Academic Advisor

Job Summary

The Division of Continuing Education at the University of Colorado, Boulder is seeking applications for an Academic Advisor. This is a full-time position reporting to the Assistant Director of Student Success within Student Services in the Division of Continuing Education.

About the Role

Student Services provides academic, financial aid, and career advising to both degree-seeking and non-degree-seeking students at CU Boulder. Academic Advisors teach students how to navigate university systems, academic processes, and policies at CU Boulder. They help students become engaged and contributing members of the CU community while empowering them to take responsibility for making their own decisions about courses, academic programs, and long-term plans. This position focuses on exploration, discovery, and building supportive connections with students, with a specific emphasis on supporting returning adult learners.

Responsibilities

• Serve as point of contact and primary academic advisor for all CU Complete students.
• Aid both degree and non-degree-seeking students (both prospective undergraduate and graduate students) in formulating their educational goals and elucidating the requirements necessary to meet those goals through individual in-person, phone, and Zoom appointments, as well as email.
• Work closely with departmental advisors to determine degree requirements for returning adult learners.
• Review students' academic records and discuss appropriate courses.
• Conduct academic troubleshooting sessions with degree-seeking and non-degree-seeking students facing academic warning, suspension, and/or dismissal.
• Refer students to appropriate student support services, such as career advising, financial aid, disability services, academic coaching, psychological counseling, the Office of Admissions, etc.
• Develop trusting and supportive relationships with individual students.
• Maintain knowledge of all Continuing Education policies, programs, and processes.
• Maintain knowledge of all College/School/Program policies and processes, particularly as they pertain to students in academic difficulty, international students, athletes, and students with disabilities.
• Engage in Student Services team collaboration, including making appropriate referrals and using role expertise to creatively resolve student challenges.
• Coordinate with CU Complete Program Manager to onboard returning adult learners to the scholarship program.
• Assist with programs including CU Complete, High School ACCESS, Post Baccalaureate Pre-Health Professions, Senior and Community Auditors, etc.
• Assist with data tracking, projects, and programming tied to CU Complete, including student and staff presentations, and new initiative development.
• Serve as an instructor for CU Complete success course as needed.
• Attend monthly and weekly staff and Student Services meetings.
• Participate in professional development and training opportunities, as appropriate.
• Serve on Division and campus committees.
• Create and leverage contacts at CU Boulder and area schools to support the needs of students.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• 3+ years of professional related experience in a higher educational setting.
• Passion for working with non-traditional students, including returning adult learners, and students in academic difficulty.
• Sensitivity to and appreciation of cultural, political, and geographical differences, with the ability to work well with faculty, staff, and students from around the world.
• Demonstrated commitment and leadership ability to advance diversity, inclusion, and social justice.
• Willingness to advocate for students when their situations fall outside the campus norms.
• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution.
• Exceptional organizational, planning, analytical, creative problem solving, and technical skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize multiple requests.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in higher education, student affairs, or a related field.
• Experience serving as an academic advisor or academic coach for college students.
• Experience with and interest in advising adult learners.
• Experience working in a continuing education or extension program setting.
• Familiarity with university student information systems and technology platforms.
• Skills and experience explaining complex academic policies.
• Experience working in a collaborative team environment.
• Multicultural competence and experience working with a diverse student population.