Honors College

The MedOpp Advising Office at the University of Missouri is hiring an Academic Advisor. MedOpp provides supplemental advising for undergraduates and exploring careers in medicine (MD and DO), physician assistant, dentistry, optometry, podiatry, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. MedOpp advisors work with all majors across campus, augmenting the work of major advisors to provide guidance in the additional considerations for candidates to these programs.

What MedOpp Advisors Do
The MedOpp Advisor will help guide students through critical decisions regarding their academic planning. They provide complex, detailed information about professional health program admission requirements, refer to appropriate resources to support students in all aspects related to academic success, and commit to ongoing learning and professional development. The advisor in this position will be required to have a working knowledge of academic eligibility requirements for professional health programs to help students make informed decisions about their academic plans. This requires critical thinking, attention to detail, and communication skills, as well as the ability to work independently while developing collaborative relationships with colleagues and students from a variety of backgrounds.

This position also serves a crucial role in the Committee Interview and Committee Letter process for medical and dental candidates. The process involves reviewing the application materials of MU candidates for medical and dental schools, co-conducting interviews, and drafting letters of evaluation within the framework and rubric provided. This process involves strong writing and evaluative skills in addition to critical thinking, attention to detail, and communication skills.

This position assists in recruitment and retention initiatives as well as orientation and onboarding processes for new students. Additionally, advisors must remain current with and regularly use technology to monitor student progress and support student outreach. Advisors must exercise excellent professional judgment and discretion, as well as make decisions on a regular basis that impact student welfare and the institution.

Duties:

• Provide advising to undergraduate students and recent alumni with a declared interest in professional health careers
• Counsel students about career resources, co-curricular activities, and resources necessary to support students’ professional and personal interests
• Review application materials, co-interview students, and write committee letters of evaluation for MU students applying to medical and dental school
• Actively engage in professional development and continually engage in advising practices that support students from a wide range of backgrounds
• Maintain accurate and confidential electronic records of every student interaction, including in-person, phone, and online visits
• Collaborate with advisors, faculty, administration, and other staff across the university, especially in academic units in which most pre-professional health students are enrolled
• Stay abreast of current issues and trends related to college students’ academic success, persistence, and career readiness for the medical profession through active professional development
• Collaborate with the MedOpp team to consider and develop new MedOpp and professional advising initiatives
• Serve on appropriate committees and represent office at campus-wide events including recruitment and commencement ceremonies
• Participate in ongoing professional development
• May be required to teach student success and/or orientation courses

What We Are Looking For
The University of Missouri is seeking dedicated, student-focused professionals. The necessary skills for this position include:

• Ability to provide holistic, affirming support for all students
• Demonstrated experience providing direct, 1:1 support and group advising sessions, requiring patience and follow-through
• Attention to detail and ability to master and synthesize complex details to best inform and guide students
• Strong critical thinking skills and writing ability

Skills You Will Learn

• Technology: Advisors use multiple platforms, including the student information/registration system, application management software platforms, and others. The ability and desire to learn and successfully use multiple platforms is necessary.
• Theory and Practice of Academic Advising: Academic advisors engage in continual learning and professional development to support students with best practices.
• Curriculum Requirements: this advisor will teach students about curricular requirements, as well as recommend co-curricular opportunities.

8 am – 5 pm with occasional evening and weekend events. Work Location: On-campus

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 1 year of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary

Master’s degree minimum strongly preferred. Experience in higher education, particularly in student support. We are looking for someone who is invested in continual learning and enjoys providing guidance and support to help students make important decisions.

Salary Range: $38,480 - $54,787

Grade: GGS-008

University Title: Academic Advisor

Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

To apply, candidates should submit 1) a resume; 2) a cover letter that outlines interest in the position and commitment to supporting students in their collegiate experience

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours’ drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County’s largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen cultural festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Values Commitment
We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person’s success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research, and engagement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations. For more information, visit https://www.umsystem.edu/ums/hr/eeo or call the Director of Employee and Labor Relations at 573-882-2146.
To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.