Student Services Specialist - Biology (Job 9568)
Case Western Reserve University

Job Info

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POSITION OBJECTIVE

The Student Services Specialist serves as the Biology Department representative to the current and prospective undergraduate student population. This individual will work in conjunction with faculty to provide academic advising, student support services, act as a resource for inquiries and questions regarding curriculum and research opportunities, etc.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Handle all major/minor declarations throughout the year; meet with students and provide initial advising session. Assign faculty advisor. Meet with students regarding concerns about their academic career or personal issues. Assess problems, gather facts, and make appropriate recommendations. Channel concerns to appropriate parties. (19%)
2. Work in conjunction with faculty advisor to provide ongoing academic advising support throughout students' academic career. Maintain and update as needed all major advising documentation and distribute to students and faculty advisors. (10%)
3. Serve as departmental representative and coordinator for all undergraduate admissions events and year-round open houses, including organizing and conducting lab tours, meet-and-greet, etc. (6%)
4. Maintain department webpage; update information to remain current, including the inclusion of new students and department hires. Maintain up-to-date news articles on home page. (6%)
5. Ongoing development of advising model in the department; assessment of current advising practices, developing strategies to improve academic advising. Identify opportunities to enhance the experience of undergraduates in the department. (6%)
6. Act as resource person for all inquiries about biology undergraduate programs and requirements; arrange and conduct laboratory and classroom visits as needed. Handle phone call and email inquiries from potential students and parents. Meet with all prospective students and/or parents requesting one-on-one meeting with department representative. (6%)
7. Responsible for undergraduate independent research courses, work with student to find appropriate faculty advisor for project if needed, distribute information issue permit to register, collect research papers, grades, and maintain database. (6%)
8. Serve as active and contributing member of the Undergraduate Affairs Committee and Curriculum Committee. (6%)
9. Responsible for all aspects of annual Michelson Morley undergraduate research competition; find judges, assist students with presentation set up, etc. Integrate with SOURCE office as part of university wide symposium and poster session. (6%)
10. Act as representative and coordinator for all freshman advising events including the choices fair and the Biology Department gala. (6%)
11. Coordinate summer undergraduate research program: recruit, process applications, arrange housing, process stipend payments, and organize seminars and special events. (6%)
12. Maintain database of various undergraduate student records and statistics to assist in the planning and scheduling of future teaching needs; course enrollment, majors/minors, grades, etc. (6%)
13. Update and maintain biology fall, spring and summer course rosters in Student Information System (SIS) in consultation with department chair. Work with Registrar's Office to resolve any issues. (6%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Provide back up support for department assistant in processing online requisitions through PeopleSoft ERP Financials. (2%)
2. Assist other support staff to cover work overflow and provide backup as needed. (1%)
3. Perform other duties as assigned. (1%)
4. Maintain paperwork for undergraduate students graduating with honors. (1%)

CONTACTS

Department: Frequent contact with department chair to discuss student issues; provide requested information and data, etc. Frequent contact with department faculty to discuss advising and to coordinate recruiting events. Contact as needed with business manager to discuss various issues.

University: Moderate contact with undergraduate admissions for undergraduate recruiting. Occasional contact with Registrar's Office for course roster issues. Occasional contact with non-departmental faculty independent research advisors and summer research mentors.

External: Moderate contact with prospective high school students and parents at recruiting events, phone call and email correspondence.

Students: Continuous contact with undergraduate students for advising duties, declaration of major/minor, independent research, etc.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

No direct supervisory responsibility.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: 1 or more years of academic advising experience required.

Education: Bachelor's degree required. Master's degree preferred.

REQUIRED SKILLS

1. Must demonstrate a high level of professionalism.
2. Ability to work effectively with a diverse student population.
3. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
4. Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
5. Highly motivated and able to work under limited supervision.
6. Ability to independently make decisions and come up with new ideas or establish new procedures.
7. Requires accuracy and attention to detail as well as strong organizational skills.
8. Ability to deal effectively with sensitive and confidential material.
9. Computer proficient including Microsoft Office applications, WordPress, Adobe Creative Cloud, Internet, experience using PeopleSoft systems preferred.
10. Ability to meet consistent attendance.
11. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face.

WORKING CONDITIONS

General office environment.

This job has expired.