Specialist - Advisor-Fixed Term

Position Summary

Hybrid position with some days required in-person at East Lansing campus. Incomplete Applications will not be reviewed. Please see “Required Application Materials” section.

The MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine (MSUCOM) is seeking applicants for a full time Academic Advisor/Learning Specialist position. This position will work with the MSUCOM Office of Academic and Career Advising and works to serve osteopathic medical students throughout the 4-year D.O. curriculum. Located in East Lansing (EL) campus, this position will provide academic support and resources to medical students at all three MSUCOM campuses (East Lansing, Detroit Medical Center, and Macomb University Center), as well as those completing clinical rotations at 23 base hospitals across the state. Anticipated travel is minimal and student advising sessions that are not located at selected home site would take place via Zoom. Advising services will be offered through a combination of in-person, zoom, email, and phone interactions.

Weekly Schedule: We utilize a hybrid schedule consistently of 3 in-office days and 2 remote workdays.

Fixed Term explanation: Fixed term is a categorization process for personnel utilized by Michigan State University. Please note, this position is expected to be renewed annually.

Key responsibilities of the Specialist position include the following:

• Provide individualized academic coaching to students, focusing on improving learning strategies, self-regulation, time management, and test-taking skills.
• Assess students' learning preferences and study habits to inform personalized support plans.
• Guide students in developing structured study plans for course exams, board exams, and remediation exams.
• Refer students to appropriate support services, including mental health counseling, disability resources, or other relevant resources.
• Facilitate group workshops and seminars on academic success, self-directed learning, and evidence-based study techniques.

Additional Duties:

• Maintain a thorough understanding of the curriculum, academic policies, and institutional procedures.
• Stay current with emerging research, data, and best practices in academic coaching, learning science, and student success to continuously refine and improve support strategies.
• Establish and maintain regular office hours for student appointments.
• Balance established processes and protocols with individualized support to help students overcome academic challenges and improve performance.
• Monitor academic progress and proactively reach out to students facing academic difficulty.
• Collaborate with faculty, administrators, and student support services—including Personal Counseling and Health Promotion—to coordinate interventions and holistic support.
• Assist in the design and implementation of academic support initiatives and resources.
• Promote awareness of academic support services through outreach and communication.
• Document student advising sessions accurately and maintain records as required.
• Participate in meetings, trainings, and other duties as assigned.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Masters -Education or relevant field

Minimum Requirements

The successful candidate must have at minimum a master’s degree in education or relevant field.

Experience in working with adult learners.

Desired Qualifications

Experience in working with professional students and/or in an academic healthcare setting.

Knowledge of adult learning, learning theory, and cognitive development.

Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills; excellent oral and written communication skills; public speaking/presentation skills; and demonstrated ability to work in a team environment and with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Required Application Materials

(1) CV/Resume

(2) Cover letter

(3) List of three references. The search committee will not contact references without first notifying the candidate.

Special Instructions

Hybrid position with some days required in-person at East Lansing campus. Incomplete Applications will not be reviewed. Please see “Required Application Materials” section. 

Weekly Schedule: We utilize a hybrid schedule consistently of 3 in-office days in East Lansing and 2 remote workdays.

Review of Applications Begins On

08/14/2025

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.