The Pre-major adviser works with College of Arts and Science (A&S) undergraduates to help students understand and adapt to the academic expectations and requirement of the College of Arts and Science and chart courses of study appropriate to their interests and goals. Pre-major advisers typically advise students for three to four semesters, beginning the summer before their first-year in residence at Vanderbilt. Students work with their pre-major adviser until they declare their majors by the middle of their fourth semester, during their sophomore year. In the advising process, advisers answer questions about selecting courses, choosing a major, understanding the relationship between academic majors and career choices, preparing for post-baccalaureate study, using academic resources, and connecting with study abroad and other campus resources. Pre- major advisers also provide support and help students make connections to faculty major advisers in academic departments and programs for specific disciplinary advice. Pre-major advisers are housed in the College of Arts and Science Pre-major Advising Resource (CASPAR) Center.

About the Work Unit:

CASPAR is the College of Arts & Science Pre-major Academic Resource. We help pre-major students in the College of Arts and Science define their academic and future interests. Our dedicated academic advisers provide specialized support as students navigate course selection, choosing a major, and understanding university policies. We are excited to work with you throughout your first three semesters at Vanderbilt!

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides clear information about pre-major requirements, including A&S core liberal arts curriculum.

• Helps students appropriately prepare for their intended majors and minors and explore areas of interests.

• Guides students in identifying options to satisfy academic core requirements while working towards identifying a major.

• Interprets and explains college and university policies and procedures.

• Provides strategic individual and group advising.

• Tracks students' progress to ensure they are meeting key benchmarking dates.

• Shares ideas related to internships, summer experiences, or other opportunities that will help students move toward learning more about their possible or intended majors.

• Accurately documents academic recommendations and individual discussions with student.

• Participates in professional development activities to remain competent and informed of the most effective advising techniques and theories.

• Collaborates with other advisers to create, maintain, and improve online orientation materials for students using the Brightspace Learning Management System.

Supervisory Relationships:

This position does not have supervisory responsibility; the position reports administratively and functionally to the Interim Associate Director of CASPAR.

Education and Certifications:

• A Master’s degree and at least 1 year of experience in student advising, career counseling, human resources, or an equivalent setting— or Bachelor’s degree in any subject and at least 3 years of experience in student advising or support services, including counseling, educational programming, working with faculty and employers, and administrative responsibilities is necessary.

• All advisers will be required to have at least one earned degree in a discipline from one of the three divisions (e.g., Humanities, Social Science, Natural Science) of the College of Arts and Science.

Qualifications:

• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing is necessary.

• Ability to use independent judgment and to manage and impart confidential information is necessary.

• Ability to analyze and solve problems is necessary.

• Ability to analyze course prerequisites, certification, and/or curriculum/graduation requirements is necessary.

• Ability to evaluate student transcripts and/or records is necessary.

• Records maintenance skills is necessary.

• Understanding of Student Information Privacy Laws and Ethics including FERPA is necessary

• Ability to maintain calendars and schedule appointments is necessary.

• Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports is preferred.

• Knowledge of student success and retention issues is preferred.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.

Vanderbilt University 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 status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.