Academic Advisor

The University of Southern Mississippi•Hattiesburg, MS

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Academic Advisor works to cultivate student success by assisting students in their transition to the University, facilitating their efforts to plan a path to degree completion, promoting engagement in their major, and connecting them with key campus resources. Advisors work with students in their caseload, respond to walk-in needs, support faculty advisors, and assist with undergraduate recruitment and retention initiatives. This is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week position with limited evening and/or weekend hours expected.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and at least one year of experience working in an academic environment, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Commitment to professional development and growth.
Ability to work independently and manage caseloads, with strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and time management.
Knowledge of academic policies and procedures, major and degree plans relevant to the advisor’s area, and University student resources.
Problem-solving skills, initiative, and flexibility to assist students with individual issues and identify improvements to office processes and systems.
Ability to work effectively as a team member and develop collaborative, productive professional relationships in pursuit of shared goals.
Ability to work with diverse students and foster an inclusive community that values people regardless of ethnicity, race, gender, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, ability, or socioeconomic status.
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States full-time without visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Prior experience with advisement, student coaching, or other student academic support work.
Educational background in higher education, student services, or counseling.
Educational background and/or work experience in one or more of the disciplines served, such as computing, cybersecurity, or engineering.

Responsibilities

Work collaboratively with advisors, staff, and faculty in the School, using evidence-based advising practices to increase student success.
Meet with students to advise them on academic requirements and progress toward degree completion.
Proactively contact students to ensure they are meeting expectations, refer them to appropriate campus resources, and help ensure their issues are addressed efficiently and effectively.
Respond helpfully, accurately, and promptly to student questions through walk-ins, email, phone, and videoconferencing.
Provide backup for faculty advisors when they are unavailable or at the request of the school director.
Assist students and faculty advisors with University processes, including course substitutions, undergraduate exception requests, and graduation applications.
Help students complete Academic Improvement Plans and Academic Clearance forms as needed.
Coordinate and participate in undergraduate recruitment, orientation, and retention events and initiatives.
Participate in professional development and training to improve advising skills, including the ability to recognize and support diverse student needs.
Perform other duties as assigned.