College Advisor (5156) Job #86783 - College of Computing, Data Science, and Society (CDSS)

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.

As a world-leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice. Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic and social value.

We are looking for applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan.

At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups (staff organizations). Our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. Find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley.

The Student Services unit in the College of Computing, Data Science, and Society (CDSS) was established in 2024 following CDSS's July 2023 college status. CDSS hosts over 4,500 undergraduate students and oversees the two largest major programs on campus (Computer Science, Data Science), as well as Statistics. One in four Berkeley undergraduate students received a degree in these majors in 2024, and one in three of these majors held a second major in a discipline outside the college. CDSS has rapidly become the second-largest college on campus (roughly tied with the College of Engineering).

CDSS Student Services Mission: CDSS Student Services (SS) aims to invest in all students holistically, with a commitment to their personal and professional success as students and future alums. CDSS SS actively and respectfully support students to: gain the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to succeed in today's datafied world; receive sound advice centered on their personal
experiences, and take advantage of research opportunities and career services so they are ready to masterfully engage as informed leaders to tackle the world's most pressing problems.

CDSS offers outstanding undergraduate programs in Computer Science, Data Science, and Statistics. CDSS undergraduates study with faculty from a wide range of fields, where they gain the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to succeed in today's datafied world, interact with data ethically, and masterfully engage as informed leaders.

The CDSS Undergraduate Advising Office (UAO) provides academic advising to over 3,500 undergraduate students. The UAO guides academic programs, policies, and procedures in the College of CDSS. UAO enforces and adjudicates the academic regulations of the College to ensure the integrity of degrees and the continuing quality of the institution. UAO works collaboratively with academic and administrative departments across campus. To enhance the student experience, UAO works closely and collaboratively with CDSS major advisors.

There are six college advisor positions in the Advising Office. Three of these positions are Senior College Advisors, and three are College Advisors. These positions report directly to the Director of College Advising. The incumbent for the Senior College Advisor serves as an academic advising expert and consultant to College Advisers and to college and campus partners. The incumbent provides advanced-level academic advising on academic progress, degree requirements, major exploration, College policies, and CDSS UAO processes. This position provides undergraduate students with guidance on CDSS majors, enrichment opportunities, student support and engagement, resources and tools, and college and University academic requirements.

The First Review Date for this job is: June 23, 2026 - Open until filled

60% ACADEMIC ADVISING:

* Apply professional student development and academic advising theories, knowledge, and experience to support undergraduates in identifying, defining, and obtaining their educational goals.
* Advise students on the wide range of course possibilities and/or ways to complete complicated degree requirements.
* Empower students through holistic and collaborative advising to achieve their own definition of academic and personal success.
* Engage and build relationships with students to maximize their experience at Berkeley. Explain registration and enrollment procedures and assist students in taking full advantage of a wide range of academic and nonacademic enrichment opportunities, such as study abroad, internships, undergraduate research opportunities, scholarships, and extracurricular activities. Advise on special eligibility requirements such as Honors programs, fellowships, and scholarships.
* Based on extensive knowledge of College policies, advise students on rules, regulations, and requirements as well as provide assistance on all aspects of a student's academic experience. Help students make connections with academic and non-academic departments, and make referrals to appropriate resources.
* Maintain thorough knowledge of College policies, rules, and regulations. Create and implement workshops for students, such as information about the organization, academic strategies, and enrichment programs. Present information effectively in individual and group situations using electronic, written, and oral formats.
* Review applications from continuing students wishing to add or change a CDSS college major.
* Review and process student petitions and forms, including academic plan updates and degree program modifications, ensuring accuracy and policy compliance.
* Review requests for exceptions, substitutions, and changes to college requirements.
* Assess, monitor, and verify students' academic progress to ensure timely declaration of major, adherence to semester limits, advancement to degree, and degree completion.

20% PROJECTS:

* Serve on committees representing CDSS Advising as assigned; participate in short-term and long-term planning.
* Support senior advisors on special projects, including communications, peer advising, and/or yield/outreach.

10% Admissions and Recruitment:

* Utilizing in-depth knowledge of College admissions criteria, reads and ranks junior transfer applications; organizes scoring data for review by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
* Determines the transferability of technical coursework with departments to allow subject credit.
* Advises prospective students, parents, and high school and community college counselors regarding College degrees, programs, and policies.
* Represents the College at recruitment and yield events, including at Power in Community Day, Bridges Senior Weekend, Cal Day, Golden Bear Welcome, and transfer admit yield receptions.

5% Professional Development and Growth:

* Engages in opportunities for training, workshops, conferences, and seminars that are relevant to this position.

5% Other job duties as assigned and relevant to the position.

• Demonstrated ability to make consistent and sound recommendations and deliver clear judgment in the application of policies affecting students.
• Organization and planning skills with the ability to prioritize workload and issues, and to function effectively under time constraints and rapidly changing priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and students, foster a team environment, and be adaptable to change in a diverse, inclusive campus climate.
• Strong knowledge of advising and counseling techniques and student development theory.
• Knowledge of common University-specific computer application programs and knowledge of University and departmental requirements, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to conceptualize, design, and implement undergraduate enrichment programs, which involve multiple tasks, priorities, and deadlines.
• Skilled in problem identification, reasoning, and the ability to develop original ideas to solve problems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including demonstrated effectiveness in active listening and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated discretion and sensitivity in dealing with urgent and/or confidential situations.
• Ability to identify and effectively address the needs of students with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in the workplace and student body.
• Bachelor's degree in a related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
• FERPA

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

Classification: STDT SVC ADV 3 SV
Anticipated hiring range: $61,200 - $85,800
UCB salary range: $61,200 - $105,200
The salary offer to the final candidate will take into consideration their experience and salary equity with current UC Berkeley employees working in similar roles.

• FERPA

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

This position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter required to report the observed or suspected abuse or neglect of children, dependent adults, or elders to designated law enforcement or social service agencies. We reserve the right to make employment contingent upon completion of signed statements acknowledging the responsibilities of a Mandated Reporter.

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.