Senior Academic Advisor - Dean's Administration, Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources 30001

Job posting for a position within the Office of Dean's Administration in the Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources at West Virginia University.

About The Opportunity

The incumbent will advise undergraduate students within the Statler College, ensuring they are equipped with the information needed to navigate the higher education system and the college specifically. This role aids in the total development of students by guiding them in setting social, educational, and career goals, formulating objectives, and selecting appropriate academic majors.

Responsibilities

• Plans, implements, and coordinates programming to improve retention and persistence through graduation, including multi-year initiatives and academic support services.
• Participates in First Year Seminar by developing and presenting curriculum related to advising and student success strategies.
• Provides support to recruiting and academic events, which may include off-peak hours (evenings, weekends, etc.).
• Provides timely and effective academic counsel to assist students with selecting, matriculating into, and completing baccalaureate degrees.
• Coordinates with the college career services center and central student services to assist students in selecting a major, identifying career pathways, and building a professional profile.
• Provides advising and counseling to students who are probationary, on deferred suspension, or reinstated after suspension.
• Develops and maintains curriculum for the mid-year academy for students on probation.
• Develops and prepares a four- or five-year academic plan for each advisee and records it in the degree audit system (i.e., DegreeWorks).
• Tracks and monitors persistence and completion in accordance with the academic plan and revises when necessary.
• Employs a combination of appreciative, developmental, intrusive, and prescriptive academic advising to assist students in persistence and degree completion.
• Researches and interprets the WVU Undergraduate Catalog and Statler College policies and procedures to assist students in matriculating into degree programs, majors, and minors.
• Utilizes student information systems (i.e., Banner and SSC Campus) to track and monitor academic history and in-progress work.
• Conducts outreach to students identified as at-risk during early alert or midterm grade reporting processes and makes referrals to academic, career, and other support services.
• Provides guidance to students submitting appeals for academic and federal financial aid suspensions, including creating an academic success plan in DegreeWorks.
• Assists students with the transient approval process by reviewing course equivalencies and matching WVU courses with those offered by the transient institution.
• Assists students with the transition from high school to college through formal convocation and orientation programs.
• Assesses student concerns and makes referrals to other University representatives/units.
• Serves on college- and/or university-wide task forces/committees that impact student success at WVU.
• Assists the Program Director in collecting and analyzing enrollment data.
• Collaborates with recruitment staff by supporting initiatives to increase yield of first-time admits to deposits.
• Participates in events sponsored by the unit, which may include on-campus recruiting, new student orientation, academic academies, and commencement.
• Maintains current knowledge of federal statutes (i.e., FERPA) protecting the confidentiality of academic records.

Requirements

• Requires a master’s degree, preferably in a STEM discipline, or a bachelor’s degree preferably in a STEM discipline and equivalent related experience.
• A minimum of two (2) years of experience in each of the following:
  • Advising or counseling
  • Academic or student support services
  • Student information systems
  • Program Planning/Management
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Skills

• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
• Knowledge of student information systems (i.e., Banner, Student Success Collaborative Campus).
• Application of degree audit/planning tools (i.e., DegreeWorks).
• Expertise in different forms of academic advising (appreciative, developmental, intrusive, etc.).
• Professional oral and written communications.
• Demonstrated ability to apply critical reasoning and problem-solving.
• Ability to employ interpersonal communications and conflict resolution.
• Analytical skills for conducting research.
• Ability to teach young adults through formal and informal instruction.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality.

Benefits

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position.

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.