New Student Advisor

Waukesha County Technical College • Wi 53072, WI

2d

About The Position

The New Student Advisor provides proactive, high-touch academic and transitional guidance to new students during their first semester at the College. The advisor connects students to registration, financial aid, orientation, and early academic planning support, helping establish engagement, address barriers to persistence, and prepare students to transition to ongoing advising after the first semester.

The role supports the Advising team and coordinates with Admissions, Financial Aid, and Orientation staff to provide a consistent new-student experience. The position is full-time and benefit eligible. Work hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; some evenings and weekends are required, and flexibility may be needed based on department or College needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Communication, Social Science, Social Services, or a related field.
• Two years of experience in advising, orientation, student services, or a related first-year experience role in higher education.
• Working knowledge of registration processes, financial aid basics, and academic program requirements.
• Ability to build rapport quickly with new students and establish trust during a high-stakes transition period.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to manage time and prioritize multiple concurrent student needs within a semester.
• Ability to use case management technology systems to document and track student interactions.
• Collaborative, team-oriented approach to working across campus departments.
• Ability to manage an assigned caseload.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain that authorization through employment; employment eligibility verification is required upon hire. WCTC does not provide employment-based visa sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Manage an assigned caseload of new students during their first semester, providing proactive outreach, registration support, and orientation to college resources and expectations.
• Guide students on initial course selection, placement, financial aid basics, and program requirements during the first-semester transition.
• Identify students showing early signs of risk through the early alert protocol and apply timely, defined interventions to address attendance, academic, or personal barriers.
• Build rapport and establish trust and engagement with new students during a high-stakes transition period.
• Complete a warm handoff to each student's ongoing Advisor at the end of the first semester, ensuring continuity of support and documentation.
• Coordinate with Admissions, Financial Aid, and Orientation staff to support a consistent new-student experience.
• Maintain accurate case management records and documentation in compliance with FERPA.
• Participate in college-wide orientation, retention, and first-year experience initiatives as assigned.
• Maintain current professional knowledge of first-year experience and retention theory through professional education and activities.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, life, long-term disability, supplemental life, and flexible spending accounts.
• Generous time off and holiday schedule.
• Eligibility in the Wisconsin Retirement System (ETF).
• Professional growth and development opportunities, including tuition reimbursement and tuition waiver.
• Well-being activities to support personal and professional well-being.
• Collaborative and supportive team environment.

What This Job Offers

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