Academic Advisor

University of Maine•Farmington, ME

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The University of Maine at Farmington seeks a student-centered and forward-thinking professional to join our advising team as an Academic Advisor. This specialized role is designed to support student persistence, facilitate thorough academic planning, and guide students toward timely degree completion. This position primarily serves two distinct and vital student cohorts: first-year Education students enrolled in teacher-licensure programs, and Adult Degree Completion students returning to college while balancing professional, family, and personal responsibilities. Assuming responsibility for an assigned caseload through a direct hand-off from Admissions Counselors at matriculation, the Academic Advisor provides proactive, individualized mentorship, which may extend from a student's first semester through graduation.

Requirements

A Bachelor's degree.
At least three (3) years of related professional experience.
A minimum of one (1) year of experience specifically within an academic and/or career advising environment.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to build deep trust and rapport with a diverse student body using an approach rooted in patience, clarity, and care.
The ability to manage multiple competing priorities with strict attention to detail and accuracy, while exercising sound independent judgment and maintaining confidentiality.
A solid understanding of retention strategies and student development theory, with the capacity to apply a strengths-based framework that supports student growth, persistence, and belonging.

Nice To Haves

A Master's degree (preferably in Education, Higher Education, Student Affairs, Adult Education, or a related field)
Prior experience specifically as an institutional Academic Advisor for college students.

Responsibilities

Provide individual academic and career planning support through high-impact, one-on-one meetings.
Monitor student progress, assist with course selection, and facilitate precise degree mapping.
Design a personalized, initial graduation plan for every assigned student before their first semester begins.
Help students interpret early career planning assessments and master complex institutional, degree, and teacher-licensure/certification requirements.
Leverage retention best practices and proactive, multi-modal communication strategies to maximize student engagement.
Provide dedicated support for at-risk individuals and adult learners returning to higher education after prior academic difficulty.
Act as a vital campus advocate and problem-solver for students experiencing complex academic challenges.
Guide students cleanly through formal institutional processes, including grade appeals, changes of major, and course or university withdrawals.
Serve as a dynamic, integrated liaison between academic departments (including Social Sciences, Education, STEM, and Humanities) and distinct student populations (including athletes, transfer students, and veterans).
Coordinate with Faculty Advisors and professional staff to ensure holistic student care.
Partner with the broader Advising team to identify, recommend, and implement positive updates to academic policies and procedures.
Supervise peer advisors as appropriate and engage in continuous professional development.
Actively participate in core campus enrollment and transition activities, including New Student Orientation and Accepted Student Days.
Directly impact student onboarding by teaching at least one student-success class each year as assigned.