Academic Advisor I

Texas A&M AgriLife is the nation’s largest and most comprehensive agriculture program, uniting Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University, Texas A&M Forest Service, and Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory. With over 5,000 employees across every Texas county, AgriLife improves lives, environments, and the Texas economy through education, research, extension, and service.

About the role

We are seeking an Academic Advisor I who, with assistance, will drive student engagement and empower undergraduates to achieve their academic and career goals. This role maximizes student retention by building relationships, clarifying academic procedures, and guiding students through program requirements.

Responsibilities

• Advises Students (65%)
  • Collaborates with students to develop realistic educational and academic goals, recommending majors, minors, and career paths aligned with their objectives.
  • Educates students on academic processes (e.g., registration, add/drop, Q drops, withdrawals, curriculum changes) and shares university/college policies, program requirements, and transfer credit decisions.
  • Reviews academic records and counsels students on course selection, degree requirements, and implications of exceptions or requests.
  • Provides input on probationary decisions and maintains updated student records and advisor notes.
• Delivers Student Success and Retention Strategies (15%)
  • Engages students through in-person and online outreach to cultivate professional relationships, keeping them informed of deadlines, updates, and events.
  • Proactively shares academic, professional, and wellness resources (e.g., Academic Success Center, Career Center, Counseling & Psychological Services, Disability Resources) and refers students as needed.
  • Monitors student progress, assesses academic records, and identifies students requiring additional intervention to meet goals.
  • Assists in planning and delivering advising events, student success initiatives, and academic campaigns (e.g., New Student Conference, first-semester advising).
  • Assesses students’ academic development and promotes growth through tailored developmental tasks.
• Training (20%)
  • Completes up to 20% training annually, including in-class and on-the-job programs (e.g., shadowing, departmental/university trainings, advisor meetings). Required trainings:
    • Advisor Onboarding
    • Becoming an Advisor
  • Note: Training time may adjust after the first year based on performance and supervisor discretion.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• No prior experience required.

Skills

• Proficiency (Novice Level):
  • Building and maintaining effective relationships.
  • Clear, concise, and audience-appropriate communication.
  • Researching information to address specific situations.
  • Collaborating across departments/groups.
  • Active listening to identify goals, needs, and challenges.
  • Organizing, prioritizing, and managing simultaneous projects.
  • Multitasking and cooperative teamwork.
• Proficiency (Advanced Beginner Level):
  • Using word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
  • Handling confidential information.

Preferred Skills

• Knowledge of student development in higher education.
• Ability to guide students in setting educational and personal goals.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance (employer contributes to premiums).
• 12–15 days of paid annual holidays.
• Up to 8 hours of paid sick leave and at least 8 hours of paid vacation per month.
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
• Employee Wellness Initiative.

Location: College Station, Texas