What are the responsibilities and job description for the Academic Advisor position at The University of Southern Mississippi?
The AcademicAdvisor works to cultivate student success by 1) assisting students in theirtransition to the University, 2) facilitating students’ efforts to plan theirpath to degree, 3) promoting engagement in their major and 4) connectingstudents with key campus resources. Inaddition to working with students in their caseload, advisors will also respondto walk-in student needs, provide support to faculty advisors, and assist with undergraduaterecruitment and retention initiatives. The position of advisor is a full-time(40 hour / week) position and limited evenings and / or weekend hours are expected.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
- Work collaboratively and effectively with other advisors, staff, and faculty in the School, utilizing evidence-based best practices for advising to increase student success.
- Meet with students to advise them in matters pertaining to academic requirements and progression toward degree completion; proactively reach out to students to ensure they are meeting expectations; refer students to resources on campus as appropriate and ensure student issues are addressed efficiently and effectively; respond to student questions, including walk-ins, emails, phone, and videoconferencing, with a helpful attitude, correct information, and timeliness.
- Provide backup for faculty advisors in the unit when faculty are not available or at the request of the school director.
- Assist students and faculty advisors with University processes such as course substitutions, undergraduate exception requests, and graduation applications. Work with students as necessary to complete Academic Improvement Plans and Academic Clearance forms.
- Coordinate and participate in undergraduate recruitment, orientation, and retention events and initiatives.
- Engage in professional development and training to improve advising skills, including recognizing and supporting the needs of diverse student populations, and perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’sdegree from anaccredited college or university and at least one year experience working in anacademic environment or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Preferred Qualifications Master’s degree from an accredited college or experience with advisement, student coaching, or other student academic support work, especially with diverse student populations
Educational background in a field related to higher education, student services, or counseling.
Educational background and / or work experience in one or more of the disciplinary areas in the College.
