Academic Adviser

Penn State University • University Park, IL

18h • Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Health Policy and Administration (HPA) in the College of Health and Human Development at Penn State is seeking a highly motivated, professional Academic Adviser. This role will provide academic evaluation, guidance, and assistance to students; assess student interests and performance; identify needs and opportunities to advance student academic goals; advise on course selection, scheduling, program requirements, and degree progress; contribute to the unit’s advising program including orientations, workshops, and recruiting and retention efforts; implement improvements to advising services.

Requirements

• Outstanding interpersonal, verbal, and written communications.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity.
• Effective problem-solving and organizational skills.
• Accuracy and attention to detail.
• The ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• The use of sound judgment and professionalism.
• The ability to adapt and adjust to situations as needed.
• Master's Degree
• 3+ years of relevant experience (for Academic Adviser - Advanced Professional)
• 1+ years of relevant experience (for Academic Adviser - Intermediate Professional)

Responsibilities

• Provide holistic and proactive advising services to students exploring or enrolled in the Health Policy and Administration major, which also includes pre-major, change of major, change of campus, transfer, concurrent major, NCAA athletes and Schreyer Honor students.
• Advise students applying to and accepted into HPA’s Integrated Undergraduate/Graduate Programs.
• Oversee and guide the HPA Student Peer Mentoring Program.
• Evaluate student needs; advise students in course selection, registration, scheduling, credit transfers, and degree requirement satisfaction; monitor academic progress; maintain and ensure confidentiality of student records (LionPATH).
• Identify students experiencing academic difficulty; develop academic improvement plans; connect students with student support services, wellness, and learning resources; make referrals as needed; develop partnerships with faculty to coordinate academic interventions
• Discuss and explore academic, personal, and professional interests and goals with students; develop comprehensive plans to support academic and career advancement; identify learning experiences to complement and advance student goals including research, study abroad, service learning, and co-curricular opportunities
• Utilize the student success platform to communicate with advisees, document interactions, track student progress, compile and analyze student data, and generate reports (Starfish).
• Coordinate, develop, deliver, and direct college or major specific advising programs including New Student Orientation, peer advising programs, first year seminars, information sessions, or curriculum planning workshops; participate, contribute to, and present at various college and University-wide educational programs including Commencement, and Parents and Families Weekend.
• Interpret, apply, and ensure student compliance with university academic policies and procedures
• Contribute to the development of enrollment enhancement plans; participate in recruitment and retention activities; conduct meetings for prospective students/families, high school counselors, and University staff
• Represent and provide expertise related to assigned major; maintain knowledge of specific educational requirements and opportunities; conduct surveys of industry trends and pursue relevant internship opportunities; highlight degree program strengths, achievements, and benefits to prospective students and families
• Liaise with college undergraduate office or departmental advising offices; provide information relevant to assigned major or undergraduate program; develop resources for various audiences including faculty, students, departmental staff, and external audiences
• Serve on department committees related to student success. This includes participating in various internal and external professional development opportunities to remain current on advising best practices.

Benefits

• competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being
• comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• robust retirement plans
• substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time
• generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees