Academic Advisor

SALARY: $44,000

STATUS: Full-time, Exempt

DEPARTMENT: Student Services

LOCATION: Grand Rapids, Letting Campus

REPORTS TO: Director – Student Services

The position is primarily Monday-Friday from 8am-5pm with one assigned day of 9:30am-6:30pm coverage. Advisor will have the option for up to two (2) days of remote work after the training period, with supervisor approval.

Summary

At Davenport University, academic advisors promote student academic success and individual potential through an intentional and collaborative partnership with each student. You will be the main point of contact for a diverse student population of traditional and nontraditional students, residential, commuter, and online students, and student athletes from a variety of majors and Colleges within DU regarding all University student service functions. You will provide academic guidance, big-picture planning, and advocacy for students to enhance their engagement, success, and retention at DU. Ongoing responsibilities include advising students toward completion of their degree program, reviewing and revising students’ graduation/educational plans, assisting students with course selection which results in a schedule for the upcoming academic year, and being the student's primary contact at DU. These responsibilities are performed in an ethical manner consistent with the University’s mission, vision, and values which include diversity, equity and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Assist students in defining and developing an educational plan with each student that is based on their academic, career and life goals. Work closely with all students so they understand all degree and graduation requirements. Discuss curriculum change implications.
• Advise all students on course selection each year maximizing ACL (average credit load). Contact students currently attending but not scheduled for the next semester. Reaffirm the student’s decision to enroll at DU. Initiate contact and follow-up with stop-out students.. Achieve all enrollment goals.
• Implement and maintain student alert processes and monitor standards of progress, establishing appropriate steps for student success. Assist students in evaluation or re-evaluation of barriers toward established educational goals.
• Understand and refer students to the various support services available throughout the university, such as tutoring, career services, financial aid, bursar’s office, registrar, wellness center, etc.
• Maintain working knowledge of, and adhere to all DU programs, policies and procedures and provide accurate information about institutional policies, procedures, resources and programs.
• Provide prompt and consistent follow up to resolve student concerns. Document student interactions in the appropriate student database.
• Work with the Registrar’s Office to identify those students ready to graduate (assuring they apply) and assess those applying for graduation to confirm they have met the requirements. Work with those students who have not met graduation requirements to overcome those barriers.
• Participate in new student orientation and enrollment events.
• Create and maintain accurate and timely reports.
• Attend and participate in required training programs.
• Understand and abide by all external and internal regulations and policies. This includes NCAA, GLIAC and national affiliations associated with athletics or other role specific regulations.
• Adhere to all FERPA rules and regulations.
• Provides GREAT customer service, anticipating and exceeding the needs of our customers.
• Demonstrate and promote the University’s Cultural Values.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s preferred. Higher education experience is preferred.
• Knowledge of student development theories, active listening skills and academic curricula preferred.
• Experience with Banner and DegreeWorks (or other higher education student information systems)
• Demonstrated high energy level, flexibility and demonstrated integrity in decision-making.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain ongoing, professional relationships with students.
• Demonstrated ability to work accurately and effectively with computerized data systems.
• Ability to maintain a professional appearance and manner.
• Demonstrated motivational and problem solving capabilities with a high degree of integrity, ethics, and dedication to the mission of the University.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and relate well to donors, alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff, and others while maintaining appropriate confidentiality.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with people of diverse backgrounds and promote a positive working environment, spirit of cooperation and positive reactions to change and conflict resolution.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills, both written and oral which transcend diverse audiences.
• Strong work ethic.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment background investigation including but not limited to: standard criminal background check and employment reference checks. Select positions may be subject to drug/alcohol screening.
• Business office environment. Prolonged sitting and standing. Use of personal computer and telephone (eye and hand strain). Some travel between campuses required (own transportation).
• No regular lifting requirements, occasional lifting up to 25 pounds.
• Must be able to work an irregular schedule, evenings or Saturday as needed, additional hours during peak times or as required.
  
  

DAVENPORT UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Revision Date: 8/2/2024