What are the responsibilities and job description for the Academic Counselor position at California Lutheran University?
Position Category: Staff (Non-Exempt)
FLSA: Non-exempt
FTE: 1
Location: Thousand Oaks
University Background:
The mission of California Lutheran University is to educate leaders for a global society who are strong in character and judgment, confident in their identity and vocation, and committed to service and justice. Founded in 1959 in beautiful Ventura County, the university has an enrollment of about 4,000 undergraduate and graduate students who come from across the nation and around the world from a diversity of backgrounds, cultures and faiths. As a federally recognized Hispanic-Serving Institution, Cal Lutheran is looking for candidates with a dedication to and success in working in diverse communities. The university is committed to an inclusive learning and work environment that values individual differences and respects each person's dignity.
Basic Function:
Under the direction and supervision of the Associate Director of the Bachelor's Degree for Professionals program within the School for Professional and Continuing Studies, the Academic Counselor is responsible for: counseling and advising online and in-person students on their academic plans and progress; co-developing their academic schedule; discussing personal matters impacting their educational goals; and exploring other academic activities and career goals to assist students in making informed decisions so that they persist to degree completion. The position is also responsible for implementing retention plans, procedures and programs, to ensure and enhance student success, persistence and retention. The academic counselor is responsible for some recruitment efforts as well as the implementation and tracking of New Student Orientations. Moreover, the academic counselor will co-create student-focused events throughout the academic year.
Representative Duties:
Using an intrusive advising and student care approach, the academic counselor counsels students individually regarding academic core and/or departmental requirements, appropriate class selection, campus resources, academic policies and procedures. E
Using an intrusive advising and student care approach, the academic counselor assists students with identification of long-term personal and professional goals; provides information and direction for planning a program of study to help ensure that students meet their goals and graduate within an appropriate period of time. E
Responsible for academic counseling and retention efforts for students registered in-person and in the online majors. E
Meets with students at the Thousand Oaks campus and virtually as appropriate. E
Schedules appointments, meets with students to review their academic plans, and performs all other duties related to academic counseling including developing degree plans. E
Co-coordinates with various offices, faculty and staff to develop specific programming to increase student success, retention and graduation rates. E
Assists in tracking and maintaining information relating to matriculation of new admits. E
Develops a system to identify and intervene with at-risk students and students whose progress is not satisfactory. E
Coordinates New Student Orientation, co-coordinates other events as assigned. E
Responsible for all regular outreach to students (authoring weekly updates, senior updates, etc.). E
Works collaboratively with other staff in the Bachelor's Degree for Professionals and School for Professionals and Continuing Studies, as well as with personnel in Academic Services, Financial Aid, and the Business Office. E
Works collaboratively with Admissions. E
Responsible for outreach and recruitment efforts (e.g. presentations to local community colleges counseling teams, classrooms). E
Meets with new admits to orient them to their academic requirements and enroll them in their first term in the program. E
Responds to phone and email inquiries in a timely manner; responds to and resolves various student inquiries and issues related to: scheduling; registration; curriculum; billing, graduation, special learning needs, and other related areas; refers students to appropriate campus resources as needed. E
Reviews transfer transcripts from other academic institutions for equivalencies and application to degree program. E
Serves as a liaison between the University and the students with respect to degree requirements and student progress; provides students with accurate, timely, complete, and comprehensive information on University policies and practices. E
Monitors academic progress of students including analyzing reports, identifying current and potential needs or problem areas (e.g., study skills, tutoring), and refers students to appropriate campus resources for assistance; assists students on probation by developing individualized plans for success. E
Maintains student-advising files in a confidential manner according to FERPA guidelines. E
Assists the Associate Director with the gathering of data related to student advisement and registration. E
Assists the Associate Director with identifying and tracking graduating seniors, ensuring they meet all graduation requirements. E
Monitors and tracks independent and field studies, tutorials, incomplete coursework, challenge exams, CLEP exams, course overload requests and concurrent enrollment requests. E
Prepares letters, memos and other correspondence as needed. E
Serves as representative for the Bachelor's Degree for Professionals program at inter-departmental and inter-institutional meetings; acts/speaks officially on behalf of the Bachelor's Degree for Professionals program regarding CLU policies and procedures; attends various meetings as assigned (e.g. staff meetings, new student orientations, etc.). E
Participates in and attends various events including commencement reception and graduation ceremonies. E
Completes ongoing training and professional development required for this position. E
Performs other duties as assigned.
E = Essential Duties
Knowledge Of:
University departments, policies and procedures.
Counseling methods and skills for academic advisement and personal/social counseling.
Counseling skills and methods related to underrepresented, first generation, and financially insecure students.
Academic requirements, campus resources, student life, and support services.
Laws, policies, regulations, and procedures of assigned tasks and responsibilities.
Computer and academic computer systems applicable to academic advising.
Computer technology and web based technology as a counseling tool.
Zoom, phone and direct customer service skills.
Professional knowledge of oral and written communication; strong interpersonal skills.
NACADA (National Academic Advising Association) and CAEL (Council for Adult & Experiential Learning).
Ability To:
Provide effective academic advisement and counseling services to students completing their degree fully online or fully in-person.
Identify students' needs for support services in order to make appropriate referrals.
Interpret and implement policies and directives
Implement and assist with retention programs.
Discuss the tradition of Lutheran higher education with students.
Use web and computer based technology as a medium to offer counseling services.
Be confidential and professional at all times and in all modes of communication.
Work with students who have a broad range of academic skills, language abilities, motivation, and educational/occupational goals.
Multitask simultaneously in an organized, detailed manner with accuracy.
Develop degree plans for post-traditional adult learners (working adult students).
Assist in developing publications and other materials for the Professionals program.
Professionally and effectively deliver presentations to small and large groups.
Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
Maintain timelines in a methodical manner.
Learn complex and detail-oriented tasks and software programs. Work proficiently with all software applications used at the University including Web Advisor, Colleague, Perceptive, Content, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, & PowerPoint), Informer, Zoom, etc.
Communicate effectively, both orally and in written forms.
Work independently and as a team member.
Solve problems, adopt an effective course of action and provide appropriate resources.
Interact effectively with individuals from diverse multi-cultural and multi-racial communities
Travel to the Oxnard Center on occasion
Traditional office hours are M-TH 9am-6pm, Fri 8am-5pm but these may vary with some evenings and weekend hours as required.
Operate a computer and relevant software and peripherals.
Minimum Qualifications:
Any combination equivalent to: Master's degree in counseling, counseling and guidance, college student personnel, college student affairs, higher education, or a related field and some internship/professional experience in student affairs, student services, counseling, or academic advising.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience advising post-traditional learners (working adult students) in higher education
Familiarity with online programs
Knowledge of higher education policies and procedures
Bilingual in Spanish and English
Experience with veterans, dependents, and active duty military
Licenses and Other Requirements:
Ability to travel and work flexible hours as needed.
Physical Abilities:
Detect to understand appropriate written correspondence; communicate clearly to exchange information in person and on the telephone; operate a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer; stationary position for extended periods of time; move or transport light objects up to 15 lbs; position self to store and/or retrieve files.
Working Environment:
This position operates in a professional office environment with constant interruptions; this role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, copiers, and fax machines.
Hiring Range $26.00-$27.81
Posting Number: Staff004182022
Open Date: 04/16/2025
Close Date: 5/4/2025
Application Procedure/Special Instructions
To apply, visit https://careers.callutheran.edu/postings/12420
California Lutheran University is committed to providing equal opportunity in employment for all persons, regardless of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by applicable law. No person shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination in any program, activity or facility of the University on the basis of these factors in a manner consistent with applicable federal and state laws, regulations, ordinances, orders and rules, and University's policies, procedures, and processes.
Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process can be provided to individuals with qualifying disabilities. Please contact the Human Resources Department for further information or to request an accommodation.
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FLSA: Non-exempt
FTE: 1
Location: Thousand Oaks
University Background:
The mission of California Lutheran University is to educate leaders for a global society who are strong in character and judgment, confident in their identity and vocation, and committed to service and justice. Founded in 1959 in beautiful Ventura County, the university has an enrollment of about 4,000 undergraduate and graduate students who come from across the nation and around the world from a diversity of backgrounds, cultures and faiths. As a federally recognized Hispanic-Serving Institution, Cal Lutheran is looking for candidates with a dedication to and success in working in diverse communities. The university is committed to an inclusive learning and work environment that values individual differences and respects each person's dignity.
Basic Function:
Under the direction and supervision of the Associate Director of the Bachelor's Degree for Professionals program within the School for Professional and Continuing Studies, the Academic Counselor is responsible for: counseling and advising online and in-person students on their academic plans and progress; co-developing their academic schedule; discussing personal matters impacting their educational goals; and exploring other academic activities and career goals to assist students in making informed decisions so that they persist to degree completion. The position is also responsible for implementing retention plans, procedures and programs, to ensure and enhance student success, persistence and retention. The academic counselor is responsible for some recruitment efforts as well as the implementation and tracking of New Student Orientations. Moreover, the academic counselor will co-create student-focused events throughout the academic year.
Representative Duties:
Using an intrusive advising and student care approach, the academic counselor counsels students individually regarding academic core and/or departmental requirements, appropriate class selection, campus resources, academic policies and procedures. E
Using an intrusive advising and student care approach, the academic counselor assists students with identification of long-term personal and professional goals; provides information and direction for planning a program of study to help ensure that students meet their goals and graduate within an appropriate period of time. E
Responsible for academic counseling and retention efforts for students registered in-person and in the online majors. E
Meets with students at the Thousand Oaks campus and virtually as appropriate. E
Schedules appointments, meets with students to review their academic plans, and performs all other duties related to academic counseling including developing degree plans. E
Co-coordinates with various offices, faculty and staff to develop specific programming to increase student success, retention and graduation rates. E
Assists in tracking and maintaining information relating to matriculation of new admits. E
Develops a system to identify and intervene with at-risk students and students whose progress is not satisfactory. E
Coordinates New Student Orientation, co-coordinates other events as assigned. E
Responsible for all regular outreach to students (authoring weekly updates, senior updates, etc.). E
Works collaboratively with other staff in the Bachelor's Degree for Professionals and School for Professionals and Continuing Studies, as well as with personnel in Academic Services, Financial Aid, and the Business Office. E
Works collaboratively with Admissions. E
Responsible for outreach and recruitment efforts (e.g. presentations to local community colleges counseling teams, classrooms). E
Meets with new admits to orient them to their academic requirements and enroll them in their first term in the program. E
Responds to phone and email inquiries in a timely manner; responds to and resolves various student inquiries and issues related to: scheduling; registration; curriculum; billing, graduation, special learning needs, and other related areas; refers students to appropriate campus resources as needed. E
Reviews transfer transcripts from other academic institutions for equivalencies and application to degree program. E
Serves as a liaison between the University and the students with respect to degree requirements and student progress; provides students with accurate, timely, complete, and comprehensive information on University policies and practices. E
Monitors academic progress of students including analyzing reports, identifying current and potential needs or problem areas (e.g., study skills, tutoring), and refers students to appropriate campus resources for assistance; assists students on probation by developing individualized plans for success. E
Maintains student-advising files in a confidential manner according to FERPA guidelines. E
Assists the Associate Director with the gathering of data related to student advisement and registration. E
Assists the Associate Director with identifying and tracking graduating seniors, ensuring they meet all graduation requirements. E
Monitors and tracks independent and field studies, tutorials, incomplete coursework, challenge exams, CLEP exams, course overload requests and concurrent enrollment requests. E
Prepares letters, memos and other correspondence as needed. E
Serves as representative for the Bachelor's Degree for Professionals program at inter-departmental and inter-institutional meetings; acts/speaks officially on behalf of the Bachelor's Degree for Professionals program regarding CLU policies and procedures; attends various meetings as assigned (e.g. staff meetings, new student orientations, etc.). E
Participates in and attends various events including commencement reception and graduation ceremonies. E
Completes ongoing training and professional development required for this position. E
Performs other duties as assigned.
E = Essential Duties
Knowledge Of:
University departments, policies and procedures.
Counseling methods and skills for academic advisement and personal/social counseling.
Counseling skills and methods related to underrepresented, first generation, and financially insecure students.
Academic requirements, campus resources, student life, and support services.
Laws, policies, regulations, and procedures of assigned tasks and responsibilities.
Computer and academic computer systems applicable to academic advising.
Computer technology and web based technology as a counseling tool.
Zoom, phone and direct customer service skills.
Professional knowledge of oral and written communication; strong interpersonal skills.
NACADA (National Academic Advising Association) and CAEL (Council for Adult & Experiential Learning).
Ability To:
Provide effective academic advisement and counseling services to students completing their degree fully online or fully in-person.
Identify students' needs for support services in order to make appropriate referrals.
Interpret and implement policies and directives
Implement and assist with retention programs.
Discuss the tradition of Lutheran higher education with students.
Use web and computer based technology as a medium to offer counseling services.
Be confidential and professional at all times and in all modes of communication.
Work with students who have a broad range of academic skills, language abilities, motivation, and educational/occupational goals.
Multitask simultaneously in an organized, detailed manner with accuracy.
Develop degree plans for post-traditional adult learners (working adult students).
Assist in developing publications and other materials for the Professionals program.
Professionally and effectively deliver presentations to small and large groups.
Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
Maintain timelines in a methodical manner.
Learn complex and detail-oriented tasks and software programs. Work proficiently with all software applications used at the University including Web Advisor, Colleague, Perceptive, Content, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, & PowerPoint), Informer, Zoom, etc.
Communicate effectively, both orally and in written forms.
Work independently and as a team member.
Solve problems, adopt an effective course of action and provide appropriate resources.
Interact effectively with individuals from diverse multi-cultural and multi-racial communities
Travel to the Oxnard Center on occasion
Traditional office hours are M-TH 9am-6pm, Fri 8am-5pm but these may vary with some evenings and weekend hours as required.
Operate a computer and relevant software and peripherals.
Minimum Qualifications:
Any combination equivalent to: Master's degree in counseling, counseling and guidance, college student personnel, college student affairs, higher education, or a related field and some internship/professional experience in student affairs, student services, counseling, or academic advising.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience advising post-traditional learners (working adult students) in higher education
Familiarity with online programs
Knowledge of higher education policies and procedures
Bilingual in Spanish and English
Experience with veterans, dependents, and active duty military
Licenses and Other Requirements:
Ability to travel and work flexible hours as needed.
Physical Abilities:
Detect to understand appropriate written correspondence; communicate clearly to exchange information in person and on the telephone; operate a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer; stationary position for extended periods of time; move or transport light objects up to 15 lbs; position self to store and/or retrieve files.
Working Environment:
This position operates in a professional office environment with constant interruptions; this role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, copiers, and fax machines.
Hiring Range $26.00-$27.81
Posting Number: Staff004182022
Open Date: 04/16/2025
Close Date: 5/4/2025
Application Procedure/Special Instructions
To apply, visit https://careers.callutheran.edu/postings/12420
California Lutheran University is committed to providing equal opportunity in employment for all persons, regardless of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by applicable law. No person shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination in any program, activity or facility of the University on the basis of these factors in a manner consistent with applicable federal and state laws, regulations, ordinances, orders and rules, and University's policies, procedures, and processes.
Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process can be provided to individuals with qualifying disabilities. Please contact the Human Resources Department for further information or to request an accommodation.
jeid-2e7ae9e190d10343a098d99f8cb753e3
Salary : $26 - $28
