Academic Advisor

Academic Advisor

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Academic Advisor.

Special Instructions to Applicants
Please upload your CV along with the names and contact information for 3 references

JobSummary:
TheAcademic Advisor works to cultivate student success by 1) assisting students intheir transition to the University, 2) facilitating students’ efforts to plantheir path to degree, 3) promoting engagement in their major and 4) connectingstudents with key campus resources. In addition to working with studentsin their caseload, advisors will also respond to walk-in student needs, providesupport to faculty advisors, and assist with undergraduate recruitment andretention initiatives. The position of advisor is a full-time (40 hour/week)position and limited evenings and/or weekend hours are expected.

PrimaryJob Duties and Responsibilities: 

Work collaboratively and effectively with other advisors, staff, and faculty in the School, utilizing evidence-based best practices for advising to increase student success. Meet with students to advise them in matters pertaining to academic requirements and progression toward degree completion; proactively reach out to students to ensure they are meeting expectations; refer students to resources on campus as appropriate and ensure student issues are addressed efficiently and effectively; respond to student questions, including walk-ins, emails, phone, and videoconferencing, with a helpful attitude, correct information, and timeliness; Provide backup for faculty advisors in the unit when faculty are not available or at the request of the school director. Assist students and faculty advisors with University processes such as course substitutions, undergraduate exception requests, and graduation applications. Work with students as necessary to complete Academic Improvement Plans and Academic Clearance forms. Coordinate and participate in undergraduate recruitment, orientation, and retention events and initiatives.  Engage in professional development and training to improve advising skills, including recognizing and supporting the needs of diverse student populations, and perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications: 
Bachelor’sdegree from anaccredited college or university and atleast one year experience working inan academic environment or an equivalentcombination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications: 
Master’s degree Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Prior experience with advisement, student coaching, or other student academic support work, especially with diverse student populations; Educational background in a field related to higher education, student services, or counseling. Educational background and/or work experience with one or more of the disciplinary areas that the advisors will serve (, Communications; Criminal justice and Forensics; Exploratory Studies (undeclared); Health Sciences, including pre-nursing; Music)

Knowledge,Skills, and Abilities (KSA): 

Excellent communication skills(oral and written) Commitment to professionaldevelopment and growth  Ability to work independently tomanage caseloads, demonstrating strong organizational skills, attention todetail, and time management Knowledge of academicpolicies/procedures and major/degree plans according to the advisor’s area, inaddition to student resources throughout the University  Flexibility in usingproblem-solving skills and initiative to assist individual students withparticular issues and identify methods to improve office processes and systems  Ability to work effectively as ateam member and develop collaborative and productive professional relationshipsin pursuit of shared goals. Skill in working with diversestudents to foster an inclusive community that recognizes the value of allpeople, regardless of ethnicity, race, gender, religion, national origin,sexual orientation, ability, or socioeconomic status.

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