Academic Advisor I

Texas A&M University System • College Station, TX

1d

About The Position

The Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (VMBS) is an institution that represents 100 years of growth from a small school of veterinary medicine in 1916 to its present role as a major veterinary educational, medical, and research center. Today, we are one of the largest schools of veterinary medicine in the United States, training nearly 600 Doctor of Veterinary Medicine students each year. We support collaboration and teamwork that turns today's discoveries into proactive solutions for animals, humans, and the environment. Together, we strive to support the goals of the faculty, staff and students in teaching, research and outreach programs.

The Academic Advisor I is responsible for driving engagement and empowering students to achieve their academic and career goals. This position will play a vital role in maximizing undergraduate student retention by building relationships with students and clarifying procedures and academic requirements for specific programs or majors.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree
• Proficiency level of novice in the following skills, using the novice to expert model (i.e., novice, advanced beginner, competent, proficient, expert): Initiating, building, and maintaining effective relationships Communicating with others in a clear and concise manner that is audience appropriate Researching information to meet situation parameters Collaborating with others within and across departments/groups Actively listening to determine speakers’ goals, needs, and/or challenges Organizing, prioritizing, and working effectively to meet goals and parameters of simultaneous projects
• Proficiency level of advanced beginner in the following skills, using the novice to expert model (i.e., novice, advanced beginner, competent, proficient, expert): Ability to use various computer programs to include word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications Ability to work with confidential information

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of student development in higher education
• Ability to lead students in developing education and personal goals

Responsibilities

• Advises Students Collaborates with students to understand and develop realistic and attainable educational and academic goals and provides input on related majors, minors, future education and career options that best align with goals.
• Educates students about and prepares and assists them with full array of academic processes (e.g., registration, add/drop, Q drops, withdrawals, change of curriculum submissions, etc.) by sharing university and college policies, program requirements, transfer credit decisions, etc.
• Reviews student’s academic record and counsel students regarding core and degree course selection and implication of selected courses and/or exception requests. Provides input on probationary decisions.
• Creates and maintains updated relevant records and notes (e.g., student contact, advisor notes).
• Delivers Student Success and Retention Strategies Consistently engages student population utilizing various outreach methods (e.g., in- person and online) to cultivate a professional relationship to keep students informed of critical and relevant personal, academic and professional deadlines, updates, information and events.
• Proactively shares with students available academic, professional, and health and wellness resources (e.g., Academic Success Center, Career Center, Student Organizations, Counseling & Psychological Services, Disability Resources, etc.) May refer students with identified needs as appropriate.
• Actively monitors students’ progress through the program by reviewing and assessing academic records to determine status of progression, completion of degree requirements as well as identifying and referring those students in which additional intervention and guidance may be recommended to reaching academic goals.
• Assists in the planning and/or delivery of various department related advising, student success, retention events and academic campaigns (e.g., New Student Conference, 1st semester advising, inquiries from prospective students).
• Assesses individual students' stage of academic development and promotes their growth by determining suitable developmental tasks.
• Training Up to 20% training per year to complete in-class and on-the-job training programs, which may include shadowing, departmental/college/school trainings, university training, university, state, and national advisor meetings, regular staff and supervisory meetings, and other activities approved by the supervisor. Trainings must include: Advisor Onboarding, Becoming an Advisor Note: Time reserved for training may be adjusted after year one based on employee performance and supervisor discretion.

Benefits

• Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life and AD&D, flexible spending accounts, and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums
• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays
• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas
• Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time
• Professional Development: All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more
• Educational release time and tuition assistance for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level