Exploratory Advisor I

Posting Details

Posting Summary

Logo

Posting Number
STA00974PO25

Job Family
Academic and Career Counseling

Job Function
Academic Advising

USC Market Title
Exploratory Academic Advisor

Link to USC Market Title
https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/141219

Job Level
P1 - Professional

Business Title (Internal Title)
Exploratory Advisor I

Campus
Columbia

Work County
Richland

College/Division
Division of Academic Affairs and Provost

Department
PROV University Advising Center

State Pay Band
6

Approved Starting Salary
$54,960

Advertised Salary Range
$54,960-$64,960

Location of Vacancy

Part/Full Time
Full Time

Hours per Week
37.5

Work Schedule

• Standard working schedule: 8:30am - 5:00pm
• Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.

Basis
12 months

Job Search Category
Student Services

About USC

About University of South Carolina

From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor's degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service - helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

Veterans' Preference Statement

The University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities.

Benefits for FTE Positions

The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at https://uscjobs.sc.edu. Research Grant or Time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or no benefits, based on the grant or project funding.

Position Description

Advertised Job Summary

The University Advising Center's Exploratory Advisor provides prescriptive academic advising to students in transition, particularly those changing or declaring their major, to facilitate intentional academic decision-making. Exploratory Advisors have a working knowledge of all college curricula (i.e. 140+majors and concentrations), major-change policies and procedures for all 11 academic colleges/schools) and must communicate regularly with campus partners. In addition, this position must maintain an average advising schedule of 30 hours per week, participate in on-going training, conduct various outreach efforts, and regularly assess the effectiveness of Exploratory Advising programs.

Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience

• Requires a Master's degree in a job related field and 1 year of job related experience, or bachelor's degree in a job related field and 3 years of job related experience.

Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters degree and 2 years related advising experience is preferred.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• The position requires strong critical thinking, memorization, attention to detail, and communication skills, as well as the ability to work independently while developing strong collaborative relationships with colleagues, students, and student affairs and academic affairs units.
• The individual must be able to exercise excellent professional judgment and discretion, making decisions on a regular basis that impact student welfare and the institution.

Job Duties

Job Duty

Exploratory Advising/Major Change: Provide Exploratory Advising to undergraduate students interested in changing majors. Learn curriculum and program requirements for all majors/minors/focus options at USC-Columbia including academic regulations, university policies/procedures. Support undecided students and students transitioning into their major of choice. Assist students with learning major and course requirements and developing academic plans. Use DegreeWorks, EAB Navigate, and Self-Service Carolina to facilitate the major change process. Incorporate Appreciative Advising techniques in student interactions. Evening work is required during peak advising times. Other duties as assigned.

Essential Function
Yes

Percentage of Time
70

Job Duty

Documentation and Assessment:Maintain accurate and confidential records of every student interaction including in-person, phone, and online visits. Regularly communicate with students. Develop reports and assist in the assessment of the University Advising Center. Assist with the planning and facilitation of training and professional development activities. Develop expertise in areas related to one-on-one academic support of college students.

Essential Function
Yes

Percentage of Time
10

Job Duty

Outreach: Provide outreach and partnership management for the University Advising Center and the academic advising campus community. Manage existing and new academic and campus partnerships. Facilitate academic success presentations and workshops to various campus partners. Serve as UAC representative on campus committees and outreach events as needed. Weekend work may be required.

Essential Function
Yes

Percentage of Time
10

Job Duty

Training & Certification: Exploratory Advisors participate in ongoing training to ensure accurate and effective advising, knowledge of current issues and trends related to students' academic success and retention. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: certification at Level I and II in the Academic Advisor training and Certification program provided by the University Advising Center, participation in UAC trainings, and completed mastery rubrics for Tier I Exploratory Advisors

Essential Function
Yes

Percentage of Time
10

Position Attributes

Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing.

Safety Sensitive or Security Sensitive
No

Hazardous weather category
Non-Essential

Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies
2

Desired Start Date

Job Open Date
12/19/2025

Job Close Date
02/02/2026

Open Until Filled
No

Special Instructions to Applicant

Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.

We are only accepting applications submitted by February 2, 2026

The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:

• Health and Life Insurance
• Retirement Programs
• Paid Tuition
• Dependent Scholarships
• Annual Leave
• Sick Leave
• 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Professional Development Opportunities

Click here to learn more about why you should work at USC.

Quicklink for Posting
https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/200099

EEO Statement

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.

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