Graduate Academic Advisor

Position Title: Graduate Academic Advisor

# of Openings: 1

Department/Program: BA Advising 44000

Work Location: Hybrid On-Site/Remote

Campus Location: Arapahoe Campus

Reports to: Sr Director, Academic Advising

FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt/Hourly

FTE: 100% (40 hrs/week)

Compensation: $20.57 - $24.20 depending on experience

Application Deadline:  4/25 or until filled

Job Summary
The Graduate Academic Advisor is responsible for intentionally/strategically guiding students through their academic journey at Naropa, from new student orientation to graduation. Academic Advisors assist students in interpreting academic policies and procedures, tracking degree requirements and creating course schedules each semester.

Graduate Academic Advisors work closely with their Academic Departments and Faculty Chairs to attend to issues of retention, student morale and professional development as well as acting as the liaison between students and the program regarding all matters of academic progress. The advisor is highly involved with students’ journey throughout the program and must be comfortable working with academic policies and procedures, setting boundaries with students, and working creatively toward effective solutions to student concerns. The advisor has a strong role in contributing to and maintaining a positive learning environment that is conducive to community building and student retention.

This is a full time academic advising role with the expectation that the majority of the hours are spent in student facing responsibilities. Success in this role is measured in two (2) key areas of accountability : 1) Advising & Degree Planning and 2) Student Success & Retention.

Must be on campus 2 days a week and must come to campus when work demands.

Job Duties & Responsibilities

Advising & Degree Planning

• Provide general advising, guidance and support for a case load of over 100-160 graduate students. Advise students in course selection, navigation, tracking of degree and program requirements, and accessing appropriate academic opportunities.
• Work closely with specific Academic Departments and Faculty Chairs. Attend regularly scheduled departmental meetings, along with additional meetings as needed
• Maintain familiarity with and safeguard university and departmental policies, forms, and procedures including the Naropa course catalog, student handbook, and Colleague registration system.
• Meet with each advisee every semester to support short- and long-term degree planning and goals, both through scheduled appointments, walk-in hours, and participation in campus events.
• Maintain a developmental and contemplative approach in working with students.
• Collaborate with relevant academic units and student services departments throughout the University to facilitate ongoing communication and comprehensive student support.
• Support the ongoing development, maintenance, and accuracy of University databases and systems by collaborating closely with the Registrar’s Office and other administrative departments.
• Participate in the revision and updating of Student Handbook and University Course Catalog.
• Attend campus events, professional conferences, and other specialized trainings as required.
• Attend regularly scheduled departmental meetings, along with additional meetings as needed
• Represent the University in a professional manner at all times.

Student Success & Retention

• Direct students to appropriate academic, social, and emotional support services.
• Provide appropriate at-risk student advising and support as needed.
• Provide timely, ongoing relational outreach and intervention for students of concern.
• Participate in programming designed to support student engagement and academic success.
• Facilitate students’ development to ensure ongoing satisfaction and successful progress to degree completion with the goal of improving overall student retention.
• Provide culturally competent support regarding multicultural issues and concerns, such as for students with BIPOC and/or LGBTQIA identities.
• Act as the liaison for Student Administrative Services, Financial Aid, Disability Services, Admissions, Internship and Practicum Coordinators within the Office of Career and Life Development, and Faculty.
• Handle all graduation procedures and forms, including degree audit and departmental clearance.
• Responsible for understanding curriculum, including course sequences, prerequisites, required courses vs. elective courses, and tracking changes to the curriculum per catalog year.
• Other duties as assigned/required.

Minimum Requirements:

• Master’s degree in Psychology, Counseling or a related field.
• Excellent organizational skills; capable of effectively managing a complex workload
• Detail-oriented; able to consistently track and maintain the accuracy of data and information
• Demonstrated knowledge of student advising and/or retention strategies
• Ability to balance excellent interpersonal skills with strong administrative skills
• General knowledge and understanding of developmental psychology and the ability to maintain a developmental approach to working with others
• Demonstrated competency and professionalism in public relations, customer service, and communication (both verbal and written)
• Ability to understand and support current degree requirements, Naropa University policies and procedures, and student information systems
• Demonstrated ability to effectively identify and resolve problems
• Energetic, positive, pro-active, and service-driven approach
• Ability to multi-task and work efficiently in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment
• Ability to work both independently and as a supportive and fully contributing team member
• Basic math skills and an ability to track numbers accurately
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word, Excel, and Outlook
• All job candidates must demonstrate an appropriate level of understanding of and appreciation for the values of Naropa University and the capacity to demonstrate an integration and embodiment of these values as evidenced in work, communication, collaboration styles, and other general workplace behaviors.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience in academic advising
• Interest in and/or experience with contemplative education and contemplative practice

Physical Requirements & Environmental Conditions

During regular daily activities, employee must be able to do the following with or without reasonable accommodation: lift up to 20 lbs, stand, walk, sit, handle/finger, bend at the waist, and interruptions/distraction.

Naropa recognizes the following holidays throughout the year: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Fall Break, 4th Thursday and Friday in November, and Winter Break, the last two weeks in December encompassing the Christmas holiday as well as New Year’s.

Naropa’s health and welfare benefits include the following: medical, dental, vision, FSA, HSA, employer-paid short-term and long-term disability, employer-paid life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment, an employer-sponsored pre-tax retirement savings plan, which includes up to 2.5% employer matching, and a variety of voluntary, employee-paid supplemental insurance plans.

A comprehensive benefits package is available to full-time employees who work a minimum of 30 hours each week. Employees who work 20 – 29 hours each week are eligible for only the employer-paid short-term & long-term disability, employer-paid life insurance & accidental death and dismemberment, and the retirement plan, which includes up to 2.5% employer matching.

Employees who work fewer than 20 hours per week are eligible to participate in Naropa’s retirement plan only, which includes up to 2.5% employer matching.

All regular full-time and part-time faculty and staff, including student workers, accrue sick leave benefits. Full-time and part-time staff positions accrue vacation and personal time. All leave accrual rates vary based on the position, hours worked, and years of service.

The University recognizes the importance of including its employees in its organizational mission and values and welcomes employees into the classroom to “touch the magic.” Specifically, regular employees are provided generous tuition remission opportunities for themselves and their family members.

Naropa University participates in the Council of Independent Colleges Tuition Exchange Program (CIC-TEP). CIC-TEP is a network of CIC colleges and universities willing to accept, tuition-free, students from families of full-time employees of other CIC participating institutions (full-time as designated by the employer/institution). Additional information can be found here: https://www.cic.edu/member-services/tuition-exchange-program. 

Naropa University is an equal opportunity, non-discriminatory employer and Title IX is a federal civil rights law that prohibits gender discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual and relationship violence. This law applies to all students, faculty, and staff.

Salary : $21 - $24