Academic Advisor and School Certifying Official, Veteran Affairs- DVETF - 990668

University of Central Oklahoma•Edmond, OK

65d•$34,694

About The Position

Provides comprehensive support and guidance to students, with a dual focus on academic advising and managing veterans' education-related benefits. This role combines advising students on academic goals, curriculum choices, and course scheduling with processing and managing GI Bill payments and supporting military-connected students as the School Certifying Official (SCO). The advisor will ensure students receive effective assistance, maintain accurate records, and facilitate communication between students, academic departments, and veterans' affairs agencies and services.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in job related field or 4+ years of work experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Technical proficiency
Trust and credibility
Dedication
Self-awareness
Accepting ambiguity
Team player
Time management skills
Independent
Results oriented.
Knowledgeable in the higher education attainment process, particularly the requirements and general value of education.
Demonstration of a warm and caring professional attitude and creative counseling techniques.
Ability to communicate effectively with department chairpersons and/or deans regarding degree program requirements.
Ability to work well under pressure.

Nice To Haves

Prior academic advising/counseling experience.
Proficient in basic mathematics.
Familiarity with admission and enrollment process at the University of Central Oklahoma or in an institution of higher education setting and its undergraduate degree programs.

Responsibilities

Processes payment of the various forms of the GI Bill as the SCO for more than 700 military-connected students each semester, working closely with the State and Federal Veterans Affairs and Vocational Rehab Counselors for student veterans using Chapter 31.
Review and maintain student records and generate reports for the area. Coordinate the development and/or preparation of informational materials relevant to institutional research, students, or alumni.
Reconcile and troubleshoot actual VA Post 9/11 tuition and fee payments and financial records of students' accounts. Verifies annual VA reporting fee for accuracy.
Keeps abreast of federal rules and regulations pertaining to VA Education Benefits and ensures compliance. Maintains records of IAW Federal and State VA guidelines and prepares for annual audits by both. Ensures work performed is within guidelines of Federal Rules and Regulations.
Monitors changes in student enrollment schedule and notifies university Financial Aid and the VA accordingly. Certifies and processes all the government documents regarding the VA Educational Benefits programs. Establishes and maintains accurate and up-to-date information in VA student files.
Assists students with inquiries and problems concerning their VA educational benefits. Assists and advocates for veteran and military-dependent students regarding inquiries and challenges at the University.
Informs students on appropriate academic schedules, choice of major, number of hours available, probation, and suspension; suggests remedial or corrective actions.
Acts as a resource for academic information and decision-making strategies. Acts as a liaison between the University academic departments, UCO students, and prospective students.
Completes degree audits and articulates coursework as needed.
Performs other related duties as assigned