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 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, attainable educational and academic goals; provides input on related majors, minors, future education, and career options.
  • Educates students about academic processes (e.g., registration, add/drop, Q drops, withdrawals, change of curriculum) and shares university and college policies, program requirements, and transfer credit decisions.
  • Reviews students’ academic records and counsels them on core and degree course selection, including implications of selected courses and exception requests.
  • Provides input on probationary decisions.
  • Creates and maintains updated records and notes (e.g., student contact, advisor notes).
• Delivers Student Success and Retention Strategies (15%)
  • Engages students through various outreach methods (in-person and online) to cultivate professional relationships and keep students informed of critical deadlines, updates, and events.
  • Proactively shares academic, professional, health, and wellness resources (e.g., Academic Success Center, Career Center, Counseling & Psychological Services, Disability Resources) and refers students as needed.
  • Monitors students’ progress, reviews academic records, and identifies students needing additional intervention or guidance.
  • Assists in planning and delivering advising events and academic campaigns (e.g., New Student Conference, first-semester advising, prospective student inquiries).
  • Assesses students’ stage of academic development and promotes growth through suitable developmental tasks.
• Training (20%)
  • Completes up to 20% training annually, including in-class and on-the-job programs (e.g., shadowing, departmental/college/university trainings, advisor meetings, staff/supervisory meetings).
  • Required trainings: Advisor Onboarding, Becoming an Advisor.
  • Training time may be adjusted after the first year based on performance and supervisor discretion.

Requirements

• Education and Experience
  • Bachelor’s degree.
  • No prior experience required.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Proficiency level: Novice
    • Initiating, building, and maintaining effective relationships.
    • Communicating clearly and concisely in an audience-appropriate manner.
    • Researching information to meet situational needs.
    • Collaborating within and across departments/groups.
    • Actively listening to determine speakers’ goals, needs, and challenges.
    • Organizing, prioritizing, and managing simultaneous projects.
    • Multitasking and working cooperatively with others.
  • Proficiency level: Advanced Beginner
    • Using computer programs (word processing, spreadsheets, databases).
    • Handling confidential information.
• Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Knowledge of student development in higher education.
  • Ability to guide students in developing educational and personal goals.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package, including:
  • Health, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance (with employer contributions to health and basic life 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