The Academic Advisor for the current Caine College of the Arts provides comprehensive academic advising services to current, prospective, and former students. This position supports students in developing academic plans, understanding degree and graduation requirements, and utilizing university resources. The advisor works collaboratively with departments, the Dean’s Office, and university partners to implement advising initiatives that promote student success, retention, and timely graduation. This position reports to the Advising Supervisor and may supervise student employees.

• Provides timely and effective advising services in person, by phone, virtually, or via email to students.
• Delivers accurate information on curriculum, university and departmental policies, graduation requirements, and program expectations.
• Develops semester-by-semester academic plans in DegreeWorks and monitors students’ academic progress.
• Encourages students to define and pursue realistic academic and career goals.
• Guides students through responsible decision-making and problem-solving processes related to academic planning.
• Assists students in understanding the purpose of higher education and its connection to personal and professional goals.
• Educates students on the value of building learning communities, peer networks, and support systems.
• Connects students to appropriate campus and community resources.
• Maintains accurate and confidential records of advising interactions.
• Promotes student engagement, retention, and academic success through individualized support and developmental advising practices.
• Utilizes advising technologies and systems proactively to monitor student progress and support timely degree completion.
• Prepares graduation contracts and completes advisor approvals for graduation.
• Participates in departmental, college, and university recruitment and outreach events as needed.
• Engages in ongoing professional development to stay current with advising best practices and institutional policies.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualification:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience advising students or working in student services in a university setting.
• Familiarity with Utah State University’s academic programs, general education requirements, and student support services.
• Appreciation and interest in the arts; knowledge of music or performing arts programs is a plus.
• Experience using USU student information systems and advising tools (e.g., DegreeWorks, Banner).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including effective public speaking and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Capacity to learn and maintain up-to-date knowledge of complex academic programs, requirements, and university policies.
• Ability to advise students in one-on-one and group settings.
• Understanding of student development theory and the ability to apply it in advising contexts.
• Commitment to working with students from diverse backgrounds and fostering an inclusive environment.
• Skilled in using current and emerging technologies to enhance advising effectiveness.
• Strong problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines.
• Professionalism, discretion, and adherence to confidentiality standards.

Disclaimer

This position description indicates the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this position.

Along with the online application, please attach:

1. Resume to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV”
2. Name and contact information for 3 professional references to be entered into Candidate Profile
3. Cover Letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Employees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes. The employee is regularly required to sit and often uses repetitive hand motions.

The Arts at Utah State University comprises approximately 100 full-time faculty, adjunct instructors, 25 graduate students, and 900 undergraduates. The current college offers MFAs with 12 emphasis areas and BFAs with 34 different areas. The Arts fosters a collaborative “community of the arts” that supports discovery, interdisciplinary learning, and public engagement. The college’s outreach initiatives position Utah State University as a national model for the “new land-grant university,” where the arts play a vital role in academic and community enrichment.

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.

USU enrolls 28,900 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU Online educates students from all 50 states and 55 countries. For over 25 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns in all of Utah’s counties.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level, USU is a proud member of the Mountain West Conference and will join the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 season. The Aggies’ long-standing tradition of athletic and academic excellence is exemplified by conference championships in multiple sports, reflecting USU's commitment to perseverance and achievement.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU. 

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu. 

*updated 02/2025

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

Executive Director of the Office of Equity Matthew Pinner, discrimination@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 401, 435-797-1266

Title IX Coordinator Cody Carmichael, titleix@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 404, 435-797-1266

Mailing address: 5100 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit https://equity.usu.edu/, or contact:

U.S. Department of Education, Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 800-421-3481, OCR@ed.gov

*updated 09/2023