At the University of California, Berkeley, we are committed to creating a community that fosters equity of experience and opportunity, and ensures that students, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds feel safe, welcome and included. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.

The University of California, Berkeley, is one of the world's leading institutions of higher education, distinguished by its combination of internationally recognized academic and research excellence; the transformative opportunity it provides to a large and diverse student body; its public mission and commitment to equity and social justice; and its roots in the California experience, animated by such values as innovation, questioning the status quo, and respect for the environment and nature. Since its founding in 1868, Berkeley has fueled a perpetual renaissance, generating unparalleled intellectual, economic and social value in California, the United States and the world.

We are looking for equity-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present in our community. When you join the team at Berkeley, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, innovative and equity-focused community that approaches higher education as a matter of social justice that requires broad collaboration among faculty, staff, students and community partners. In deciding whether to apply for a position at Berkeley, you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, our Principles of Community, and our Strategic Plan.

At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. To find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley, visit grow.berkeley.edu.

Departmental Overview

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) at UC Berkeley is a worldwide leader in developing engineering solutions to societal-scale challenges. Berkeley CEE conducts cutting-edge research in evolving and vital areas that address societal needs for well-designed and well-operated buildings, energy, transportation, and water systems. These critical systems must be reliable and resilient in the face of hazards such as earthquakes and flooding. Extensive efforts will be needed to adapt civil infrastructure to withstand adverse changes in weather and climate. Our research and teaching serve the needs of a growing and increasingly urban world population that requires sustainable improvements in standards of living.

Berkeley CEE research establishes and advances the intellectual foundations of new fields of study. We develop theory and improve understanding, and provide tools and techniques for solving important new problems. The educational activities of Berkeley CEE focus on developing future leaders in the engineering profession, in academia, and in the broader societal context. Through individual and collective efforts, Berkeley CEE serves the needs of our College and University and provides technical expertise and service to other public, private, and professional entities.

Berkeley CEE is a place of intellectual vitality and diversity in which all students, faculty, and staff have the opportunity and the impetus to achieve their highest potential. Signs of this vitality and diversity are seen in innovative research conducted by students and faculty; creative, flexible, adaptable, and forward-looking curricula; outstanding classroom teaching; attentive academic mentoring; and a shared sense of a community that is inclusive and respectful of all members. We are proud of our contributions to the public mission of the University of California, as demonstrated, for example, by our role in providing access to higher education for students from low and middle-income families.

The Student Services Advisor is the primary contact for undergraduate CEE and Engineering Science students as well as prospective undergraduate students, including two joint undergraduate programs with other Colleges outside of Berkeley campus. Responsibilities include advising undergraduate students, managing activities related to the undergraduate program (including recruitment, admissions, and retention), administering undergraduate programs, overseeing undergraduate teams and activities (including risk management), administering departmental undergraduate fellowship monies and awards, overseeing undergraduate curriculum and providing students, prospective students, faculty, staff, and the general public with detailed knowledge of the University, College, and departmental policies and procedures. Additionally, this position provides individualized services to the underrepresented, diverse populations of undergraduates, developing plans and programs to enhance the experience and increase retention among high risk populations.

This is a 6-month, full time contract opportunity with the possibility of extension.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: September 21, 2023

Responsibilities

40% Course Scheduling, Enrollment and E-Grades

• Independently and primarily responsible for all duties associated with CEE and Engineering Science curriculum. Devises curriculum planning in collaboration with the department chair, faculty, and with other departments, to ensure students' progress through course sequences, avoiding conflicts, and ensuring compliance with campus-wide policies.
• Works with other departments and colleges to set up and manage the numerous cross-listed and room-shared courses.
• Expertly uses the Student Information System as primary enrollment manager; devises solutions to classroom space and scheduling problems, taking into account the curriculum needs of students, their specialty programs, the needs of faculty and campus, and available options.
• Provides up to date enrollment data to Director of Student Services, Voce Chairs, and Chair in the formation of TAS budgets and ASE hiring plans.
• Advises faculty on DSP policy and allocates department space for DSP accommodations.
• Administers student-run DeCal classes.

30% Academic Advising

• Independently advises students and faculty on CEE and Engineering Science Undergraduate and Graduate requirements for degree/program completion, reviews student progress, and works with students with progression problems.
• Determines strategies to ensure students' academic success and enhance student experience.
• Advises Vice Chair and Chair on a variety of student issues and concerns, including strategic planning, curriculum plans, and identifying systemic problems and their solutions.
• Liaises with the Engineering Student Services advisors to support undergraduate advising and serves as the primary advisor for MS/MEng advising - approximately 250 students.
• Independently organizes undergraduate and graduate students to provide a diverse and engaged community. Assists students with event planning and development of academic support, especially for at-risk students, using graduate student mentorship and Chi Epsilon tutoring.
• Serves as liaison between department and students; facilitates communication between student leadership and chair; apprises students of department policies and procedures. Works with the eight student competition teams to facilitate team travel and risk assessment issues associated with their competitions.
• Monitors department Web site relative to undergraduate admissions and advising matters, updating information in a timely manner. Coordinates department updates to the College of Engineering Undergraduate Guide, Graduate Division, and the Berkeley Academic Guide.

20% Program Administration/Curriculum Management

• Recommends improvements to the undergraduate programs to the Undergraduate Curriculum Committee and Vice Chair. Advises committee on complex curricular issues and recommends courses of action when new courses and programs are introduced; analyzes the consequences of academic policies and recommends new or changes in policies; recommends solutions to complex problems without precedent.
• In conjunction with faculty and College staff, plans, develops, and administers specialized and complex programs and projects that are designed to enhance students' experience and success, such as the department's Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program, the CEE Scholars program (for at-risk students), GLOBE, the CE + M.E.T. program and the Mills 3+2 program.
• Coordinates program efforts within the department, with other departments across campus and with other universities and colleges; advises students/staff/faculty regarding selection of students; tracks student progress and success, ensuring availability of classes and resources for successful completion of programs. Facilitates new course approval and curriculum revisions through interaction with the Committee on Courses and Instruction, the College and the Academic Senate.
• For all undergraduate sub-programs, including the 3 undergraduate minors and 1 professional certificate, approves applications, tracks student progress and administers awards, minor, and/or certificate at completion of studies.

5% Recruitment, Admissions, and Career Planning

• Manages all Undergraduate recruitment events - with specific focus on Cal Day. Supports administratively with graduate admission processes to ensure timely delivery of admissions letters and awards.
• Advise students on the job market and the job standards specific to the student's career interests. Works independently with the Career Center. Coordinates organization of job fairs, company info sessions and on-campus interviews. Identifies and cultivates potential employers and donors.

5% Financial Aid

• Oversees the administration, evaluation, and awarding of departmental undergraduate and graduate student fellowships, grants, scholarships, and other awards; advises students on financial aid options on campus and extra-mural fellowship opportunities. Recommends award dispersal to Vice Chair and Chair. Oversees the funds allocated to the undergraduate programs for special programs. Supports Vice Chair annual TAS request.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
• Advanced knowledge of advising and counseling techniques.
• Extensive knowledge of university and college regulations and policies
• Skills in monitoring/assessing people, processes or services, to make improvements and resolve complex problems.
• Skills in social perceptiveness, persuasion and leadership. Experience with conflict management and personal and academic crisis intervention.
• Ability in problem identification and reasoning, and ability to develop original ideas to improve student experience and success.
• In-depth knowledge of the field's post-degree employment opportunities and practices.
• Multicultural competencies; ability to work with diverse populations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of University-specific computer application programs.
• Knowledge of University and departmental principles and procedures involved in risk assessment and evaluating risks as to likelihood and consequences.

Salary & Benefits

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $5,841.67 to $8,116.67 monthly ($70,100 to $97,400 yearly).

Other Information

This is a 6-month, full time contract opportunity with the possibility of extension.

Conviction History Background

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. For more information about your rights as an applicant, please see the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission poster.

For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy, please see the University of California Discrimination, Harassment, and Affirmative Action in the Workplace policy.