MS Program Advisor
The University of California, San Diego
About this position
Position Overview
The mission of the The Halicioglu Data Science Institute (HDSI) is to lay the groundwork for the scientific foundations of the emerging discipline of data science, develop new methods and infrastructure, and train students, faculty and industry partners to use data science in ways that will allow them to solve some of the world’s most pressing problems. HDSI has been established as an independent and innovative academic unit that works collaboratively with schools, divisions, departments, centers, students and faculty across multiple disciplines throughout the entire campus. HDSI has 22.66 Faculty FTE on board, through a headcount of more than 48 faculty with split appointments in multiple departments. This highly talented data-driven ecosystem of thought leaders is only expected to grow in the coming years. HDSI is the administrative home for the undergraduate B.S. major and minor in Data Science, and three graduate programs; Master of Data Science Online, MS in Data Science and PhD in Data Science. The undergraduate program has 1,000+ students across our major and minor programs. Our graduate programs are home to 199 MS students, 44 of which belong to our Online Master of Data Science degree, and 60 PhD students. For more information, please visit https://datascience.ucsd.edu/
Position Description
The MS Program Advisor applies professional student services concepts to provide comprehensive oversight for the HDSI MS in Data Science program, managing the student experience from recruitment through commencement. Serving as the primary coordinator for the program under the general supervision of the Graduate Program Manager, the Advisor maintains program integrity, curriculum alignment, and academic policies. This role encompasses a full spectrum of academic advising, outreach, and administrative services for both prospective and continuing students, while coordinating with faculty, department, school, and university leadership on moderately complex issues and receiving assistance on more intricate matters. The MS Advisor also participates in short- and long-term degree and curriculum planning, initiates resolution of problematic petitions and forms, and collaborates closely with GEPA, Financial Aid and Scholarships, Division of Extended Studies, International Services & Engagement, Registrar, Student Business Services, and other academic units. Performs prerequisite checks, authorizes adds/drops, reviews degree checks, course approximations, petitions, and other student forms, recommending approvals, waivers, or exceptions as warranted, while coordinating interdisciplinary advising efforts with campus units and supporting HDSI programs as needed. Monitors student feedback to identify academic, emotional, financial, or personal challenges, refers individuals to appropriate campus resources such as counseling, disability services, career services, and financial aid, and maintains active communication with departmental and campus committees, faculty, instructors, and relevant offices to ensure accurate policy interpretation and application. Assesses degree progress through initial and periodic evaluations, plans and refines content for group advising sessions, orientation, seminars, informational meetings, scholarship and research presentations, and recruitment events, and represents the Data Science MS program and HDSI at campus orientation, retention, and career-development activities. Serves as liaison with the Registrar, ITS, and departmental DSA, confirms fellowship award eligibility, and coordinates department representation at on-campus recruitment programs, open houses, and sponsored events, evaluating student transcripts for course equivalencies and ensuring alignment with program standards. Develops, plans, and implements student outreach and retention events in partnership with industry relations and graduate programs, and creates or updates informational materials, including departmental web pages, handbooks, brochures, and manuals. May cross train and provide support to other HDSI academic programs as needed.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training. Knowledge of advising and counseling techniques. Proven experience in effectively counseling college student population to assist them in meeting educational, academic, and career goals. Demonstrated ability to identify issues and information requiring confidentiality (student records, conduct, personnel, etc.), along with related University policies, and the ability to maintain that confidentiality. Skills in service orientation, organization, active listening, and critical thinking. Strong writing skills to independently compose correspondence, informational material, and web page content using correct spelling, grammar, punctuation, composition, text editing, and proofreading skills. Ability to multi-task; verbal and written communication skills. Ability to balance multiple, often conflicting, priorities with deadline constraints and numerous interruptions. Demonstrated ability to successfully follow multiple tasks through to completion. Excellent verbal communication skills. Ability to express verbally one’s position, plan of action, evaluation or interpretations in a professional, concise, and courteous manner. Knowledge of University-specific computer application programs and pertinent databases. Demonstrated skill in using standard and specialized office computer technology (email, database systems, spreadsheet, word processing and internet), and a commitment to regularly update and maintain technology skills. Specifically Google Workspace preferred. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a highly computerized, high volume, team-oriented environment, exercising good judgment, creativity and initiative in performance of job responsibilities. Willingness to develop new skills and knowledge as required to continue to perform effectively. Demonstrated record management experience. Proven skill in developing and maintaining accurate, organized records, files and filing systems. Demonstrated strong organizational skills. Ability to gather and synthesize large amounts of complex data to generate reports and make recommendations. Basic knowledge of student immigration and visa processes pertaining to international students and scholars. Multicultural competencies; ability to work with diverse populations.