Academic Advisor

University of Wisconsin Madison•Madison, WI

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Political Science at the University of Wisconsin–Madison seeks a dynamic professional to join its undergraduate advising team as an Academic Advisor. This position will primarily support students pursuing the Political Science major while also providing academic advising to certificate students and assisting with departmental initiatives as needed. Academic advisors build supportive relationships with students, guide them through their academic careers, and collaborate with faculty and staff to support student success. This role works closely with undergraduate students, faculty, and staff to facilitate and conduct academic advising. Additional responsibilities include collaborating with department members on curricular planning, coordinating and managing student events such as graduation celebrations, student events and mentoring programs, serving on relevant committees, and partnering with college and university offices to stay current on advising and curricular policies and practices. Advisors also participate in Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration (SOAR) programming to advise prospective and incoming students. This is a student facing position and most work is done onsite; however, advisors can be approved for the occasional option for remote work. Most of the work for this position occurs during normal business hours; however, there are occasional events in the evenings.

Requirements

Strong customer service skills and critical thinking skills
Successful candidates will demonstrate the ability to build positive relationships, provide guidance, exercise sound judgment, and assist individuals in navigating complex decisions

Nice To Haves

Minimum one year of experience in advising, mentoring, leadership development, or related student support roles
Experience working with undergraduate students and supporting their academic, personal, or professional development is strongly preferred
Experience planning initiatives, coordinating events or programs, and solving problems in an academic or professional setting

Responsibilities

Participates in the campus-wide advising community providing input to leadership regarding the development of advising, recruitment, and co/curricular programs offered by the school/college
Serves as a main point of contact for students and provides information about educational options and academic requirements; assists with identifying and assessing interests, skills, and values to match appropriate field of study/career options, and refers students to appropriate institutional resources
Proactively engages students as needed
Receives, processes, and responds to academic inquiries according to established policies and procedures
Maintains expertise with advised curriculum and may assist in developing and recommending exceptions for policy and curriculum
Maintains confidentiality and accurate student records and processes and responds to academic inquiries according to established institutional and Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) policies
Implements academic advising events such as workshops, panel discussions, and guest speakers