Overview

Job Location:
Waltham, MA

Job Description Summary

Undergraduate Academic Advising is committed to empowering students in achieving both their academic and personal aspirations. As an integral part of the Office of Student Success, our Undergraduate Academic Advisors foster a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive environment that promotes both intellectual and personal growth. Advisors guide students through thoughtful decision-making, helping them navigate their academic path while encouraging them to leverage their strengths, embrace new opportunities, and fully immerse themselves in the transformative experience of university life. Our mission is to equip students to intentionally optimize their time here, enabling them to thrive academically, socially, and personally.

Essential Duties:

  • Provide personalized developmental advising to a diverse group of undergraduate students across all academic programs and class years, offering guidance tailored to their unique educational journey.
  • Collaborate with a dynamic team that emphasizes mutual support and is deeply committed to achieving collective goals.
  • Assist with short-term academic planning each semester, helping students understand degree requirements and develop well-balanced schedules that promote academic success and sustained growth.
  • Support long-term academic planning, helping students align their academic programs with both current and future goals, and teaching them how to adapt their pathways to reach their aspirations.
  • Communicate and clarify curriculum details as well as academic policies and procedures, ensuring students understand the requirements and expectations they need to meet for academic success.
  • Offer support to students facing academic challenges, specifically those with academic standing concerns, providing the necessary guidance to help them improve.
  • Maintain detailed records of student meetings, including appropriate notes and documentation of student engagement, support, and referrals.
  • Make appropriate referrals to additional resources, including academic, social, and emotional support, ensuring students have access to a well-rounded network for success.
  • Develop and engage in academic advising programs that contribute to the dynamic and supportive Bentley community.
  • Stay informed about current educational trends and advising best practices, understanding the unique challenges of student populations, including First Gen students, transfer students, international students, and students from underrepresented backgrounds.
  • Cultivate strong collaborative relationships with faculty, Academic Affairs, and Student Affairs staff, and student leaders to foster an engaged and cohesive campus environment.

Other Duties:

  • Participate in and assist with large-scale undergraduate academic advising initiatives, including, but not limited to, New Student Orientation, Registration, Open House for Prospective Students, Admitted Students’ Day, and Falcon Weekend.
  • Guide students through the academic petition process, assisting with submissions to the Committee for Academic Policy Exception and the Committee for Academic Standing.
  • Complete other administrative tasks as needed to support the advising team and the larger department.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • A master’s degree conferred by Spring 2025 (preferably in education, student affairs administration, counseling, or a related field) with a minimum of one year of relevant professional or graduate internship experience.
  • Exceptional interpersonal communication skills, both written and verbal, coupled with strong organizational abilities.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and work autonomously or collaboratively within a team.
  • Comfortable in a challenging but rewarding environment, adept at managing a wide range of responsibilities.
  • Detailed-oriented, with understanding of university curriculum requirements.
  • Technologically proficient, with a quick aptitude for learning new systems and tools.
  • Experience engaging with a diverse student body and a dedication to promoting an inclusive and supportive environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 and Zoom; familiarity with higher education technologies such as Workday Student, Navigate360, College Scheduler, or similar student information and advising systems.
  • Experience with social, digital, and print media to support communication and engagement efforts.

Work Environment:

  • Office setting, occasional evening and weekend work is required.
  • Requires extended periods of sitting or standing and use of computer.
  • Bentley University requires references checks and may conduct other pre-employment screening.

Bentley University requires references checks and may conduct other pre-employment screening.

DIVERSITY STATEMENT

Bentley University strives to create a campus community that welcomes the exchange of ideas, and fosters a culture that values differences and views them as a strength in our community.

Bentley University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, building strength through diversity. The University is committed to building a community of talented students, faculty and staff who reflect the diversity of global business. We strongly encourage applications from persons from underrepresented groups, individuals with disabilities, covered veterans and those with diverse experiences and backgrounds.