Academic Advisor I

Texas A&M AgriLife is the nation’s largest and most comprehensive agriculture program, bringing together a college and four state agencies focused on agriculture and life sciences within The Texas A&M University System. With over 5,000 employees and a presence in 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 engagement and empower students to achieve their academic and career goals. This position plays a vital role in maximizing undergraduate student retention by building relationships with students and clarifying procedures and academic requirements for specific programs or majors.

Responsibilities

• Advises Students (65%)
  • Collaborates with students to understand and develop realistic and attainable educational and academic goals; provides input on related majors, minors, future education, and career options.
  • Educates students about and assists them with academic processes (e.g., registration, add/drop, Q drops, withdrawals, change of curriculum submissions) by sharing university and college policies, program requirements, and transfer credit decisions.
  • Reviews students’ academic records and counsels them regarding core and degree course selection and the implications of selected courses and/or exception requests.
  • Provides input on probationary decisions.
  • Creates and maintains updated relevant records and notes (e.g., student contact, advisor notes).
• Delivers Student Success and Retention Strategies (15%)
  • Consistently engages the student population using various outreach methods (e.g., in-person and online) to cultivate professional relationships and keep students informed of critical deadlines, updates, and events.
  • Proactively shares available academic, professional, and health and wellness resources (e.g., Academic Success Center, Career Center, Student Organizations, Counseling & Psychological Services, Disability Resources); refers students with identified needs as appropriate.
  • Actively monitors students’ progress through the program by reviewing and assessing academic records to determine progression, completion of degree requirements, and identifying students needing additional intervention or guidance.
  • Assists in planning and/or delivering department-related advising, student success, retention events, and academic campaigns (e.g., New Student Conference, 1st semester advising, inquiries from prospective students).
  • Assesses individual students' stage of academic development and promotes their growth by determining suitable developmental tasks.
• Training (20%)
  • Completes up to 20% training per year, including in-class and on-the-job training programs such as shadowing, departmental/college/school trainings, university training, state and national advisor meetings, and regular staff and supervisory meetings.
  • Required trainings include Advisor Onboarding and Becoming an Advisor.
  • Time reserved for training may be adjusted after year one based on employee performance and supervisor discretion.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• No required experience.

Skills

Required (Proficiency level: novice)

• Initiating, building, and maintaining effective relationships.
• Communicating clearly and concisely in an audience-appropriate manner.
• Researching information to meet situational parameters.
• Collaborating with others within and across departments/groups.
• Actively listening to determine speakers’ goals, needs, and/or challenges.
• Organizing, prioritizing, and working effectively to meet goals and parameters of simultaneous projects.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.

Required (Proficiency level: advanced beginner)

• Ability to use various computer programs, including word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
• Ability to work with confidential information.

Preferred

• Knowledge of student development in higher education.
• Ability to lead students in developing education and personal goals.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M AgriLife contributing to employee health and basic life premiums.
• 12–15 days of annual paid holidays.
• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month.
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
• Employee Wellness Initiative for Texas A&M AgriLife.