Job Summary

Under the general supervision of the CLA Associate Dean for Student Success, the CLA Academic Advisor provides advising and related retention services. The incumbent works with a moderate degree of independence to provide holistic academic advising to undergraduate students including developing tailored academic plans; selecting courses, concentrations, and minors; referring to campus partners such as basic needs programs and Campus Health & Wellbeing; explaining campus policies and procedures; recommending strategies for academic success; guiding students through the change of major process; interpreting curriculum sheets and articulation agreements; and assisting with new student recruitment and orientation programming.

Department Summary

With close to 3500 students in its 18 undergraduate majors, the College of Liberal Arts provides numerous concentrations within its majors, a variety of disciplinary and interdisciplinary minors, as well as a substantial portion of general education (GE) for all majors. The CLA sees diversity as central to its mission and is committed to fostering an equitable and inclusive environment within the college and university. The college values our diversity of complex and intersecting identities, while striving to maintain an environment that is socially just, equitable, respectful, and inclusive.

The College of Liberal Arts (CLA) Advising Center provides an equitable, inclusive, and encouraging environment that supports students’ academic and personal success. CLA Advising fosters the retention, persistence, and graduation of all liberal arts students through one-on-one academic advising, group sessions and targeted outreach.

Key Qualifications

• Ability to work in an inclusive environment, supporting students, staff, and faculty with diverse and intersecting identities in an equitable and culturally competent manner.
• Ability to work effectively as a part of a diverse team and to involve others in problem-solving.
• Excellent attention to detail and thoroughness.
• Skilled at counseling or advising individuals and in groups on complex student-related matters, including students from historically underserved student populations, first-generation college, and Pell-eligible.

Education and Experience

• Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university in one of the behavioral sciences, public or business administration or a job-related field. Two years of professional experience in one of the student services program areas or in a related field. A master’s degree in a job-related field may be substituted for one year of professional experience. Additional specialized experience during which the applicant has acquired and successfully applied the required knowledge and abilities may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

Salary and Benefits

Anticipated Hiring Range: $55,320 - $60,420 annually

Classification Range: $55,320 - $78,672 annually

Cal Poly offers a best-in-class benefits program, including health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement participation in the Public Employees' Retirement System, and educational benefits for eligible employees. See our benefits website for additional information.

Cal Poly

Cal Poly is a nationally-ranked public university located in San Luis Obispo, California, and known for its Learn by Doing philosophy. Each year more than 20,000 top-tier students come to San Luis Obispo to put knowledge into action, taking their learning outside the classroom as they prepare for careers in engineering, agriculture, science, business, humanities and the built environment. Cal Poly’s hands-on philosophy, small class sizes and close student-faculty mentorships result in graduates ready from day one to impact their communities, California and the world. For more information, visit calpoly.edu.

Diversity Statement

At Cal Poly, we believe that cultivating an environment that embraces and promotes diversity is fundamental to the success of our students, our employees and our community. Bringing people together from different backgrounds, experiences and value systems fosters the innovative and creative thinking that exemplifies Cal Poly's values of free inquiry, cultural and intellectual diversity, mutual respect, civic engagement, and social and environmental responsibility.
Cal Poly's commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring and retention. Cal Poly is an equal opportunity employer.

Supplemental Information

Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with Cal Poly. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Cal Poly has designated as sensitive.

The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo is not a sponsoring agency for staff positions (i.e. H-1B visas).

Positions are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days.