Academic Counselor - Football

Location: Morgantown, West Virginia | Type: Full-time

About The Opportunity

This position will provide academic support and guidance to student-athletes assigned by the Assistant Director for Student-Athlete Academic Services. Duties include organizing and implementing academic programs that contribute to supervised student-athlete’s educational and personal growth.

Benefits

• 37.5-hour work week
• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• 24 annual leave (vacation) days per year or more based on years of service
• 18 sick days per year (for personal illness, caring for sick family, or regularly scheduled medical appointments; family includes immediate relatives, in-laws, and household members)
• Range of health insurance and other benefits
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks
• Wellness programs

Responsibilities

• Evaluate student-athlete academic records to determine progress towards a degree and maintenance of eligibility. Requires knowledge of institutional and NCAA eligibility requirements.
• Inform coaches regarding institutional and NCAA requirements related to student-athletes’ academic progress and eligibility.
• Organize and implement specific academic programs to assist student-athletes in meeting their educational goals, including monitoring and guiding student-athletes during study hall, general tutoring, and assisting with test preparation, study skills, and time management.
• Assist student-athletes in identifying educational and career interests, selecting classes, and determining academic majors.
• Communicate with University advisors and Registrar’s Office to maintain up-to-date records of major academic requirements and degree program changes.
• Monitor the academic progress of student-athletes through routine contact with student-athletes and professors. Provide academic reports to coaches on the progress and classroom performance of student-athletes.
• Maintain frequent communication with coaches, faculty, tutors, and University professionals regarding student-athlete progress and concerns.
• Maintain accurate records and knowledge of student-athletes’ academic schedules to notify coaches regarding classes, tests, appointments, study sessions, and community service.
• Monitor the Academic Progress Rate (APR) of assigned sports programs. Communicate regularly with the coach and respective sport administrator surrounding the APR of each program.
• Guide and advise student-athletes in solving problems and addressing educational and social issues.
• Create class schedules for incoming student-athletes for summer and fall semesters.
• Assist freshmen and transfers through academic onboarding tasks to help with transition into the University system.
• Assist in organization and presentation of recruiting materials for prospective high-school and transfer student-athletes.
• Meet with prospective student-athletes during official and unofficial visits. Arrange meetings with faculty, resident faculty leaders, and other academic professionals as necessary during recruiting visits.
• Maintain communications with Athletic Compliance Office regarding legislation and interpretation of rules and regulations related to academics (e.g., academic progress, summer school provisions, recruiting materials, NCAA Eligibility Center).
• Provide information to Athletic Compliance Office, Admissions, Registrar, academic advisors, and athletic staff for certification, updating eligibility lists, scholarship, and aid provision for class scheduling.
• Work with Athletic Compliance staff to provide information required to prepare eligibility waivers.
• Communicate with Certification Officers to ensure that academic records are accurate. Draft statistical and narrative reports as requested.
• Attend meetings as assigned.
• Participate in campus committees and state and regional professional organizations. Maintain professional growth and development through seminars, workshops, and professional organizations.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned by the Assistant Director for Student-Athlete Academic Service.
• Report directly to the Assistant Director for Student-Athlete Academic Services; work closely with senior athletic administrative staff and others involved in carrying out the philosophy and objectives of the intercollegiate athletic program.
• Maintain knowledge of and comply with all rules, regulations, policies, and guidelines of West Virginia University, the Big 12 Conference, and the NCAA; must adhere to NCAA Bylaw 11.1 Conduct of Athletic Personnel.
• Participate in maintaining the academic integrity essential for the University to accomplish its mission; adhere to the University’s policies and guidelines regarding academic integrity and dishonesty.
• Exhibit expertise in professional fields and prioritize academic requirements for student-athletes to encourage academic success and graduation.
• Represent the University professionally with dignity, integrity, and ethical behavior; respect the rights and dignity of individuals regardless of racial, ethnic, or sexual orientation differences.
• Demonstrate a cooperative attitude towards all sports within the intercollegiate athletic program.
• Adapt to situations, make decisions, and work independently; build and maintain relationships with student-athletes, coaches, staff, and constituencies; use creative abilities to develop new techniques and approaches.
• Manage sensitive and confidential information related to student-athletes, coaches, and staff with discretion.
• Manage professional and personal time to handle time-sensitive issues, tight deadlines, extended hours beyond the normal workday, weekend work, and on-call availability.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree, preferably in education, social science, counseling, or a similar field.
• A minimum of 1.5 years of experience involving:
  • Counseling, advising, teaching, tutoring, or otherwise instructing students in a higher education environment (Division I athletic experience preferred)
  • Proven success rate in academic development
  • Graduate Assistant experience acceptable
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Skills

• Microsoft Office Suite
• Problem Solving
• Communication
• Critical Thinking
• Maintain high standards of ethics and integrity related to intercollegiate athletics
• Demonstrated knowledge of NCAA Division I intercollegiate athletics
• Demonstrated knowledge of NCAA and conference guidelines, policies, rules, and regulations with the ability to interpret, apply, enforce, and explain such policies and rules
• Maintain knowledge of state and University policies and procedures
• Exhibit strong creative, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated knowledge of correct English, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and sentence structure
• Demonstrated ability in public speaking skills
• Demonstrated ability to function professionally under high stress and confrontational circumstances
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks for an extended period
• Demonstrated ability to independently plan and organize work
• Proactive attitude towards work and assignments
• Demonstrated ability to maintain and develop personal contacts with outside groups (e.g., student-athletes, faculty, academic professionals, parents, the University community)
• Demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community
• Demonstrated knowledge of record keeping and adherence to schedule
• Ability to stay abreast of information impacting the affected area
• Demonstrated ability to organize and motivate groups and individuals
• Ability to maintain proper unit attendance and punctuality standards, work extended hours including nights and weekends (often with extensive walking and standing)
• Demonstrated ability to manage personnel
• Ability to make administrative/procedural decisions and judgments
• Knowledge of the higher education system and of counseling and advising techniques
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and with students individually and in groups
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate high school and college transcripts for NCAA eligibility and degree major requirements
• Ability to accurately plan a program of study and advise students on progress toward their degree
• Demonstrated knowledge of Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) guidelines and regulations

About WVU

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees. From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures. At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values — service, curiosity, respect, accountability, and appreciation — unite us as Mountaineers.