The part-time student support services advisor is responsible for assisting with the development, coordination, and implementation of Student Support Services and activities to increase recruitment and retention rates, course completion rates. The advisor will engage in a variety of activities designed to support students in setting and achieving academic and career goals. The position reports to the Director of Student Support. |
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ACADEMIC AND CAREER ADVISING: - Advises students on establishing academic and career goals; identifies the educational and career options appropriate for each student; and assists with the analysis of each option, including possible outcomes and their implications. Establishes an action plan for students to explore alternative careers and related majors.
- Possess a strong understanding of requirements and policies as stated in the University Catalog including, but not limited to, information on general education, university requirements, major requirements, and academic policies and procedures.
- Assist students through the process of vocational discernment by discussing their strengths, values, and interests and encouraging vocational exploration.
- Assist students in confirming major/minor selection in support of their educational and professional interests and goals.
- Identifies options for students to satisfy degree requirements; evaluates and make recommendations on petitions and amendments to student's program of study; assists students in successful completion of degree/program requirements.
- Assist students in career planning through a strong understanding of the possible career paths generally associated with specific majors as well as the skills, knowledge and experiences recommended for entry-level success in those fields.
- Proactively communicate information to students that is relevant to their academic and career success.
- Review academic transcripts, placement exams, and student files in preparation for student appointments and new student orientation.
- Review job search materials (i.e. resume, cover letter) and provide constructive feedback.
- Conduct academic, personal, and career advising sessions with new and continuing students.
- Utilizing available technology, monitors academic progress of students toward degree and/or certificate completion; identifies current and potential academic needs; and refers students to appropriate campus resources for additional assistance.
- Maintains student files and records; documents all pertinent student information and updates in software regarding changes to student status.
- Interprets and explains university policies and procedures; participates in preparation of orientations; presents academic information to new students and parents/family during orientation.
- Provide students with the resources to become knowledgeable about, and comfortable with, the online registration process.
MENTORING: - Listen to, advocate on behalf of, and build positive working relationships with students.
- Build positive working relationships with parents, as appropriate.
- Strategically mentor at-risk students.
- Refer students to appropriate university resources.
UNIVERSITY PARTNERSHIPS:
- Establish and maintain relationships with assigned department chairs to understand and clarify departmental expectations to assist in maintaining current knowledge of assigned degree programs and related career paths.
- Collaborate with Academic Affairs to review academic materials for accuracy (e.g. degree audits, academic catalog, online resources) and provide feedback regarding course offerings.
- Collaborate with university departments (registrar, student accounts, financial aid, admission, athletics, etc.) to help facilitate student success in attaining academic and career goals.
Qualifications – Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: - Knowledge of academic and occupational programs, articulation agreements, transfer guides, assessment and academic career advisement.
- Experience overcoming barriers similar to those faced by the target population.
- Must be self-directed with the ability to work independently within changing deadlines.
- Financial aid knowledge a plus.
- Ability to analyze and address the educational and personal needs of students.
- Knowledge of the career development process and of available career development resources.
- Demonstrated experience with computers and database related software.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Must be detail oriented.
- Requires the ability to interact with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students, and parents.
- Experience in advising both traditional-aged students and adults in a higher education setting.
- Flexibility with evening and Saturday work hours.
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PHYSICAL SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Requires ordinary ambulatory skills sufficient to move around campus, to include the ability to stand, walk and manipulate (lift, carry, move) light to medium weights of 10 - 20 pounds. Requires good hand-eye coordination, arm, hand and finger dexterity, including ability to grasp, type and perform data entry, visual acuity to use a keyboard, operate equipment and read technical information, ability to hear in order to answer telephones and to communicate verbally, and the ability to sit for extended periods of time. |
