Academic Advising Support Specialist

HIGHLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE•Highland, KS

3d•$33,000 - $38,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Academic Advising Support Specialist provides administrative, operational, and student-facing support to the Advising Office. The role assists with testing and proctoring, appointment scheduling, student communication, and general advising operations. As an initial point of contact for students, faculty, staff, and community members, the specialist provides information about academic advising, testing services, and related student support resources. The position helps create a welcoming, organized, student-centered environment by helping students navigate college processes, connecting them with appropriate resources, and coordinating advising and testing services. The specialist coordinates and administers placement testing, institutional assessments, and other approved testing services; schedules and oversees appointments; provides instructions; monitors testing environments; maintains security, confidentiality, records, and reporting; coordinates approved accommodations; communicates requirements, deadlines, and results; and prepares testing equipment, software, and materials. The role schedules advising appointments, maintains calendars and records, coordinates appointments with students and college personnel, and supports advising events, registration periods, and outreach. It provides general information about advising procedures, registration timelines, academic calendars, and college resources, and helps students use Self-Service and other college systems. The specialist responds to general inquiries by phone, email, and in person; provides information about college processes; and refers students to appropriate departments or staff when needed. Administrative duties include maintaining records, databases, spreadsheets, and documentation; preparing correspondence and reports; monitoring supplies and equipment; supporting special projects; maintaining student confidentiality and complying with FERPA and institutional policies; and providing general support to the Advising Office and Student Affairs leadership. The position also helps identify students who may need assistance, connects them with campus resources such as financial aid, admissions, disability services, tutoring, and student support programs, and supports outreach and initiatives intended to improve student engagement, persistence, and completion.

Requirements

Associate degree preferred; an equivalent combination of education and relevant administrative or customer service experience may be considered.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Ability to learn and navigate student information systems, scheduling platforms, and testing software.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Student-centered approach and commitment to student success.
Ability to communicate effectively with students from diverse backgrounds.
Strong time-management and problem-solving skills.
Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and competing priorities.
Professionalism, confidentiality, and sound judgment.
Ability to work independently and contribute to a collaborative team environment.
Patience, flexibility, and a positive approach to assisting students.
Ability to recognize when student questions require referral to another department or college administrator.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in an office, educational environment, or customer service setting.
Experience working in higher education, academic advising, admissions, testing, or student services.
Familiarity with student information systems and online testing platforms.
Knowledge of FERPA and student record confidentiality requirements.
Experience assisting students with enrollment, registration, or academic processes.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and administer placement testing, institutional assessments, and other approved testing services.
Schedule and oversee testing appointments; provide instructions; monitor testing environments; maintain testing security, confidentiality, records, and reporting; coordinate approved testing accommodations; communicate testing requirements, deadlines, and results; and prepare testing equipment, software, and materials.
Schedule academic advising appointments, maintain advising calendars, coordinate appointments, and maintain appointment records and advising documentation.
Assist with advising events, registration periods, and student outreach activities.
Provide general information about advising procedures, registration timelines, academic calendars, and college resources, and help students navigate Self-Service and other college systems.
Serve as an initial point of contact and respond to general questions by phone, email, and in person.
Provide accurate information about college processes and refer students to appropriate departments or staff when additional assistance is needed.
Assist students with next steps related to enrollment, registration, placement testing, and academic advising, while promoting a welcoming and supportive environment.
Maintain student records, databases, spreadsheets, and office documentation; prepare correspondence, reports, and other administrative materials; and monitor office supplies, testing materials, and equipment.
Assist with student services, enrollment, and retention projects and initiatives; provide general administrative support to the Advising Office and Student Affairs leadership.
Maintain confidentiality of student information and comply with FERPA and institutional policies.
Help identify students who may need assistance navigating college processes and connect them with appropriate campus resources.
Assist with outreach and follow-up related to registration, advising appointments, and student success initiatives.
Support initiatives designed to improve student engagement, persistence, and completion.