What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director Four-Year Academic Advising position at University of South Carolina?
Posting Number
STA00952PO24
Job Family
Academic and Career Counseling
Job Function
Academic Advising
USC Market Title
Academic Advising Director
Link to USC Market Title
https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/131705
Job Level
E0 - Directors and Executives
Business Title (Internal Title)
Director Four-Year Academic Advising
Campus
Columbia
Work County
Richland
College/Division
Division of Academic Affairs and Provost
Department
PROV University Advising Center
State Pay Band
8
Approved Starting Salary
$72,093
Advertised Salary Range
$72,093 - Salary Commensurate with Experience
Location of Vacancy
Part/Full Time
Full Time
Hours per Week
37.5
Work Schedule
Standard working schedule: 8:30am – 5:00pm
Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.
Basis
12 months
Job Search Category
Student Services
About USC
About University of South Carolina
From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.
Inclusive Excellence Statement
At the University of South Carolina, we strive to cultivate an inclusive environment that is open, welcoming, and supportive of individuals of all backgrounds. We recognize diversity in our workforce is essential to providing academic excellence and critical to our sustainability. The University is committed to eliminating barriers created by institutional discrimination through accountability and continuous process improvement. We celebrate the diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences of our employees.
Benefits for FTE Positions
The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at https://uscjobs.sc.edu. Research Grant or Time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or no benefits, based on the grant or project funding.
Position Description
Advertised Job Summary
The Director of Four-Year Academic Advising oversees the largest advising program on USC Columbia’s campus through successful implementation, management, and assessment of a campus-wide, comprehensive, four-year advising model, serving ~28,000 undergraduate students. This position serves as a central resource and point of contact for the four-year academic advising program, supporting approximately 100 undergraduate academic advisors who work with students from new student orientation to graduation. In coordination with college advising leadership, the Director ensures all UAC Undergraduate Academic Advisors (UAAs) are trained, certified, and equipped to provide undergraduate students with the highest quality advisement possible. This position works collaboratively with college advising leadership to assist in the development of advising strategies and solutions specific to each college, including managing varying levels of technology adoption and follow-through on implementation of Provost-sponsored initiatives. The Director will lead monthly advisor meetings and support advisement of specialized student populations. This position directs efforts for the advisement of new students, facilitates pathways towards degree completion in coordination with colleges, recommends standardized advisement practices, and assesses the effectiveness of advising practices campus-wide. The Director oversees standardization of practice in a decentralized advising model based on best practice within the vision of ensuring equitable advising for all undergraduate students.
Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience
Requires a bachelor’s degree and at least 8 years of experience, including some prior management experience.
Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials
No additional certifications or licensure are required.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree and 6 years’ experience. Prior experience in Academic Advising, assessment and program management. PhD preferred.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
The position requires strong critical thinking, memorization, attention to detail, and communication skills, as well as the ability to work independently while developing strong collaborative relationships. The individual must be able to exercise excellent professional judgment and discretion, making decisions on a regular basis that impact student welfare and the institution.
Job Duties
Job Duty
Four-Year Advising/University-Wide Program Management: In collaboration with colleges/schools, academic departments and college advising leadership, the Director oversees key four-year advising programmatic elements implemented by ~100 professional staff Undergraduate Academic Advisors. Oversee campus-wide academic intervention efforts, including liaising with partnering offices and ensuring success of campus-wide initiatives. Examples include accelerated degrees and part-of-term course promotion, referrals from the Bursar’s office (drop for non-payment), Financial Aid (students at risk for losing scholarship, Course Program of Study/Title IV), and Admissions (re-admit outreach) among other high-stakes intervention and outreach aimed at increased enrollment and/or graduation. Direct and monitor advisor availability guidelines and compliance. Oversee academic advising for new first-year students in conjunction with New Student Orientation and the Advising Directorate, which includes developing, reviewing, and updating advising protocol, pre-orientation modules, and presenting to students and parents. Monitor course needs during orientation and registration periods; facilitate conversation between academic advisors and academic departments. Understand college advisement plans, senior check, and graduation check processes. Research, apply, promote, and collaborate to implement best practices for advising specialized student populations (including Single Honors Advising, veterans, athletes, health sciences, OSP, and transfers). Encourage promotion of faculty/student mentorship opportunities and promote Experiential Learning through academic advisors. Plan, communicate, and lead monthly UAC all-advisor staff meetings.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
40
Job Duty
HR Responsibilities: In collaboration with academic departments and Advising leadership, the Director manages a program that includes approximately 100 Undergraduate Academic Advisors to meet the disparate needs of each college/school. Partners with colleges/schools to onboard, train, certify, and provide continuing feedback to advisors. Oversees advisor consulting group and other communities of practice. Shadow academic advisors on-site during the academic year, providing feedback on advising sessions. Provide support to college supervisors in addressing initial advisor performance concerns, including identifying strategies for and monitoring advisor progress toward improvement. Responsible for joint EPMS reviews of all Undergraduate Academic Advisors in conjunction with designated college supervisor. Serves as a member of the UAA Tiers review committee, ensuring follow through for additional duties and responsibilities. Assist in the recruiting and interviewing of prospective academic advisor candidates.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
20
Job Duty
Management of College Advising Partnerships: Maintain partnerships with college advising leadership (Advising Directorate). Facilitate opportunities for collaboration between the UAC and each academic college/school and share feedback on advising success metrics. Update online college scorecard each semester. Partners with colleges and schools to determine advisor/advisee caseloads, ratios, student assignments, and proposed new UAA office sites. In coordination with the Assistant Provost, maintain accurate and updated Memorandums of Understanding with each academic college/school and ensure each entity upholds their responsibilities as outlined in the MOU. Participate in Advising Directorate meetings. Manage partnership between Undergraduate Academic Advisors & the Office of Exploratory Advising & Academic Coaching, providing opportunities for collaboration and exposure between units.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
15
Job Duty
Assessment and Reporting: Evaluate effectiveness and efficiency of advisement delivered by UAAs to students within participating colleges/schools through administering of post-appointment survey. Assess orientation advising processes with the goal of developing efficient onboarding practices. Maintains data and produces reports on college enrollments, advisor assignments, and student-advisor ratios. Provides general and college-specific data to Advising leadership on advising-related issues and participates in the strategic planning process for the UAC. Regularly utilizes advising technologies to generate reports on student trends, risk-indicators, usage data, etc. Collect data on post-graduation outcomes for graduating seniors, tracking and analyzing outcomes. Communicates and discusses findings with constituents.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
20
Job Duty
Advising Support: Serves as a Lead Advisor and advises students as needed. Cross-trained in multiple majors and disciplines and assumes a caseload as needed. Meets with prospective students and parents and provides general University information. Participate in undergraduate admissions or other student events on behalf of the UAC as needed.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
5
Position Attributes
Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing.
Safety Sensitive or Security Sensitive
No
Hazardous weather category
Non-Essential
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies
1
Desired Start Date
Job Open Date
12/09/2024
Job Close Date
01/24/2025
Open Until Filled
No
Special Instructions to Applicant
Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.
We are only accepting applications submitted by January 24, 2024.
The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:
- Health and Life Insurance
- Retirement Programs
- Paid Tuition
- Dependent Scholarships
- Annual Leave
- Sick Leave
- 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)
- Paid Parental Leave
- Professional Development Opportunities
Click here to learn more about why you should work at USC.
Quicklink for Posting
https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/180487
EEO Statement
The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.
Salary : $72,093
