Academic Advisor, General Studies

Job Description Summary The General Studies academic advisor will have a caseload of general studies majors who are mostly underprepared students, requiring holistic, proactive advising to support them through their first year at the University.
This position will collaborate with different offices on campus to advocate for students, solve student issues, and support student retention and completion goals.
This position will be part of a dynamic and collaborative team working with a diverse group of students.
The search committee will review applications until the position is filled; however, for best consideration, applications should be provided by November 17, 2023.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities Job Functions Advises a caseload of general studies students, providing support, advocacy, guidance, and intervention.
Supports student retention and completion goals of the University.
Works in a collaborative environment, supporting the efforts of the Student Success Center as well as other academic advisors within the unit.
Duties and Responsibilities Advises a caseload of general studies students, providing support, advocacy, guidance, and intervention.
Serves as the primary advisor for a caseload of students, many of whom are underprepared in English, reading, and/or math, educating them on degree requirements for their intended majors, assisting them with course selection, and providing multiple contacts throughout the students’ first year to ensure success.
Assists students in navigating higher education and advocating for them when necessary with other campus offices regarding financial aid, absences, grading issues, transfer credit, appeals, and other related issues that may arise.
Interviews, assesses, and develops an advising plan for incoming academically underprepared students and others as needed, using best practices in academic advising.
Provides interventions for students who have early alerts or are on academic probation, making appropriate referrals to other campus offices, such as academic departments, Accessibility Services, counseling services, tutoring, mentoring, etc.
Monitors academic progress of the students to satisfy successful completion of coursework, academic probation requirements, and other related needs.
Uses student retention software and other technological tools to support advising.
Maintains accurate and timely recordkeeping within the student retention software and any other required systems, documenting all pertinent student information and interactions.
2.
Supports student retention and completion goals of the University.
Actively supports and works to meet champaigns, initiatives and programs created by the Director of Advising & Academic Resources as well as other campus stakeholders.
Participates in meetings and campus committees, giving expertise on issues affecting students and their successful completion of coursework and degrees.
Maintains up-to-date knowledge on higher education issues that involve student success, academic advising, and retention and participates in professional development both on and off campus, as budget allows.
3.
Works in a collaborative environment, supporting the efforts of the Student Success Center as well as other academic advisors within the unit.
Works closely with the other academic advisors serving general studies students, the College of Professional Studies, and College of Arts and Sciences, supporting the mission and vision of these stakeholders.
Actively collaborates and communicates with the Student Success Center and Career Services administrators, attends scheduled meetings, and works to improve the functions of both offices.
Supports and attends Student Success Center and required campus events, including but not limited to New Student Orientations and Shawnee Showcase Days.
Some evening and weekend hours are required.
Works with faculty, academic departments, and other campus units for the benefit and betterment of students.
Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Active listening, empathy, compassion, and understanding.
Experience working with and providing services to diverse groups of people with varying needs.
Must be comfortable speaking in public.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
Ability to juggle and prioritize multiple projects and work tasks at once.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with different challenges and priorities each day.
Must be able to work independently and as part of a team.
Minimum Qualifications Master's degree in counseling, social work, education, student affairs, higher education or related field.
1 year work experience in field