Academic Advisor

Indiana Wesleyan University•Indianapolis, IN

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Provides Academic Advising and other student support services for online and onsite National & Global students as they pursue various degree and certificate programs. Services provided include: academic advising, planning and scheduling out courses to degree completion, acting as a student advocate; assisting students with all academic needs related to completing their degree, and developing means of communication and support to students.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse communities and cultures
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Commitment to a Christ-centered educational climate
Ability to problem-solve student academic issues in a timely manner
Ability to work accurately and be detail oriented
Ability to work independently and be self-motivated
Empathetic and caring attitude toward adult students and their needs
Computer skills
Analytical thinking skills
Ability to adhere to strict confidentiality requirements
Ability to multi-task
Ability to be flexible in an ever-changing Higher Education environment
According to Indiana Wesleyan University employment policy all employees must possess a strong Christian commitment and adhere to the standards outlined in the IWU Community Lifestyle Statement.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in higher education preferred

Responsibilities

Provide a high level of individual and general student care
Engage students by individual and group contacts via various methods: in-person, phone, email, video conferencing, instant chat, classroom visits, blogs, and other means
Problem-solve as needed when students encounter issues and problems that present roadblocks in their academic pursuits
Collaborate with other divisions of the university such as financial aid and accounting when needed to resolve issues
Advocate for students when appropriate
Notice common student needs and develop appropriate supports and activities to proactively assist students
Refer students to supportive services such as tutoring services, career development, pastoral care, personal counseling, etc.
Assist students in developing an academic plan for completion of their desired degree or certificate
Maintain generalist knowledge of all aspects of National & Global programs to help students with questions and issues regarding facilitators, curriculum, attendance, financial aid, accounting, and fulfillment of academic requirements
Be proficient in the use of various databases found in the university student information system in order to access needed student information
Work with each student to develop a written degree completion plan
Assist bachelor students in scheduling out core and elective classes to degree completion in order to meet Department of Education guidelines for financial aid and to maximize their aid
Actively work to retain students
Work individually with students admitted or placed on probation or who are suspended
Assist students who are at-risk
Counsel students prior to their withdrawal from classes or core programs to discuss options for continuing education and to help the university increase retention of students
Contribute to the work of various committees and task forces as assigned
Work cooperatively with other personnel within the assigned Education Center to provide cohesive services to students attending classes at the center
Maintain appropriate records
Document contacts with students
Maintain accurate records in university student information system of student’s plans for degree completion to be used by Financial Aid and Accounting to determine financial aid eligibility
Attend and assist at graduations on the Marion campus
Demonstrate a Christian worldview and uphold the university's Christ-centered mission while interacting with students