Biology Academic Advisor

About the role

The Academic Advisor will advise for the Biology programs within the College of Arts and Sciences. The position will help build a total ArtSci experience, including the development of a culture of empowering student success, engagement through inside and outside-the-classroom opportunities, and the transition to meaningful careers. The selected candidate will work closely with the Biology Department and its programs.

Responsibilities

• Assist students with creating and managing a program of study that maximizes their 1) potential for success while in school, 2) timely graduation, and 3) opportunities to reach academic and career goals after graduation.
• Provide students with correct up-to-date academic information about university graduation requirements.
• Track students' academic progress and inform them of their status.
• Work closely with the assigned department to recruit and retain high quality students.
• Participate in assessment activities.
• Develop expertise in academic advising tools such as: DegreeWorks, Banner, etc.
• Assist students in the exploration of their educational goals, including possible areas of study, class selection, connecting students to curricular and extracurricular opportunities, and exploring career and graduate school opportunities.
• 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.
• Maintain familiarity with available campus resources and effectively connect students to campus resources when appropriate.
• Recommend students for a variety of awards and scholarships.
• Maintain and update student files to effectively track student progress.
• Assist in other areas as needed.

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree
• Up to 1 year of relevant work experience
• Excellent computer skills including experience with Microsoft Office
• Preferred Qualifications: Educational background in the life sciences or experience or educational background in education or counseling
• Understanding of developmental academic advising processes
• Experience with the software programs DegreeWorks, Banner, and/or Aggie Handshake

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Knowledge of student development and the ability to serve and assist the students in developing effective academic plans and career and life goals in order to promote student retention and academic success
• Knowledge of student advising and graduation requirements for academic degrees, and the ability to anticipate department and/or student needs
• Ability to creatively and independently problem-solve by prioritizing and multitasking while under pressure
• Ability to serve individuals with diverse personalities through the use of effective oral, written and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to work in a collaborative team environment
• Ability to understand and form a commitment to USU's mission, strategic initiatives, and communities of engaged learners
• Knowledge of university course schedules and degree requirements
• Knowledge of student advisement methods and techniques (monitoring students' classes, scheduling, academic progress, and registration)
• Ability to keep student information confidential and abide by FERPA laws
• Ability to always maintain professionalism even in high stress situations
• Understanding of, or ability to learn University IT systems including DegreeWorks, Banner, Aggie Handshake, and other academic and office productivity software
• Ability to work on one's own with minimal supervision