions in which policies and requirements are communicated, concerns are addressed and problems are identified.
Establishes and implements referral and follow up procedures for students needing additional services.
Ensures all information regarding academic standards, academic requirements and policies is current and easily accessible to students.
Assesses cohort need for additional group or community supports; designs and implements supports (e.g., group meetings, drop-in times, social events, connection through social media).
When consulted by classroom faculty, uses discretion to advise the modification of an academic policy (e.g., consequence for absence or late assignment) and in that way interprets program policies and best practices for classroom faculty on behalf of program.
Understands and applies College's interpretation of FERPA rules regarding student privacy and records.

Identifies at-risk students and oversees appropriate services and actions, including:
In consideration of educational risk factors, uses judgment to determine whether an individual student needs more frequent contact with advisor or referral to additional support services.
Works closely with students who are at risk for dismissal or withdrawal to assist in working toward academic success, in that way directly impacts retention rate. In addition, maintains data on retention and based on analysis of that data recommends changes in program's policies and procedures.
Collaborates with Director of online Field Education to determine needs of at risk students.
Determines whether student performance issues should be addressed through the formal review process that can include Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3 reviews process (can be in conjunction with faculty), facilitates decision making that will address student retention.
Assists with probation, dismissal and reinstatement decisions, makes recommendations on specific cases.
Interprets and applies ethical framework represented in Simmons School of Social Work Social Work Standards for Professional Practice Education and the National Association of Social Work (NASW) Social Work Code of Ethics to academic advising activities and decision-making, in advisement responses to student unethical or unprofessional behavior in classroom and school community.

Creates and maintains administrative structures and organizational relationships (internal and external) to ensure efficient and effective functioning of academic advising services, including:
Creates and maintains systems for tracking student performance issues.
Establishes and maintains relationships with Simmons College offices such as the Writing Center, Academic Services; helps facilitate accommodation requests.
Coordinates with College Registrar's Office and external partner's Post-Enrollment Services Office.

Reviews and improves of effectiveness of online academic advising
Collects and interprets data using student information reports and program surveys and/or assessments; analyzes data, and presents results to associate program directors and Director and to external partner; uses data to implement program improvement measures.
When policies need review or revision, participates in formulating new policies; identifies policies that need revision

Admissions decisions for escalated applications
Reads admissions applications for which there is not consensus on final decision. Makes decisions on whether applicant is admitted as full or conditional admit.

Qualifications: MSW required; LICSW preferred.

Required Application Materials:
  • Resume
  • Cover letter
  • Contact information for and relationship to three references



Salary Grade
S05

Instructions to Applicants: Please upload all applicable application materials (e.g. resume/cv, cover letter, writing sample, teaching philosophy, etc.) in the "Resume/CV" box on page 2 ("My Experience") of this application. Documents can be uploaded individually or as a combined document (e.g. PDF).

Simmons University is committed to inclusive excellence in all aspects of an individual's community experience. As a university committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, Simmons encourages applications from all under-represented groups. Simmons is committed to creating, developing, promoting, and enhancing inclusive hiring practices-at all levels, for all positions-ensuring diverse talent pools and the delivery of a consistent positive candidate experience. Simmons is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to continuing to develop a more diverse faculty, staff, student body, and curriculum.


To apply, visit https://simmons.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/Simmons-Careers/job/Main-Campus---Boston-MA/Academic-Advisor_R05614

Located in Bostons historic Fenway area, Simmons College is a small, private, non-sectarian College which has educated students for enriching careers and purposeful lives since 1899. Working at Simmons means joining a collaborative, diverse and mission-driven community of educators and professionals.

We prepare students to be leaders for themselves, their communities and the world. Our faculty and staff members lead by example - sharing a commitment to excellence and putting the students first.