Academic Advisor

Overview

The School of Professional and Technical Education (SPTE) at Utah State University has an opening for a full-time professional Academic Advisor for technical education programs at the USU Blanding Campus. The primary responsibility will be advising students in the health professions technical certificate and associate degree programs in southeastern Utah. Additional technical education programs will also be a part of the advising assignment.

Health professions programs include: medical laboratory technology, surgical technology, medical assisting, pharmacy tech, nursing assistant, emergency medical technician, and phlebotomy. Other technical education certificates offered at USU Blanding that may be part of the advising responsibilities include: apprentice electrician, business, commercial driver's license, construction technology, engineering drafting and design, heavy equipment, information technology, and welding.

This is a full-time, exempt staff position located on the Utah State University Blanding campus. The individual selected for this position is anticipated to start in September of 2026.

Responsibilities

• Assist students in the process of developing an academic program.
• Maintain and update student files.
• Provide students with correct up-to-date academic information about university graduation requirements.
• Recommend students for a variety of awards and scholarships.
• Track students' academic progress and inform them of their status.
• Assist potential students in admission process for technical education and associate degree programs.
• Work closely with the technical education program leaders to recruit and retain high quality students.
• Participate in assessment activities.
• Become familiar with tools that assist students in deciding on and completing a certificate or degree program (e.g., Degree Finder, Degree Works, etc.).
• Assist students in the development of their educational goals, including the selection of a major, meeting graduation requirements, experiential opportunities, and exploring the possibility of stackable degree programs.
• Prepare student graduation applications for Dean approval in Degree Works.
• Help students to understand the expected standards of achievement and likelihood of success in areas of study as well as providing them information about alternatives, limitations, and possible consequences of academic decisions.
• Refer students to and maintain familiarity with available campus resources to meet individual needs.
• Assist the department and program leaders with the scheduling of courses.
• Assist in other areas as needed.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and understanding of, or ability to learn, University IT systems including Degree Works and Banner.
• Expertise in student development and academic planning.
• Familiarity with major-specific advising and graduation requirements.
• Creative problem-solving and multitasking abilities.
• Effective interpersonal skills via various communication channels.
• Knowledge of course schedules and curriculum.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Verbal and written communication skills and effective public speaking skills including ability to communicate with individuals as well as groups.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with multiple demands and changing needs.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment.
• Ability to work with students in 1:1 or group advising settings.
• Ability to learn and maintain current knowledge of complex program requirements, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to work with diverse student backgrounds.
• Ability to develop and/or deliver programs.
• Knowledge of and proficiency in a variety of current and emerging technology platforms.

Required Documents

• Resume to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under "Resume/CV"
• Cover letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application
• Three professional references with contact information to be typed at the beginning of the application

ADA

Employees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes. The employee is regularly required to sit and often uses repetitive hand motions.