Description:

Job Description Summary:

The Student Advisor offers comprehensive academic guidance and support to foster academic achievement, professional growth, and overall program success. This position serves as a primary resource for students, assisting with course planning, progression, and career direction while fostering engagement and retention through proactive, relationship-centered advising. Working collaboratively with the Program Chair, Directors, faculty, and administrative staff, the advisor identifies and supports students at risk, ensures adherence to academic policies, and coordinates targeted strategies to enhance student outcomes. The role also involves participating in student-centered events such as orientation and graduation, maintaining accurate and confidential program-related records, and contributing to institutional reporting, compliance, and retention initiatives. Through data-informed practice and effective communication, the Student Advisor advances a culture of student success and continuous improvement within the program.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Major Areas of responsibility include, but are not limited to:

Academic Advising & Student Support (70%)

• Provide comprehensive, individualized academic advising, assisting   students with degree planning and course selection.
• Monitor academic performance, proactively identifying students at risk and initiating timely interventions.
• Collaborate closely with the   Program Chair to address academic concerns, track student progress, and develop strategies for student success.
• Offer career guidance to students, supporting their professional aspirations and facilitating informed decision-making.
• Actively participate in new student orientations, graduation events, and other student-centered activities to foster community engagement.
• Maintain accurate, confidential advising records, ensuring compliance with FERPA regulations.

Student Retention and Engagement (20%)

• Develop and implement initiatives aimed at enhancing student retention and academic achievement.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, and administration to support a coordinated approach to student success and satisfaction.
• Communicate program updates, university policies, important deadlines, and changes clearly and effectively to students.

Administrative and Reporting Responsibilities (10%)

• Utilize and maintain familiarity with education management, compliance tracking, and academic reporting systems (e.g., Argos, Campus Nexus, Workday, Exxat, Castle Branch).
• Prepare reports related to advising activities, student progression, and retention metrics as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or 90 credits and actively pursuing a degree in healthcare or business administration, or related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in student advising or student support services, preferably within health professions education.

Skills:

• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in culturally responsive advising practices, with demonstrated commitment to serving diverse student populations.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities effectively, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Knowledge:
• Familiarity with academic advising best practices, student retention strategies, and degree audit systems.
• Comprehensive understanding of FERPA, Title IX, and ADA compliance regulations.

• Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends for student events and orientations.
• Strong proficiency with institutional educational technology and compliance systems.
• Ability to receive detailed information through verbal and written communication.
• Ability to read and write clear documents.
• Hand and finger dexterity for computer, text, calculator, copy machine, and telephone use.
• Must be able to express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken word in person or on the telephone.

Work Environment:

Office Location: Oakland Campus – Onsite

• This is an onsite position based in Oakland, CA, requiring regular 3 days in-office presence to support daily operations, collaboration, and student or team engagement.
• Work is performed primarily on campus in a dynamic academic environment, with direct interaction across multidisciplinary teams.

Employee Status:

Regular

Exemption Status:

United States of America (Non-Exempt)

Time Type:

Full time

Job Shift:

Pay Range:

Up to $31.00 [hourly/non exempt], depending on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other relevant factors.

Organization:

At Samuel Merritt University (SMU), we are dedicated to fostering a supportive, inclusive community committed to advancing healthcare through exceptional education, compassionate care, and community service. Known for our leading-edge programs in health sciences, SMU equips students and faculty with the knowledge and skills to make impactful contributions to health and wellness.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. SMU welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where anyone can thrive and reach their full potential.

Samuel Merritt University currently provides base salary ranges for all positions-on job advertisements-in the United States based on local requirements. Individual compensation will ultimately be determined based on a variety of relevant factors including but-not limited to qualifications, geographic location, and other relevant skills.

Benefits

Samuel Merritt University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Mental health and wellness resources
• Education reimbursement
• Employee discounts through Marketplace
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and parental leave
• Nine paid holidays, plus a paid holiday break between Christmas and New Year’s Day
• Two floating holidays
• One paid Volunteer Work Day
• Five Education Leave Days

Important Notice: Beware of Fraudulent Job Offers

Samuel Merritt University has been made aware of individuals posing as SMU recruiters, particularly for remote positions. To help protect yourself, please keep the following in mind:

• All legitimate job openings are posted on the SMU Careers page and trusted job boards.
• We will never ask you to provide payment for equipment or submit sensitive personal information before completing the formal hiring process.
• Official offers of employment are issued through Workday, not by text message or informal email.

Please remain cautious and protect your personal information throughout your job search.

Notice to Recruitment Agencies

Samuel Merritt University does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies. Please do not forward resumes to our job application email address, SMU employees, or any other university location.  Samuel Merritt University is not responsible for fees associated with unsolicited resumes or candidate submissions.