Academic Advisor at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, TN

Position Summary

The Military-Affiliated Academic Advisor reports directly to the Director of Military-Affiliated Advising. This role serves as a primary point of contact for academic advising, transition support, and student success initiatives for military-affiliated undergraduate students enrolled through the Austin Peay Center at Fort Campbell. The advisor supports student progress by combining proactive advising practices with a working knowledge of admissions, financial aid, military education benefits, and ArmyIgnitED systems. The position plays a key role in retention and persistence initiatives by developing advising plans, monitoring student progress, and collaborating with campus partners.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Academic Advising and Student Persistence 
  Delivers proactive academic advising for military-affiliated students using techniques such as motivational interviewing and appreciative advising framework. Guides students in degree planning, major selection, and academic progress while collaborating with faculty and support services to promote persistence and graduation success.

  • Provide academic advising to military-affiliated students across undergraduate programs.

  • Develop individualized advising plans for new, transfer, continuing, and at-risk students.

  • Guide students in interpreting degree plans and staying on track for timely graduation.

  • Advise students on selecting, declaring, or changing academic majors.

  • Support students experiencing academic difficulty and connect them with appropriate campus resources.

  • Serve as a liaison with faculty and student support departments to enhance student success.

• Military Affiliated Support Services
  Provides comprehensive guidance to military-affiliated students, helping them navigate ArmyIgnitED, Tuition Assistance, VA, MyCAA benefits, and federal financial aid funding. Ensures informed academic and financial decisions through proactive communication, policy expertise, and progress tracking with Slate, Banner, DegreeWorks, and AP Navigate.

  • Guide military-affiliated students through complex educational systems and financial benefit programs to support informed academic and financial decisions.

  • Assist students in navigating ArmyIgnitED technology and Tuition Assistance processes.

  • Provide support for students using Veterans Education Benefits (VA) and MyCAA.

  • Track student progress using Slate, Banner, DegreeWorks, AP Navigate and internal reports.

  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of APSU policies, military education policies, financial aid policies, and related timelines.

  • Maintain working knowledge of APSU policies, military education policies, and timelines.

     

     

• Recruitment, Outreach, and Onboarding
  Supports enrollment and transition of military-affiliated students through outreach events, admissions counseling, and personalized onboarding. Assists with applications, funding options, and transcript reviews to ensure a smooth start at APSU. Participate in recruitment events and briefings for incoming military-affiliated students.

  • Support student enrollment and transitions by engaging in outreach, recruitment events, and personalized onboarding services.

  • Participate in recruitment events and briefings for incoming military-affiliated students.

  • Counsel prospective students on admissions, academic programs, and funding options.

  • Assist students with application processes and maintain communication throughout onboarding.

  • Review unofficial transcripts and Joint Services Transcripts (JSTs) for preliminary credit evaluations.

  • Communicate regularly with prospective students about required documents and next steps for admissions and funding.

     

     

• Center Engagement and Development
  Supports center operations and team culture through collaboration, training, and professional growth. Stays current with policies, technologies, and best practices while assisting with onboarding and contributing to student success initiatives.

  • Contribute to a positive and collaborative team environment while supporting center operations, professional growth, and effective communication.

  • Stay current with university academic policies, technology updates (e.g., DegreeWorks, AP Navigate, Banner, AP OneStop), and best practices in student success.

  • Participate in university and external trainings, workshops, and conferences that support professional growth and enhanced student support.

  • Engage in self-directed learning and ongoing professional reflection to improve service to students.

  • Help onboard and support student employees and new colleagues.

  • Collaborate with team members on persistence initiatives and communication strategies.

  • Remain informed of APSU academic program changes and updates.

  • Participate in regular staff meetings and contribute to a positive, student-centered team culture.

  • Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to understand and act within APSU policies and academic standards as well as FERPA regulations.
• Ability to communicate effectively and appropriately with students, families, faculty, colleagues, and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated commitment to supporting diverse populations in a university setting.
• Proficiency with technology including Microsoft Office Suite, Banner, AP OneStop, Slate, DegreeWorks, and AP Navigate.
• Ability to multitask, maintain accurate records, and provide student-centered service.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and work independently and collaboratively

Physical Requirements

• Sedentary work with occasional movement between offices, classrooms, or event locations on- and off-site.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 10 pounds occasionally (e.g., office materials, supplies, or event signage).
• Frequent use of office equipment, including computers, telephones, printers/copiers.
• Ability to sit and view a computer screen for extended periods.

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Computer literacy and ability to navigate multiple platforms.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in student affairs, counseling, education, or a related field.
• Experience in higher education advising, admissions, or student support services.
• Experience working with, counseling, or advising military-affiliated populations.
• Familiarity with ArmyIgnitED, VA Education Benefits, or MyCAA.
• Knowledge of military structure, military-affiliated student challenges, and resources.

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