The Pre-major advisor 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 Advising is the primary advising for students upon matriculation through major declaration (all incoming first-years and roughly 25% of second year students). This office reports under Academic Affairs in the College of Arts & Science Dean’s Office; this office regularly collaborates with the Office of Academic Services and the A&S College Core. This office is dedicated to 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.
Provides clear information about pre-major requirements, including A&S core liberal arts curriculum.
Helpsstudentsappropriatelypreparefortheirintendedmajorsandminorsandexploreareasof interests.
Guides students in identifying options to satisfy academic core requirements while working towards identifying a major.
Interprets and explains college and university policies andprocedures.
Provides strategic individual and groupadvising.
Tracks students' progress to ensure they are meeting key benchmarkingdates.
Sharesideasrelatedtointernships,summerexperiences,orotheropportunitiesthatwillhelp students move toward learning more about their possible or intendedmajors.
Accurately documents academic recommendations and individual discussions withstudent.
Participates in professional development activities to remain competent and informed of the most effective advisingtechniques and theories.
Collaborates with other advisers to create, maintain, and improve online orientation materials for students using the Brightspace Learning Management System.
This position does not have supervisory responsibility; the position reports administratively and functionally to a Senior Advisor and Program Manager, Advising.
A Master’s degree and at least 1 year of experience in student advising, career counseling, human resources, or an equivalent setting is preferred.— 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.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing isnecessary
Ability to use independent judgment and to manage and impart confidential information isnecessary.
Ability to analyze and solve problems isnecessary
Ability to analyze course prerequisites, certification, and/or curriculum/graduation requirements isnecessary
Ability to evaluate student transcripts and/or records is necessary.
Records maintenance skills isnecessary
Understanding of Student Information Privacy Laws and Ethics including FERPA is necessary
Ability to maintain calendars and schedule appointments isnecessary
Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports ispreferred
Knowledge of student success and retention issues ispreferred
At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of “America’s Best Large Employers” as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.
We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.
