Academic Advisor/Senior Academic Advisor (African American Studies, Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies, and Philosophy)

Virginia Commonwealth University•Richmond, VA

7d•$58,000 - $65,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Academic Advisor 3/Senior Academic Advisor will sustain an environment of effective academic advising for undergraduate students in the College in order to support VCU being a leader among national research universities in providing all students with high-quality learning/living experiences focused on inquiry, discovery and innovation in a global environment. More specifically, the Academic Advisor will provide professional advising for the programs in the departments of African American Studies; Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies; and Philosophy, answer general questions, provide guidance to upper-level CHS majors who are exploring the option of changing to another major, and assist programs with larger student to advisor ratios that may change over time. Meeting these needs will improve student engagement through effective academic advising, while supporting the identified metrics of graduation rates and retention. This position requires a high degree of confidentiality. The main purpose is to sustain an environment of effective academic advising for undergraduate students in the respective program. The person must exercise professional judgment in providing correct up-to-date information about all College and program-specific academic program requirements, interpretations of University and College rules and regulations, answering pointed questions from parents and students about graduation issues, telling students they lack requirements for graduation and offering suggestions for completion of the needed requirements, and following appropriate protocol for situations involving Title IX or FERPA.

Requirements

Master’s degree from an accredited institution or equivalent combination of education and experience
A minimum of one year of professional experience in a college or university setting (for Academic Advisor 3)
A minimum two years of relevant advising experience or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience (for Academic Advisor 3)
3-5 years of relevant advising experience or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience (for Senior Academic Advisor)
Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism, and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a member of VCU
Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment and commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU (for Senior Academic Advisor)
Demonstrated experience providing academic, career, or individualized counseling in higher education (for Senior Academic Advisor)
Understand curricula information (including program of study and general education requirements) for areas of advising specialization (for Senior Academic Advisor)
Excellent written, interpersonal and oral communication skills
Ability to ask searching questions and practice active listening
Ability to foster a welcoming and supportive environment for students

Nice To Haves

Educational Background in African American Studies; Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies; Philosophy; Counseling; Social Work; Psychology; or related field (for Academic Advisor 3)
Demonstrated experience providing academic, career, or individualized counseling in higher education (for Academic Advisor 3)
Demonstrated experience working with Banner, DegreeWorks, or Navigate or similar student management systems (for Academic Advisor 3)
A minimum of 3 years professional advising experience or equivalent experience in a related career field (for Senior Academic Advisor)
Completion of coursework or training related to diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as topics related to leadership such as conflict resolution, coaching/mentoring, communication styles, or navigating change (for Senior Academic Advisor)
Demonstrated experience working with student subpopulations needing additional support, such as students on academic warning or probation and transfer students (for Senior Academic Advisor)
Demonstrated experience working with multiple academic departments (for Senior Academic Advisor)
Demonstrated experience managing administrative tasks for a caseload, such as graduation applications and substitution/waiver submissions (for Senior Academic Advisor)

Responsibilities

Provide academic advising services to assigned students: Advise students regarding: departmental, College, and University policies and procedures; programs of study; and the development of appropriate academic plans.
Write letters of recommendation and letters of support for student appeals.
Assist students in identifying their interests, abilities, skills and academic goals and in making decisions regarding their academic career.
Introduce students to opportunities that will enrich their academic experience, facilitate their academic and personal development, and support their educational success.
Teach students how to manage the college experience, navigate the University, make informed decisions, and assume responsibility for their academic success.
Identify and assist struggling or at-risk students.
Make appropriate referrals to other university resources.
Assist students in the online graduation checkout.
Participate in and provide feedback on training and professional development activities.
Collaborate with university partners on matters that impact student recruitment, success, and retention: Participate as needed in recruitment activities, programs, and initiatives (e.g., Open House, Preview Day).
Provide advising to incoming students in coordination with New Student Orientation.
Support departmental and University retention initiatives.
Contact continuing students who do not register for classes.
Maintain accurate and confidential records of student information, including advising interactions: Document all advising interactions with students.
Maintain training on policies including Title IX and FERPA.
Maintain accurate and confidential records on students.
Monitor student progression in degree program and establish advising checkpoints: Use the Navigate advising platform to establish targeted student populations for more intensive advising.
Use DegreeWorks to determine a student's progress in completing degree requirements.
Outreach to all assigned advisees at least once a semester and meet with advisees on a regular basis.
Monitor student degree progression and update graduation plans at least once per semester.