The University of Southern California (USC), founded in 1880, is located in the heart of downtown L.A. and is the largest private employer in the City of Los Angeles. As an employee of USC, you will be a part of a world-class research university and a member of the “Trojan Family,” which is comprised of the faculty, students and staff that make the university a great place to work.  

As a community of Dornsife College “we are committed to the creation, preservation, and communication of fundamental knowledge in all its forms…as well as a lifelong passion for learning and a commitment to the betterment of society.”  The academic mission of Dornsife College can only be realized to its fullest potential when we build and protect a representative, equitable, inclusive culture of scholarship for students, faculty, and staff.  This is not done through initiatives but by embedding these values into the everyday interactions, relationships, policies, and practices of the College.  What is required is a seamless integration of the tenets of equity and inclusivity into every facet of academic life.  If we want our scholars, staff, and students to be able to give their very best, we must create an academic environment that portends success.  

Success is possible when every member of the Dornsife community owns their role as a steward of the culture in which we learn, research, and work; when we believe that it is because of who we are that we are able to do what we do: achieve excellence, together. 

Achieving a robust and inclusive academic culture requires more than just the completion of a task, but includes that person’s capacity to contribute positively to the relationships and culture of their office or department.  Therefore, any applicant seeking to advance the mission of Dornsife College should also be assessed on their capacities beyond the technical elements of their work, and demonstrate an understanding of their impact on others, and to articulate how they contribute positively to those around them.

USC’s Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts & Sciences is seeking a Student Services Advisor I to join its team. The academic advisor is committed to the overall success of assigned undergraduate students.  Specifically, the academic advisor helps students understand degree requirements; develop, cultivate, and transform academic goals and educational plans; understand academic policies and procedures; select majors and minors; explore curricular and co-curricular opportunities (i.e., research, study abroad, service learning, etc.); integrate career development opportunities, address concerns and challenges that impact academic success; connect with faculty members and university resources.

Duties for this position may include:

Provide academic advising for undergraduate students. Specifically advise students on degree requirements, curriculum, course selection, transfer credit evaluation, and degree related opportunities (i.e. research, study abroad, internships, etc.)Aide in the retention and graduation of major students through effective advisement practicesMonitor student performance, degree progress, and recordsPrepare course plans (semester and yearly)Evaluate student problems (academic, personal, or administrative) and refer students to the appropriate student support servicesStay abreast on major curriculum, course offerings, and department related opportunitiesWork with at-risk studentsProvide departmental related reports pertaining to retention and graduation.Maintain knowledge on university related policies and procedures pertaining to curriculum, transfer credit, degree requirements, course evaluations, petitions, and other student servicesSupport and coordinate various academic and co-curricular programs.Represent department at all new student related events, including welcome events, commencement, and new student orientationAttend departmental meetingsDevelop and maintain relationships with departmental faculty and administrationInterface with parents as needed and provide resources to facilitate problem resolutionMaintain professional knowledge through participation in associations, committees, workshops, and other means of networkingOther related duties as assigned or requested

Hourly range: The hourly rate range for this position is $28.43 - $31.92. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.  

Required Documents and Additional Information:

Resume and cover letter required (may be uploaded as one file).Job openings are posted for a minimum of (5) five business days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended, so please apply on the same business day if interested.USC has excellent benefits, including health benefits for staff and their family with access to the renowned university medical network; eligibility for retirement plans with employer contributions after six months of employment; tuition benefits for staff and their family; free Professional Development classes; central Los Angeles location with easy access to commuter trains, buses and free tram pick up services; discounts to sporting and other campus events.

Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. The university reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

The University of Southern California is an Equal Opportunity Employer that Values Diversity.

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree Minimum Experience: 1 year Minimum Field of Expertise: Student program or services experience