Graduate Academic Advisor II

Texas A&M University System • College Station, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Under moderate supervision, the Graduate Academic Advisor II independently advises graduate students on academic planning, degree requirements, and policy compliance. The position manages complex advising processes, serves as a primary point of contact for assigned students, and coordinates key graduate program functions in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M University. The work location is the main campus in College Station, Texas.

The advisor primarily supports Mechanical Engineering master's students, monitors their academic progress, helps them meet degree milestones, and coordinates with faculty, committees, and university and college offices. The position also supports graduate program communications, curriculum and registration processes, the Fast Track program, MEEN 681 Seminar, and graduate recruitment, orientation, and events. Other duties may be assigned, including occasional work beyond normal office hours.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• One year of related experience.
• Working knowledge of graduate academic policies, degree requirements, and institutional procedures.
• Ability to independently advise students and manage moderately complex advising situations.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, including the ability to interpret policies and apply them consistently.
• Effective interpersonal skills for working with students, faculty, and staff.
• Ability to prioritize work, meet deadlines, and manage multiple responsibilities.
• Commitment to fostering a supportive and collaborative environment for students, faculty, and staff.

Nice To Haves

• Two or more years of relevant experience in academic advising, graduate programs, or student services.
• Experience working with graduate programs, including familiarity with graduate student policies and academic processes.
• Texas A&M University advising experience, including familiarity with systems such as Howdy, Compass, or similar student information systems, degree planning or auditing tools, and advising platforms.
• Experience coordinating academic or administrative processes with strong attention to detail, accurate record-keeping, and critical thinking skills.
• Experience working directly with faculty, committees, or campus offices to support student progress.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary graduate academic advisor for Mechanical Engineering master's students, advising them on degree requirements, policies, and timelines.
• Meet and correspond independently with students to provide academic guidance and ensure compliance with university, college, and departmental regulations.
• Manage moderately complex student cases, including academic progress concerns, policy interpretation, and exception requests, consulting senior staff and the Associate Department Head for Graduate Programs as appropriate.
• Refer students to campus resources and work with ISSS to assist international students with advising-related processes and electronic forms.
• Review and approve graduate degree plans, add/drop requests, withdrawals, changes of curriculum, ARCS requests, and other routine academic actions.
• Monitor graduate student academic progress, maintain accurate student records, identify potential issues, and communicate concerns to students and appropriate contacts.
• Assist in developing and revising graduate program materials, including handbooks, newsletters, and advising communications.
• Work with faculty and graduate committees to support timely student progress and completion of degree milestones.
• Assist with curriculum updates and administrative processes related to course registration and scheduling.
• Coordinate with university and college offices, including ISSS, the Graduate & Professional School, and the College of Engineering.
• Serve as the graduate liaison to the department undergraduate advising office for the Fast Track program.
• Provide staff support for MEEN 681 Seminar.
• Participate in graduate recruitment, orientation, and program events.
• Collaborate with graduate office staff to support daily operations and efficient workflow.
• Perform other duties as assigned, including occasional work beyond normal office hours.

Benefits

• Competitive medical insurance through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas and prescription coverage through Express Scripts.
• Options for vision, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance.
• Defined benefit retirement plan with the Teacher Retirement System of Texas and an 8.25% employer contribution.
• Additional voluntary retirement programs, including tax-deferred 403(b) and deferred compensation 457(b) plans.
• Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses.
• Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Free access to LinkedIn Learning training and professional development opportunities.
• Tuition assistance and educational release time.
• Access to Engineer Your Wellness health and fitness programs.
• Wellness release time to promote work-life balance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level