Position Summary

Under the general supervision of the Director of Undergraduate Studies, the Academic Advisor plays an important role in supporting student success, transition, and academic engagement for undergraduate students at San Diego State University. Working primarily with first- and second-year students, including students exploring academic pathways through the Undeclared program, the advisor helps students navigate the university experience, identify academic and personal goals, and connect with resources that support persistence and achievement.

This position combines academic advising, student support, outreach, and program coordination in a collaborative and student-centered environment. The Academic Advisor contributes to workshops, advising initiatives, and student success programs designed to help students build confidence, develop a sense of belonging, and make informed academic decisions during their early years at SDSU.

The role is ideal for someone who enjoys working directly with students, building relationships across campus, and contributing to programs that have a meaningful impact on the undergraduate student experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide general academic advising and developmental support to undergraduate students, including assistance with academic planning, university policies, and campus resources.
• Support student transition, retention, and success initiatives through individual advising appointments, workshops, outreach, and group advising activities.
• Assist students in exploring academic interests, identifying educational goals, and navigating university processes and support services.
• Maintain accurate advising records and student documentation using student information and advising systems.
• Support the coordination and delivery of advising programs, workshops, events, and student engagement activities.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, and campus partners to support student success and connect students with appropriate resources.
• Provide appropriate referrals for students experiencing academic, personal, or other complex challenges requiring additional support.
• Contribute to a welcoming, inclusive, and student-centered environment that supports the success of a diverse undergraduate population.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a dynamic, student-centered university committed to equity, inclusion, and academic excellence.
• Make a meaningful impact by supporting students during critical early stages of their academic journey.
• Collaborate with dedicated faculty and staff in a supportive and mission-driven environment.
• Engage in innovative advising practices and student success initiatives.
• Benefit from opportunities for professional growth and development within a respected higher education institution.

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.
• The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego.

Department Summary

Undergraduate Studies supports student success, academic exploration, and student engagement across San Diego State University. As part of the Office of Faculty Advancement and Student Success (FASS), the department provides advising, mentoring, academic support, and enrichment opportunities that help students navigate their transition to the university and build a strong foundation for academic and personal success.

The department oversees a range of student-centered programs and initiatives, including Undeclared Advising, First Year Seminars, Supplemental Instruction, the Faculty-Student Mentoring Program, the Weber Honors College, and the Interdisciplinary Studies in Three Departments (IS3D) program. Through advising, workshops, mentoring, and experiential learning opportunities, Undergraduate Studies helps students explore academic pathways, connect with campus resources, and develop the skills needed to succeed in an evolving academic and professional environment.

Undergraduate Studies is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment that promotes student achievement, interdisciplinary learning, intellectual curiosity, and engagement both inside and outside the classroom.

For more information regarding the Faculty Advancement and Student Success Department, 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. Additional 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.

Possession of the required knowledge and abilities is typically demonstrated through the equivalent of 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.

Key Qualifications

• Ability to provide student-centered academic advising and support services in a collaborative and fast-paced university environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build positive relationships with students, faculty, staff, and campus partners.
• Ability to support workshops, outreach initiatives, student events, and advising programs that promote student engagement and success.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple responsibilities, maintain accurate records, and follow established processes and deadlines.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and appropriately support or refer students navigating academic or personal challenges.
• Proficiency with standard office software and student information systems, or the ability to quickly learn new technologies and advising platforms.
• Demonstrated commitment to supporting a diverse and inclusive student population and helping students navigate their academic journey successfully.

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: $4,482 - $6,342/month; hiring salary not expected to exceed $4,482/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 June 15th 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. 

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 Tyler Emery, temery@sdsu.edu.