Meeting: December 22, 2014
ADMINISTRATIVE FACULTY POSITION DESCRIPTION QUESTIONNAIRE
To expedite and facilitate the PDQ review process, please send the PDQ and Org Chart electronically to
marshag@unr.edu for discussion and for initial review before routing PDQ for approval signatures.
Questions - call UNR Faculty HR at 682-6114
INSTRUCTIONS: See http://www.unr.edu/vpaf/hr/compensation/placement.html for complete instructions.
Incumbent(s) Name (if applicable):
Position #(s): new
Current Title:
Current Range:
(JCC: )
Department: Dean’s Office
College/Division: College of Agriculture,
Biotechnology & Natural Resources
Account #(s): 1101-150-0002
Action Proposed: (check all that apply)
2
(X) New position: Proposed Range:
Proposed Title: Academic Advisor, College of Agriculture,
Biotechnology & Natural Resources (CABNR)
( ) Title Change, Proposed Title:
( ) Proposed Reassignment from Range
to Range
( ) Revised PDQ only (no change in range or title)
JCC (Current
( ) Line of Progression (show titles below)
or new HR
Range:
assigned):
I certify that the statements in this description are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge.
____________________________________________________________
Employee’s Signature
__________________
Date
I/we have reviewed the statements in this form and they accurately reflect the job assignments.
____________________________________________________________
__________________
Immediate Supervisor’s Signature
Juana Reynoza-Gomez
Date
CABNR Coordinator of Student Affairs and Outreach
____________________________________________________________
__________________
Director/Chair/Dean
William A. Payne, Dean CABNR
Date
Approved for Salary Placement Committee review.
____________________________________________________________
Pres / Vice Pres / Vice Prov Signature Stacy Burton
Vice Provost, Faculty Affairs
__________________
Date
Action Approved by the Provost/President (Completed by Faculty HR):
67638 Range:
2
Pos #(s):
JCC:
EEO: 3A
Eff: 12/1/2014
Approved Title: Academic Advisor
Employee signs on “final” stamped approved PDQ and sends to HR for personnel file.
Employee Signature:_______________________________________________ __________________
Date
Printed Name: ____________________________________________________
Rev: 10/1/2012
Position Description – Academic Advisor, College of ABNR
Page 2
1. Summary Statement: State the major function(s) of the position and its role in the
university. Attach an organizational chart with positions, ranges, and names for the division
which reflects the position in it as well as those supervised in the department. (This section is
used for advertisement of the position.)
The Academic Advisor in the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources (CABNR)
is responsible for providing academic advising to prospective, new, transfer, and continuing students
on general academic and specific curricular requirements in individual and group advising settings.
The individual serves as a resource for all new and current students to assure that they are making
timely progress toward graduation. The incumbent works closely with the students and their
designated faculty advisors on academic progress and curricular issues. The individual works closely
with and assists the CABNR Coordinator of Student Affairs and Outreach with retention, advising, and
recruitment activities. The Academic Advisor reports to the CABNR Coordinator of Student Affairs and
Outreach.
2. List the major responsibilities, including percentage of time devoted to each. Provide
enough detail to enable a person outside the department to understand the job (percentage
first with heading and then bulleted information).
60% - Academic Advising
 Advise incoming CABNR freshmen and transfer students and educate, interpret, and
implement academic rules and requirements and current academic advising information
 Serve as the primary academic advisor for freshman and sophomore students and work with
designated faculty on the advising of junior and senior level students
 Provide individual and group student advising
 Assist with preparation of advising materials for new and transfer student orientation
 Generate and process necessary forms (Change/Declaration of Major, Exception forms, etc.)
and route to Admissions and Records
 Remove advising holds in MyNevada to allow students to register for courses once they have
completed required advising
 Collaborate with faculty advisors on requests for exceptions, course waivers, and on
articulation issues
 Develop plans for current students on Academic Probation or facing Dismissal; complete all
required forms related to Academic Probation and Dismissal
 Attend all university advising functions as a representative of CABNR (freshmen honors
advising, New and Transfer Student Orientation, etc.)
 Foster good working relationships with academic representatives in other colleges within the
university and with the Advising Center for Undecided Students to allow for enhanced
communication to facilitate transitions for new and continuing students
 Assist as liaison between CABNR and numerous campus offices including, Admissions and
Records, Academic and Support Services and other academic colleges
20% - Student Retention and Recruitment
 Coordinate retention activities and data analysis for retention efforts
 Assist the CABNR Coordinator of Student Affairs and Outreach with planning, preparation and
participation in off and on campus student related activities, i.e., class presentations, College
Welcome Event, etc.
 Assist CABNR Coordinator of Student Affairs and Outreach with the advisement of the
CABNR Ambassadors program which uses student volunteers to recruit and retain students
including setting direction, identifying student roles, and coordinating activities
 Plan, prepare and participate in assigned retention related activities
Position Description – Academic Advisor, College of ABNR
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Participate in on-campus recruitment activities for CABNR including coordinating participation
of student and faculty representatives, developing written materials and organizing a program
for college sessions
Provide information on Student Services’ resources to students and make appropriate referrals
20% - Program and Project Coordination
 Manage the graduation verification process for CABNR in compliance with the Office of
Admission and Records
 Prepare for graduation audits and consult with faculty and Admissions and Records to resolve
issues
 Review each student’s completion of degree requirements and make corrections and changes
within defined parameters to prepare documentation for gradation that is complete and
accurate
 Create and maintain materials related to advising, such as the CABNR Advising Handbook,
advising webpages, blog, etc.
 Provide training to peer leaders for advising, orientation and other outreach events
 Provide support to faculty in the coordination of CABNR specific internships. These duties
include posting and promoting internship opportunities, coordinating the application process,
and providing administrative support for the Annual CABNR Natural Resources Career Fair.
3. Describe the level of freedom to take action and make decisions with or without
supervision and how the results of the work performed impact the department, division and/or
the university as a whole.
Level of Freedom:
Quality academic advising, retention, and collaboration are the primary goals of this position. The
Academic Advisor educates students in understanding academic requirements for graduation and
problem resolution. The Academic Advisor makes decisions related to the day-to-day operations of
assigned projects and has authority to request corrections to students’ academic records within
defined parameters. The individual serves as a referral point in student development such as tutoring,
mentoring, and retention toward graduation. The Academic Advisor consults the CABNR Coordinator
of Student Affairs and Outreach regarding decisions related to short- and long-term planning of
projects and activities. The individual collects and analyzes data that is used in the Dean’s office, the
Department Chairs, and faculty advisors as well as the University. Decisions are made based on
current policies and procedures and more complex problems and difficult student issues and concerns
will be discussed with the CABNR Coordinator of Student Affairs and Outreach for advice and
resolution.
Impact:
The Academic Advisor is a primary resource for CABNR students to visit and gather information that
will affect their standing and progress in the University. Decisions made by the Academic Advisor
impact the retention, persistence, and graduation for undergraduate students served by the programs
in CABNR. A negative experience may cause a future student to decide not to attend the University
of Nevada, Reno or any other higher educational institution and may create a negative reputation for
CABNR and the University.
4. Describe the knowledge, skills (to include cognitive requirement and verbal and written
communication), and abilities (to include task complexity, problem solving, creativity and
innovation) essential to successful performance of this job (in bullet format).
Knowledge of:
 Academic advising/counseling, assessment, and college student development theory
 Best practices in retention and persistence programs
Position Description – Academic Advisor, College of ABNR
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Skills:
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Data analysis
Higher education organizational structures, operations and policies
General university administrative policies and procedures, especially those related to
undergraduates
Problem solving for students’ issues and concerns
Educational and curricular and support services and resources available to students
Excellent verbal and written communication
Interpersonal and human relations
Problem solving for students’ issues and concerns
Data management skills
Problem solving, encouraging collaboration and coordination with other staff
Time management and organizational skills
Proficiency in use of a personal computer and current software applications including but not
limited to MyNevada, Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, and email)
Ability to:
 Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information
 Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with supervisor, department chairs,
faculty, college administrators, and other campus personnel
 Manage, prioritize, and complete multiple projects/tasks in an efficient and timely manner while
maintaining focus on organizational goals
 Manage resources effectively
 Understand and interpret formalized policies, guidelines, rules, and regulations
 Work evenings and weekends when necessary
 Be sensitive to the needs of first generation students and diverse cultural groups
5. Describe the type of personal contacts encountered in performing the duties of the job.
Explain the nature and purpose of these contacts: i.e., to provide services, to resolve
problems, to negotiate.
Internal
New and current students
Academic faculty, department
chairs
Student Services and other
campus staff
Advising Center for Undecided
Students
External
Prospective students/family
High School counselors and
other college advisors
Reason for Contact
To provide academic advising, use MyNevada to review
academic transcripts and advising audit reports, interpret
academic data, and make appropriate referrals
To serve as a primary contact/resource for advisement related
inquiries and make academic referrals
To maintain a cooperative working relationship with personnel;
obtain current information related to their services and
disseminate information
To receive student referrals and coordinate communication
about major/minor curricular changes
Reason for Contact
To answer questions related to College of Science academic
programs and degree requirements
To explain preparation, requirements, placement and articulation
process
Position Description – Academic Advisor, College of ABNR
Page 5
6. Indicate the minimum qualifications which are necessary in filling this position should it
become vacant. Please keep in mind the duties/responsibilities of the position rather than the
qualifications of the incumbent.
a.
Minimum educational level, including appropriate field, if any.
Bachelor’s Degree
b.
Minimum type and amount of work experience, in addition to the above required
education necessary for a person entering this position.
Bachelor’s Degree and two years, or a Master’s Degree and one year, of related
experience in academic advising, teaching, student services or related fields
Preferred Licenses or Certifications: None
c.
Indicate any license or certificate required for this position.
None