Academic Advisor

About the Role

This role provides educational planning for new and currently enrolled students by developing an academic map tailored to each individual’s needs. Advisors are responsible for case management of assigned students, proactively monitoring their progress toward completing educational goals. The role also offers general guidance to support advising, transfer, and career development.

Responsibilities

• Provides educational planning for new and currently enrolled students, creating semester-by-semester academic course schedules that meet the requirements of their intended major and, if applicable, transfer school.
• Documents all educational planning interactions on appropriate forms.
• Conducts case management of assigned students, developing a meaningful rapport and proactively monitoring their progress toward educational goals.
• Interprets placement scores, explains developmental course sequencing, and recommends appropriate courses for students’ intended plan of study.
• Assists students with transfer planning, explaining course transfer differences between institutions and stackable career pathways.
• Collaborates with Counseling Services and Hawks Care to determine when students need referral to Counselors, following established guidelines.
• Assists students with educational transactions such as schedules, drop/adds, withdrawals, waivers, and other related processes.
• Answers questions about College policies, procedures, academic programs of study, and support services.
• Helps students resolve issues by clarifying protocols and directing them to appropriate offices or personnel.
• Instructs students on using online and self-service academic planning and career development tools, and interprets degree audit reports.
• Serves as lead for walk-in traffic to the Center, demonstrating software, programs, websites, and Center library/lab resources.
• Creates users’ manuals and develops and maintains advising and career resources in print and online (web, portal, social media).
• Conducts outreach (e.g., phone calls, campus “walk-abouts”) to support retention-based programming efforts like early alert and summer bridge.
• Uses technology tools (e.g., Student Information System, appointment scheduler, degree audit/planner) effectively to assist students.
• Represents the Student Affairs division at student outreach events (e.g., open houses, activity fairs, information sessions).
• Serves as lead contact for incoming Center alias emails, responding to those within the Academic Advisor’s purview and referring others to Counselors as needed.
• Makes referrals to faculty, academic program chairs/coordinators, campus support services, or other resources as needed.
• Maintains professional rapport with students, parents, faculty, and staff throughout the College.
• Stays current with training and professional development related to academic advising, student success/retention, multicultural competencies, and related topics.
• Assists with various projects and programs as needed and participates in College and Divisional Committees.
• Performs related duties as assigned. Advisors associated with specific support centers (e.g., Women’s Program, Center for New Students) may have additional duties specific to that center.

Working Conditions

Work is primarily indoors and sedentary in nature. The role involves utilizing standard office equipment, including computers.

Supervision

Under the general supervision of the Director of Advising Services or Director of New Student Programs. Receives oral and written instructions as needed.