Position Summary

The Assistant Academic Advisor Trainee is an entry-level opportunity to build a career in academic advising while directly supporting student success within the College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts (PSFA). This position provides training and hands-on experience in guiding undergraduate students through degree requirements, academic policies, and university procedures. Working under close supervision, the role supports advising services, student outreach, and academic success initiatives while developing the knowledge and skills needed to advance in student services. This is an excellent opportunity for a student-centered professional who is passionate about helping students navigate their academic journey and achieve their goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in providing academic advising support related to degree requirements, General Education, course selection, and graduation planning.
• Guide students in understanding university policies, procedures, and available academic resources.
• Support students experiencing academic challenges by explaining options and connecting them to appropriate services.
• Assist with group advising sessions, workshops, and communication initiatives to share academic information.
• Collaborate with faculty and staff to ensure accurate and consistent advising, referring to complex cases as needed.

Why Join Us?

• Launch a career in academic advising within a supportive training environment.
• Make a meaningful impact on student success and academic progress.
• Gain hands-on experience working with diverse student populations.
• Develop expertise in university policies, degree requirements, and student support services.
• Join a collaborative college committed to student-centered learning and success.

As part of the California State University (CSU) system, San Diego State University helps power one of the largest and most impactful public university systems in the nation. See what it’s like to work at the CSU—watch our video and imagine your future here: Working at the CSU.

Position Information

• This is a full-time (1.0 time-base), benefits eligible, permanent/probationary position.
• This position is designated non-exempt under FLSA and is eligible for overtime compensation.
• Standard SDSU work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs.
• This position is approved for partial telecommuting with onsite work in San Diego after the initial training period.

Department Summary

The College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts (PSFA) is one of eight instructional units of San Diego State University. The College is comprised of ten diverse departments and schools: the departments of Aerospace Studies, Military Science and Naval Science; the schools of Art, Design and Art History, Communication, Hospitality and Tourism Management, Journalism and Media Studies, Music and Dance, Public Affairs, and Theatre, Television and Film as well as ten research centers. The College is staffed by 49 positions of administrative, clerical and technical staff in addition to approximately 260 tenured/tenure-track faculty and lecturers serving over 5,000 majors.

The Dean’s Office is responsible for the creation, implementation and continued support of the instructional, research, and development processes in the College.

At San Diego State University, we are a community of diverse individuals who have and represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities. This diversity lends our community strength, and we commit to creating and sustaining an inclusive and intellectually vibrant environment that benefits all members of our university.

For more information regarding the College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts, click here.

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.  Specialized experience during which the applicant has acquired and successfully applied the knowledge and abilities shown below may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

Key Qualifications

• Working knowledge of general academic advising practices and student support services.
• Ability to interpret and apply established policies and procedures.
• Ability to gather and organize student information accurately.
• Ability to use standard office software (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Google applications).
• Experience working in a college or university setting is preferred.
• Experience providing customer service or student support services is preferred.
• Experience working with diverse student populations is preferred.
• Familiarity with academic records, degree requirements, or student information systems is preferred.
• Experience using standard office software applications is preferred.

Compensation and Benefits

San Diego State University offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth.

Compensation:
 Salary is based on your experience, education, and qualifications, within the department’s budget and equity guidelines.

• CSU Classification Salary Range: $4,150 - $5,076/month; hiring salary not expected to exceed $4,150 /month.

Full Benefits Package Includes:

• Generous Time Off: 15 paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Retirement: CalPERS pension plan with retiree healthcare, and reciprocal agreements with other California public retirement systems, including the UC.
• Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision options at low or no cost.
• Education Support: CSU tuition fee waiver for employees and eligible dependents.
• Optional Offerings: FlexCash, life and disability insurance, legal and pet plans.
• Campus & Community: Access to the library, campus events, employee groups, and volunteer and social activities.

Our benefits are a significant part of total compensation. Learn more at the SDSU Benefits Overview.

SDSU Values

At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community.  Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU provides equal opportunity for all in education and employment.  We encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement. We strongly preserve the right to free expression and encourage difficult conversations that help lead to improved individual and community learning and cohesion.

Principles of Community

At San Diego State University, we are a community of diverse individuals who have and represent many perspectives, beliefs, and identities. This diversity lends our community strength, and we commit to creating and sustaining an inclusive and intellectually vibrant environment that benefits all members of our university. 

SDSU’s Principles of Community is an aspirational statement that is intended to evolve over time. The statement reflects the ideals we are encouraged to uphold in our interactions with one another. 

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, San Diego State University (SDSU) 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. SDSU 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. 

SDSU 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 SDSU, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

Supplemental Information

Apply by April 28, 2026 to ensure full consideration. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed on an as-needed basis, and the position will remain open until filled.

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. 

San Diego State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (e.g., H-1B visa). Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Offers of employment are contingent upon the presentation of documents that demonstrate a person's identity and authorization to work in the United States, which are consistent with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act. 

Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended.  Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. SDSU 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. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current SDSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

SDSU is a smoke-free campus. For more information, please click here.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who request an accommodation by contacting Danan Pacheco (dpacheco@sdsu.edu).