Academic Advisor

Abilene Christian University • Abilene, TX

93d • Onsite

About The Position

ACU is affiliated with the fellowship of the Church of Christ. All applicants must be professing Christians and willing to support the Christian mission and purpose of Abilene Christian University while employed by the university. The Academic Advisor will help students define and develop realistic educational plans through schedule planning for each semester and summer school, if appropriate. Each student should have an up-to-date academic schedule plan through to graduation. Advisors will proactively contact and be available for students on a regular basis, maintaining clear and consistent office hours, with planned extended hours during peak advising seasons. They will consult regularly with Faculty colleagues to have up-to-date information on curriculum and degree plans, ensuring the information provided to students is accurate and follows academic policies. Advisors should understand and provide rationale for institutional policies, procedures, and requirements. They will connect with incoming students during orientation and throughout the summer to assist with the initial adjustment to university academic life, scheduling special sessions throughout the first academic year. Advisors will meet at least once each semester with students to plan for the upcoming semester, review and revise long-range academic program schedules, and assist students in planning a program consistent with their abilities and interests. They will review progress towards completing the proposed academic program, discuss grades, milestones, and success markers, and discuss student wellbeing and satisfaction. Advisors will initiate the process for all designated educational transactions (e.g., pre-registration/registration schedule, drops/adds, withdrawals, change of major, waivers, graduation requirements, etc.) and follow-up with students on any report of potential barriers to student success, such as holds on student accounts, notice of poor midterm grades, notice of poor class attendance, or incomplete grades from previous semester(s). Special attention will be paid to students who are most at risk of not succeeding. Advisors will maintain an up-to-date advising portfolio with a summary record of performance to date (grade reports, transcripts, requirements completed, advising agreements, etc.) and connect students to other institutional resources when necessary (e.g., faculty, tutoring, the Career Development Office, the Counseling Center, Wildcat Central, etc.).

Requirements

• Detailed oriented and strong organizational skills.
• Excellent communicator and strong presentation skills.
• Strong people skills with a clear understanding of how to provide excellent customer service.
• Strong time management skills are needed to handle the multiple tasks required in successful student advising and project management.
• Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree.
• High initiative, dependable, and focused.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Goal-oriented, high professionalism.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Strong voice to endure extended periods of communication.
• Ability to endure long periods of sitting, standing, and walking.
• Ability to travel.
• Handle stress well.
• Each advisor must have their own cell phone.
• All applicants must be professing Christians and willing to support the Christian mission and purpose of Abilene Christian University while employed by the university.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of three years of experience in higher education is preferred for candidates without a Master’s degree.

Responsibilities

• Help students to define and develop realistic educational plans through schedule planning for each semester and summer school, if appropriate.
• Ensure each student has an up-to-date academic schedule plan through to graduation.
• Proactively contact and be available for students on a regular basis, maintaining clear and consistent office hours, with planned extended hours during peak advising seasons.
• Consult regularly with Faculty colleagues to have up-to-date information on curriculum and degree plans.
• Provide accurate information to students during advising interactions, following academic policies.
• Understand and provide rationale for institutional policies, procedures, and requirements.
• Connect with incoming students during orientation and throughout the summer to assist with the initial adjustment to university academic life, scheduling special sessions throughout the first academic year.
• Meet at least once each semester with students to plan for the upcoming semester, review and revise long-range academic program schedules, and assist students in planning a program consistent with their abilities and interests.
• Review student progress towards completing the proposed academic program, discuss grades, milestones, and success markers, and discuss student wellbeing and satisfaction.
• Initiate the process for all designated educational transactions (e.g., pre-registration/registration schedule, drops/adds, withdrawals, change of major, waivers, graduation requirements, etc.).
• Follow-up with students on any report of potential barriers to student success (e.g., holds on student accounts, notice of poor midterm grades, notice of poor class attendance, incomplete grades from previous semester(s)).
• Pay special attention to students who are most at risk of not succeeding.
• Maintain an up-to-date advising portfolio with a summary record of performance to date (grade reports, transcripts, requirements completed, advising agreements, etc.).
• Connect students to other institutional resources when necessary (e.g., faculty, tutoring, the Career Development Office, the Counseling Center, Wildcat Central, etc.).

Benefits

• ACU does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, disability, genetic information, national or ethnic origin in employment opportunities, in keeping with applicable state and federal law.
• ACU is committed to maintaining a safe and secure campus environment and protecting the university's financial and physical assets. Therefore, Abilene Christian University conducts background checks on all candidates for employment in security sensitive positions.

What This Job Offers

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