Job Summary

Under general supervision of the Director for Engineering Student Services, the Academic Advisor (SSPIB) performs a variety of assignments. The Academic Advisor may consult or refer to the processes and policies from other areas of the University (e.g., academic departments, Office of the Registrar, Residence Life, Student Life and Leadership, Career Services, Office of Writing and Learning, International Center, Mustang Success Center, etc). The incumbent interacts primarily with students to ascertain facts and to provide information and recommendations based on established university and college processes employing various interviewing and counseling techniques. The incumbent maintains effective working relationships with a wide range of faculty, staff and supporters to secure the cooperation and understanding of others on matters relating to specific Student Services programs.

Operating within well-established parameters and following established work processes, the incumbent will assist and support students experiencing academic difficulty, changing majors, studying abroad, pursuing readmission to Cal Poly and other areas. Other duties include academic advising and answering questions related to; semester conversion, planning courses towards graduation; assisting students with strategies for success in their academics; advising students on academic probation; interpreting curriculum sheets and flowcharts, articulation agreements, requirements towards degree, and online advising tools; communicating College and University policies and procedures; processing forms related to student’s degree progress; and quarterly advising workshops and programs.

This is a full-time temporary year-long position and is eligible for full benefits, including medical, dental, vision and CalPERS retirement. 

Department Summary

As a division of the College of Engineering, Engineering Student Services provides an inclusive, respectful, encouraging environment that fosters the retention and graduation of all undergraduate engineering students.  Through our Advising, Multicultural Engineering Program (MEP), and International Exchange Program (IEP), our staff provides comprehensive services to guide and empower students to achieve their goals.

Key Qualifications

• Working knowledge of the basic principles, practices and trends of the Student Services field.
• Ability to advise students individually and in groups on basic student related matters, ability to be sensitive to individuals and groups.
• General knowledge of methods and problems of organizational and program management, research and interview techniques, and the principles of individual and group behavior.
• Ability to use initiative and resourcefulness in planning work assignments.
• Ability to gather and analyze data; reason logically, draw valid conclusions and make appropriate recommendations.

Education and Experience

• Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university in one of the behavioral sciences, public or business administration, or a job‑related field. One year of experience in professional Student Services work at the entry trainee level.
• Equivalent amounts of graduate level job‑related education may be substituted for the required experience.
• Additional specialized experience during which the applicant has acquired and successfully applied the required knowledge and abilities may be substituted for the required education on a year‑for‑year basis.

Salary and Benefits

Anticipated Hiring Range: $53,789 - $58,800 Per Year

Classification Range: $53,784 - $76,104 Per Year

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Anticipated Hiring Range referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Classification Range may be broader than what the University anticipates paying for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).

Cal Poly offers a best-in-class benefits program, including health, dental and vision insurance, retirement participation in the Public Employees' Retirement System, and educational benefits for eligible employees. See our benefits website for additional information. 

Cal Poly

Cal Poly is a nationally-ranked public university located in San Luis Obispo, California, and known for its Learn by Doing philosophy. Each year more than 20,000 top-tier students come to San Luis Obispo to put knowledge into action, taking their learning outside the classroom as they prepare for careers in engineering, agriculture, science, business, humanities and the built environment. Cal Poly’s hands-on philosophy, small class sizes and close student-faculty mentorships result in graduates ready from day one to impact their communities, California and the world. For more information, visit calpoly.edu.

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

This position is open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal Poly provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. Cal Poly complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.

Cal Poly is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At Cal Poly, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

Supplemental Information

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. Cal Poly will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Cal Poly has designated as sensitive. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions. Applicants for staff and management positions must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Positions are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days.