Pre-Law Advisor
About the position The Academic Advisor within the Newnan Academic Advising Center supports and engages undergraduate students in pursuit of a liberal arts degree. Newnan plays a critical role in the undergraduate educational mission of the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA) at the University of Michigan. As the largest college on the Ann Arbor campus, LSA serves over 19,000 undergraduate students in over 100 degree programs. Newman's Mission and Vision Statements Mission To support undergraduate liberal arts students in achieving their success and growth by empowering them to make informed and purpose driven decisions. Newnan advisors work with students to: connect and synthesize experiences inside and outside the classroom co-create their academic journey talk through the decision making process navigate degree requirements, policies, and procedures plan for post-graduation experiences use referrals and resources on campus and beyond Vision The LSA Newnan Academic Advising Center will use data driven, systematic approaches to cultivate inclusive student success initiatives and establish collaborative spaces for students to achieve their academic goals. Responsibilities The pre-law academic advisor in the Newnan LSA Academic Advising Center is responsible for the individual engagement of students from orientation to graduation that is grounded in best practices and research in advising and student success. This advisor specializes in working with undergraduate and graduate students who are exploring the legal profession and preparing applications to law school and similar graduate programs. While advising students on a variety of college and university policies, resources, and programs, the pre-law academic advisor will also have responsibility for ongoing communication that encourages growth and development. The successful candidate will play a key role in motivating and inspiring LSA students to explore and invest in the educational and intellectual breadth and depth of a liberal arts education, both inside and outside of the classroom. They will be expected to build relationships with students as well as with our campus partners, in order to support the academic and personal experience of the undergraduate student. They will also be expected to cultivate and contribute to a culture that is welcoming, supportive, and responsive to the diverse identities of our students and staff. The pre-law academic advisor is expected to advise undergraduate and graduate students interested in the legal profession. They are also expected to collaborate with a team of academic advisors within Newnan and across the university to provide support for students in the college and across the university. Responsibilities • Assist students in their self-assessment of interests and skills pertinent to academic work, co-curricular interests, and career options • Help students make connections between their coursework and the Liberal Arts • Advise and mentor students as they consider and prepare for application to law school and related professional schools and programs. • Provide accurate information about College courses and curriculum • Provide accurate information about College and University policies, procedures, resources and programs • Serve as an informed resource for students and make referrals when appropriate • Advise students regarding course selection during the Summer, Fall, and Winter Orientation and Registration programs • Alert students to options and new opportunities consistent with their growth and development • Maintain timely and accurate records of interactions with students, referrals, exceptions to standard procedures, and decisions affecting degree progress • Maintain contact through email with advisees throughout their time at UM - respond to student inquiries; respond to progress reports; alert students to options and new opportunities consistent with their growth and development; plan appropriate outreach to students in academic difficulty; provide targeted information to student cohorts through use of the query tool • Communicate with faculty and other administrators as needed • Serve as a liaison to two or more UM academic units, schools, colleges, or administrative units • Represent the Newnan and/or the college by establishing and maintaining relationships with both internal and external schools, programs, and professional organizations related to the legal profession • Contribute to the design and/or delivery of pre-law programming that responds to the current needs of students as well as current trends. • Contribute to the development and maintenance of print and web resources • Represent Newnan and/or the college at recruitment and retention activities and events • Serve on committees, task forces, and working groups as time and interests allow Requirements • Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year university and 2-3 years of relevant experience • Experience advising or mentoring college students • Knowledge of the legal profession and the ability to advise pre-law students within a liberal arts college • Proven ability to successfully work in a collaborative team environment • Outstanding interpersonal skills with the ability to establish positive and respectful working relationships with students, staff, and faculty • Demonstrated ability to present in individual and both small and large group settings • Strong organizational and communication skills • Ability to maintain the integrity of confidential materials and student information Nice-to-haves • A Master's degree, Juris Doctorate, or an equivalent combination of education and experience Apply tot his job