Academic Advisor

Job Description

Job Purpose:

Academic Advisor (AA) will provide all of the tools and resources necessary for students to perform well academically and be successful in their courses. Expert knowledge of all school policies and procedures along with strong relationship building and problem solving skills are requirements for this student focused position. AA’s are key players in identifying potential process changes and training opportunities within the department which will improve overall student satisfaction and retention as well as reinforce the college mission and vision.

Duties:

· Provide exceptional academic guidance via phone, text messaging and email to assigned student population for the duration of their academic career to ensure high student satisfaction and retention

· Provide a welcome call to students immediately after Orientation and reinforce new student expectations

· Assist with transcript request questions and issues

· Assist instructors in helping their students – as a facilitator between the two, or working directly with the student

· Assist students with degree plans, time-to-finish, and maximum timeframe

· Monitor student academic progress and advise students appropriately (SAP, etc.)

· Monitor student participation and advise students appropriately

· Initiate the process for adding, dropping and withdrawing of current students in cooperation with the Registrar’s office

· Advise schedules and schedule changes to students

· Advise students in understanding and facilitating academic programs, processes and policies

· Advise students with course registration and any academic issues they might encounter. Academic issues may include missing instructors, login assistance, links not working, lack of instructor feedback, technical difficulties, etc. Handle SAP reschedules.

· Respond to requests for academic support

· Work with instructors to identify student needs for academic support – including tutoring, library assistance, instructor assistance, etc.

· Advise students about possible consequences of academic performance

· Establish and maintain departmental relationships with PAD and instructors

· Maintain current knowledge of all the degree programs in the department

· Retention duties in terms of following on key drivers of retention – e.g. LDA, SAP, participation, grades, etc.

· Handle all incoming communications from students in an expedient and professional manner

· Assist students with resolving academic problems

· Identify and contact students who are at risk and ensure that appropriate action is taken to address issues and concerns

· Develop, implement and monitor student success plans for underperforming students

· Meet regularly with at-risk students to monitor progress and provide services such as coordination of tutoring, time management, working with faculty and/or other staff members to help to eliminate obstacles to students’ academic success

· Advise students of school policies and assist students in using available resources

· Manage student information system data with integrity and security

· Maintain confidentiality regarding student affairs and administrative responsibilities

· Develop rapport and constructive working relationships with all students and staff

· Encourage professional growth and fosters cooperation amongst staff members

· Facilitate networking, communication, and leadership among personnel throughout the school

· Other duties as assigned

Requirements

Skills/Qualifications:

· Must possess expertise in the assigned field of study through educational background and/or experience

· Bachelor’s degree in a related field is required and a Master’s degree in a related field is strongly preferred

· Two years experience working in an online college

· Proficient with Microsoft Office suite and email

· Member of the National Academic Advising Association

· Outstanding telephone skills

· Ability to multi-task and to succeed within strict timelines

· Exemplary level of integrity

· Strong detail orientation and organizational skills

· Strong communication skills

· Proven ability to interact effectively with students, staff, and faculty

· Variable hours with some evening and weekend work

· Must have bachelor’s degree or higher

· Ongoing student focus

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