Academic Counselor - Student Athlete Academic Services

West Virginia University•West Virginia, WV

About The Position

The Academic Counselor/Learning Specialist provides academic support and guidance to student-athletes assigned by the Assistant Director for Student-Athlete Academic Services. The position organizes and implements academic programs that support student-athletes’ educational and personal growth, helps them progress toward degrees and maintain eligibility, and coordinates with coaches, faculty, university offices, and other professionals. It reports directly to the Assistant Director for Student-Athlete Academic Services and works closely with senior athletic administrative staff and others involved in the intercollegiate athletic program. The role requires maintaining knowledge of and complying with West Virginia University, Big 12 Conference, and NCAA policies and rules, as well as supporting academic integrity and student-athlete success. It entails discretion in handling confidential information, independent judgment, relationship-building, and adapting to changing responsibilities. The work may involve time-sensitive issues, tight deadlines, extended hours beyond the normal workday, weekend work, and on-call availability. The position requires a master’s degree, preferably in education, social science, counseling, or a similar field, and at least 1.5 years of experience counseling, advising, teaching, tutoring, or otherwise instructing students. Higher education and Division I athletic experience are preferred; graduate assistant experience is acceptable. Equivalent combinations of related education and experience may be considered, and all qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Requirements

Master’s degree, preferably in education, social science, counseling, or a similar field.
At least 1.5 years of experience counseling, advising, teaching, tutoring, or otherwise instructing students; graduate assistant experience is acceptable.
Proven success rate in academic development.
Knowledge of NCAA Division I intercollegiate athletics and NCAA and conference rules, policies, guidelines, and regulations, including the ability to interpret, apply, enforce, and explain them.
Knowledge of state and University policies and procedures and of the higher education system and counseling and advising techniques.
Ability to evaluate high school and college transcripts for NCAA eligibility and degree-major requirements, plan programs of study accurately, and advise students on degree progress.
Knowledge of FERPA guidelines and regulations.
Strong creative, organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills; ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
Knowledge of correct English, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and sentence structure, and demonstrated public-speaking ability.
Ability to function professionally under high-stress and confrontational circumstances and manage multiple tasks over extended periods.
Ability to independently plan and organize work, work independently with students individually and in groups, and make administrative or procedural decisions and judgments.
Proactive attitude, ability to stay abreast of relevant information, and ability to organize and motivate groups and individuals.
Knowledge of record keeping and adherence to schedules; ability to maintain and develop contacts with student-athletes, faculty, academic professionals, parents, and the University community.
Ability to maintain proper attendance and punctuality and work extended hours, including nights and weekends, often with extensive walking and standing.
Demonstrated knowledge of affected areas of involvement and ability to manage personnel.
Any equivalent combination of related education and experience may be considered; all qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Nice To Haves

Higher education experience.
Division I athletic experience.

Responsibilities

Evaluate student-athlete academic records for degree progress and eligibility, and inform coaches about institutional and NCAA academic requirements.
Organize and implement academic support programs, including study hall monitoring, tutoring, test preparation, study skills, and time-management guidance.
Help student-athletes identify educational and career interests, select classes, and choose academic majors.
Coordinate with University advisors and the Registrar’s Office to maintain current information on academic requirements and degree-program changes.
Monitor academic progress through regular contact with student-athletes and professors, and provide coaches with academic progress and classroom-performance reports.
Communicate with coaches, faculty, tutors, and University professionals regarding student-athlete progress and concerns.
Maintain accurate records of student-athletes’ academic schedules and notify coaches about classes, tests, appointments, study sessions, and community service.
Monitor the Academic Progress Rate (APR) of assigned sports programs and regularly communicate with coaches and sport administrators about program APR.
Guide and advise student-athletes in addressing educational, social, and other problems.
Create summer and fall class schedules for incoming student-athletes.
Assist freshmen and transfer students with academic onboarding and transition to the University system.
Assist with organizing and presenting recruiting materials for prospective high-school and transfer student-athletes.
Meet with prospective student-athletes during official and unofficial visits and arrange meetings with faculty and other academic professionals as needed.
Communicate with the Athletic Compliance Office about academic-related legislation and rules, including academic progress, summer school provisions, recruiting materials, and NCAA Eligibility Center matters.
Provide information to Compliance, Admissions, the Registrar, academic advisors, and athletic staff for certification, eligibility lists, scholarships, aid, and class scheduling; help prepare eligibility waivers.
Communicate with Certification Officers to ensure academic records are accurate.
Draft statistical and narrative reports as requested and attend assigned meetings.
Participate in campus committees and state and regional professional organizations, and pursue professional development through seminars, workshops, and professional organizations.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned by the Assistant Director for Student-Athlete Academic Services.
Comply with University, Big 12 Conference, and NCAA rules, regulations, policies, and guidelines, including NCAA Bylaw 11.1; uphold academic integrity and encourage student-athlete academic success and graduation.
Represent the University with professionalism, dignity, integrity, and ethical conduct; respect individual rights and dignity and demonstrate cooperation across the intercollegiate athletic program.
Build and maintain relationships with student-athletes, coaches, staff, and constituencies; adapt to changing situations, make decisions, and work independently.
Handle sensitive and confidential information with appropriate discretion.
Manage professional and personal time to address time-sensitive issues and deadlines, including extended hours, weekend work, and on-call availability.
Faithfully and diligently perform related departmental duties as requested or assigned by the Assistant Athletics Director for Student-Athlete Academic Services.