Academic Advisor

American University•Washington, DC

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position provides professional academic support services to undergraduate students (including new, continuing, non-degree, transfer, and students pursuing minors from other academic units). Advises and counsels new and continuing students on academic, social, and personal development including academic, professional and career goals, with referral to campus partners as appropriate. This position assists in planning and actively participates in on and off campus activities related to the recruitment, conversion, and retention of new and continuing undergraduate students. This position monitors the academic progress of each assigned student and conducts records review. This position works under general supervision and is expected to exercise professional judgment in all aspects of the position and has broad decision-making subject to review by their supervisor. This position is union-eligible. This position is eligible for a hybrid work modality.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
1 - 3 years of professional experience, preferably in higher education and student support.
Excellent attention to detail with ability to prioritize and multi-task in a dynamic and high-pressure environment.
Demonstrated ability to work as part of team and develop productive working relationships with multiple constituencies (faculty, students, staff, alumni, parents).
Outstanding oral, written, public speaking, and interpersonal skills.
Understanding of the organizational and governance structure of a major university.
Ability to provide high level customer service, tact, and diplomacy when interacting with students, faculty, staff, and peers.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision is required.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in student development/affairs, higher education or counseling with exposure to academic advising or other transferable skills.
2 - 4 years of professional experience advising undergraduate students.
Experience managing academic enterprise software applications such as Colleague, CRM Advise, YouCanBook.Me, SharePoint, Qualtrics preferred.

Responsibilities

Advise and counsel undergraduate students in meeting degree requirements and understanding academic regulations and policy.
Support and instruct students to develop academic decision making skills.
Address issues that affect academic performance; make appropriate referrals to other University student services.
Communicate with faculty regarding students in academic distress; assist students with selection and registration of courses.
Liaise with other university departments that support unique populations of students; provides recommendations and solutions to streamline advising processes that improve students’ academic experience and address their developmental needs.
Monitor and evaluate each student’s academic progress throughout the academic year - including transfer credit, assist students with the resolution and understanding of degree audit, change of majors, graduation, and other related issues.
Conduct degree clearance for graduating students.
Maintain accurate record of advising meeting for student files.
Make recommendations to the Associate Dean regarding exceptions to academic regulations, academic warnings, probations, and dismissals.
Participate in on-campus, off campus, and virtual recruitment and conversion events as assigned by supervisor, leadership team, and/or Dean.
Create and deliver content as needed for new students.
Assist new first year and transfer students with course selection and registration support.
Represent unit on university committees, serve as a resource for faculty and other members of the university community.
Identify and develop programs or initiatives that enhance the professional, intellectual, career, leadership, and personal development of undergraduate students.
Other duties as assigned by supervisor, leadership team, and/or Dean.