Job Category: Exempt

PCLS: 30001

Salary Grade: E

Summary

Incumbents in the Academic Advisor position advise prospective, current, and former students. Incumbents advise and assist students in the development of academic plans and class schedules. Additionally, incumbents assess academic level, attend to student academic inquiries, assist in the resolution of individual academic problems, and advise on academic program changes. Incumbents also prepare students’ graduation applications for Dean approval in DegreeWorks and assist students with semester-by-semester planning in preparation for declaring a major. 

Reporting and Supervisory Responsibilities

The Academic Advisor typically reports to an Associate Dean, Department Head, Advising Manager, or Advising Supervisor. This classification may supervise student employees.  

Typical Functions

1. Provides advising services in person, by phone, or by email. 
2. Provides accurate information related to curriculum, graduation requirements, and university policies and procedures. 
3. Creates semester-by-semester graduation plan in DegreeWorks and monitors students’ progress toward their declared major. 
4. Provides information and strategies to utilize available campus resources and services. 
5. Maintains confidentiality. 
6. Assists students in making responsible and informed decisions impacting academic progress. 
7. Encourages and guides students as they define and develop realistic goals. 
8. Assists students to understand the purpose of higher education and the impact on life goals. 
9. Discusses the benefits of building a learning community, network, and support system among peers, professors, and mentors. 
10. Makes appropriate referrals to other University and non-university resources. 
11. Maintains records and documentation of advising interactions. 
12. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1. Verbal and written communication skills and effective public speaking skills including ability to communicate with individuals as well as groups. 
2. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with multiple demands and changing needs. 
3. Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment. 
4. Ability to work with students in 1:1 or group advising settings. 
5. Ability to learn and maintain current knowledge of complex program requirements, policies, and procedures. 
6. Ability to work with diverse student backgrounds. 
7. Ability to develop and/or deliver programs. 
8. Knowledge of and proficiency in a variety of current and emerging technology platforms.   

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree is required.  

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

Employees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes.  The employee is regularly required to sit and often uses repetitive hand motions.  

Disclaimer

This position description indicates the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to the position.