Academic Advisor

Role Overview

The University Student Success department offers essential programs and services that help students make informed academic, career, and personal decisions. Reporting to a College Student Success Director, the Academic Advisor focuses on advising and retaining freshmen and sophomore students. This position involves partnering with specific academic programs and collaborating with the College Success Team to advance student engagement, success, and persistence across campus.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Engage actively and positively within the advising team committed to supporting student success.
• Advise a designated group of first- and second-year students, aiding their transition and progress at the university.
• Employ proactive advising approaches including motivational interviewing and the appreciative advising framework.
• Support student retention by assisting students facing academic challenges, offering guidance on university resources and appropriate interventions.
• Utilize retention data to inform and enhance advising strategies.
• Manage student appointments, alerts, and notifications efficiently using EAB Navigate software.
• Guide students through declaring or changing majors.
• Participate in retention initiatives organized by the department, college, or university.
• Help students comprehend university policies and degree requirements, interpret degree evaluations, and foster responsible academic planning.
• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of all academic programs and stay updated on departmental requirement changes.
• Assist in planning and conducting student advisement during Governors Orientation (GO).
• Coordinate and deliver workshops and academic advisement presentations in classroom settings.
• Represent the advising office at campus events including Preview Day, First Fridays, and college fairs.
• Support the Executive Director in defining student learning objectives, intervening with students, and participating in assessment and evaluation activities.
• Perform additional related duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proficiency in personal computer operations and associated software (Outlook, Word, Excel), SungardHE Banner, and EAB Navigate.
• Familiarity with university academic programs and degree requirements.
• Ability to accurately maintain electronic and physical student records.
• Commitment to upholding confidentiality standards.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within a team and work independently as needed.
• Understanding of student development and career development theories.
• Dedication to staying informed about current academic advising and student success practices.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
• Experience working with college student populations in educational or university environments.
• Proficiency in computer use.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as required.
• Familiarity with FERPA regulations.
• Experience working with diverse student populations.
• Successful completion of a background check is mandatory.