Academic Counselor - Student Athlete Academic Services

West Virginia University•West Virginia, WV

About The Position

The Academic Counselor/Learning Specialist in West Virginia University’s Office of Student-Athlete Academic Services provides academic support and guidance to assigned student-athletes. The position organizes and implements academic programs that contribute to student-athletes’ educational and personal growth, supports progress toward degree completion and eligibility, and works with coaches, faculty, university offices, tutors, and other professionals. The counselor 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 includes advising student-athletes on academic and career interests, course selection, majors, study skills, and time management; evaluating academic records and monitoring academic progress and eligibility; supporting academic onboarding and recruiting visits; communicating with university and athletics offices; and maintaining accurate records and reports. The position must protect sensitive and confidential information, comply with University, Big 12 Conference, and NCAA rules and policies, and prioritize academic integrity and student-athlete success. Work may involve time-sensitive issues, tight deadlines, extended hours, weekend work, and on-call availability.

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 in a higher-education environment; graduate assistant experience is acceptable.
Proven success in academic development.
Knowledge of NCAA Division I intercollegiate athletics and NCAA and conference rules, policies, and regulations, with the ability to interpret, apply, enforce, and explain them.
Knowledge of state and University policies and procedures.
Strong creative, organizational, interpersonal, communication, and public-speaking skills.
Knowledge of correct English grammar, spelling, punctuation, and sentence structure.
Ability to function professionally under high-stress and confrontational circumstances and manage multiple tasks over an extended period.
Ability to plan and organize work independently, demonstrate a proactive attitude, and make administrative or procedural decisions and judgments.
Ability to maintain and develop professional contacts with student-athletes, faculty, academic professionals, parents, the University community, and outside groups.
Ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
Knowledge of record keeping and adherence to schedules; ability to stay current with information affecting the area.
Ability to organize and motivate groups and individuals and manage personnel.
Ability to meet unit attendance and punctuality standards and work extended hours, including nights and weekends; work may involve extensive walking and standing.
Knowledge of the higher education system and counseling and advising techniques.
Ability to work independently and with students individually and in groups.
Ability to evaluate high school and college transcripts for NCAA eligibility and degree-major requirements.
Ability to accurately plan a program of study and advise students on progress toward a degree.
Knowledge of Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) guidelines and regulations.
All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.
Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.

Nice To Haves

Division I athletic experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Evaluate student-athlete academic records to assess degree progress and eligibility, applying institutional and NCAA requirements, and inform coaches of relevant requirements.
Organize and implement academic programs, including monitoring and guiding study hall, tutoring, test preparation, study skills, and time management.
Help student-athletes identify educational and career interests, select classes, and determine academic majors.
Communicate with University advisors and the Registrar’s Office to maintain current information about academic requirements and degree program changes.
Monitor student-athlete progress through routine contact with students and professors and provide coaches with academic progress and classroom performance reports.
Maintain communication 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 communicate with the coach and sport administrator about each program’s 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 into 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, resident faculty leaders, and other academic professionals as needed.
Communicate with the Athletic Compliance Office regarding academic legislation and rules, including academic progress, summer school provisions, recruiting materials, NCAA Eligibility Center matters, and related issues.
Provide information to Compliance, Admissions, the Registrar, academic advisors, and athletic staff for certification, eligibility lists, scholarship and aid provision, and class scheduling; work with Compliance staff on information for eligibility waivers.
Communicate with Certification Officers to ensure academic records are accurate.
Draft statistical and narrative reports as requested.
Attend assigned meetings and participate in campus committees and state and regional professional organizations.
Maintain professional growth through seminars, workshops, and professional organizations.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned by the Assistant Director for Student-Athlete Academic Services.
Comply with West Virginia University, Big 12 Conference, and NCAA rules, regulations, policies, and guidelines, including NCAA Bylaw 11.1, Conduct of Athletic Personnel.
Help maintain academic integrity and comply with University policies concerning academic integrity and dishonesty.
Encourage student-athletes to prioritize academic requirements, succeed academically, and graduate.
Represent the University professionally and ethically, respecting individual rights and dignity and demonstrating sensitivity to differences.
Cooperate across all sports in the intercollegiate athletic program and build and maintain relationships with student-athletes, coaches, staff, and constituencies.
Use discretion in managing sensitive and confidential information related to student-athletes, coaches, and staff.
Manage professional and personal time to handle time-sensitive matters, tight deadlines, extended hours, weekend work, and on-call availability.
Faithfully and diligently execute related departmental duties as requested or assigned by the Assistant Athletics Director for Student-Athlete Academic Services.