Academic Counselor

American University•Washington, DC

14h•$61,000 - $65,000•Hybrid

About The Position

This position serves as academic counselor for graduate students in the School of Public Affairs. Academic advisees may include students in one of several graduate programs or in combined BA/MA programs, other combined programs (such as the JD/MA or LLM/MA), joint degree, dual degree, and certificate programs, as well as non-degree students. The individual in this position provides quality academic support services to new and continuing students regarding their academic, professional, and career goals. The individual may also advise and counsel undergraduate students interested in pursuing a combined BA/MA program prior to their completing their BA. The individual in this position provides guidance on academic progress and other issues that affect academic performance, monitoring student progress. The individual coordinates closely with and supports Graduate Program Directors and Department Chairs on matters related to degree programs including policy, recruitment, admissions, course scheduling, student issues, etc. The individual reviews all applications for assigned prospective students applying to graduate degree programs, including combined BA/MA programs. The individual participates in campus activities related to the recruitment, conversion, and retention of these students. The individual represents SPA counselors on university-wide committees and working groups as assigned by the Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and the Director of Graduate Advising.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree.
3 - 5 years of relevant experience required.
Strong interpersonal communication and problem-solving skills with appreciation for diverse perspectives.
Excellent attention to detail with demonstrated ability to prioritize and multitask in fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
Demonstrated ability to develop productive working relationships with multiple constituencies (students, faculty, staff, alumni, and others raising questions regarding programs in the department).
Demonstrated understanding of a university environment including the organizational, governance, and regulatory structure of major colleges and universities.
Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree with study of academic advising, counseling, student development or other relevant academic educational fields preferred.

Responsibilities

Advises prospective graduate students, and undergraduate students interested in BA/MA programs, about meeting degree requirements; assists new and continuing students with course selection and registration; addresses issues that affect academic performance; makes appropriate referrals to and works with other university student services offices as needed; communicates with faculty and program directors regarding students in academic distress or facing other issues.
Monitors and evaluates each student’s academic progress throughout the year; provides updated advising worksheets each semester to all students and maintains advising worksheet files in designated platform; maintains and regularly updates other elements of each student file; assists students with the resolution of problems that arise after periodic degree audits, changes of major, graduation and other issues related to graduate academic affairs; conducts degree clearance for graduating students.
Includes working with undergraduate students applying for BA/MA degrees to include reconciling joint undergraduate and graduate course credits in conjunction with undergraduate counselors.
Provides recommendations and solutions to streamline advising processes to improve students’ academic performance and increase student success and graduation.
Meets with prospective students.
Participates in on-campus and virtual recruitment and conversion events.
Attends orientation activities for new students.
Reviews applications for graduate and BA/MA programs and provides a recommendation to the program director.
Performs other duties as assigned by the Senior Associate Dean, Director of Graduate Advising, and Graduate Program Directors.
Provides office coverage on in-office days such as responding to walk-in students or applicant questions.
Assists with ad hoc projects related to support of students and constituents.