What are the responsibilities and job description for the Professional Academic Advisor for Online Programs position at Westminster College (MO)?
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Description
The Professional Academic Advisor and Success Coach for Online Programs provides concierge-level customer support to online program students throughout their academic journey. Beginning with admission and through graduation, this position helps a diverse population of non-traditional students fulfill their educational goals while they balance work, family, and other priorities. This position interacts with others daily.
At Westminster College, we believe in immersive and enriching experiences that inspire creative thinking and problem solving. We believe in creating opportunities for several different paths to success over a lifetime and the potential to make an impact from wherever you are. For our students, we do this by providing real-world, hands-on learning opportunities, small class sizes, and talented professors dedicated to the individual. Our employees often remark that our tight-knit community creates an atmosphere fostering campus involvement that adapts to all interests. As a result, Westminster continues to be recognized for its excellence in higher education as one of the best small liberal arts colleges in the Midwest.
Requirements
Essential Functions:
- Advise non-traditional students on course selection, school adjustment, school-work-life balance, and study habits
- Use a life-coaching mindset to help non-traditional students adjust or re-adjust to college and thrive in their academics
- Assess needs for assistance such as financial aid, tutoring, writing guidance, or career planning
- Facilitate warm hand-offs to and from student services for the non-traditional student
- Review transcripts to ensure that students meet graduation or college entrance requirements
- Maintain current information on major, minor, and certificate programs, college policies, procedures, and academic requirements
- Keep accurate and complete student records as required by college policies and regulations
- Support retention with regular and proactive communication with students. Use the early alert system and perform outreach intervention when students are struggling or off-track
- Connect with students who skip a session and facilitate their re-entry
- Establish and maintain constructive and cooperative working relationships with campus units
- Prepare reports on students and activities as required by administration
- Other duties as assigned by the Assistant Dean of Online Programs in conjunction with the Student Success Center
Job Requirements:
Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution required. Master’s degree or higher from an accredited institution, especially in Education, Training, Counseling, Psychology, or related fields is preferred.
Experience: One to three years of experience in student services or related position required. Three or more years of experience with academic advising and counseling is preferred. Knowledge of educational theory and principles, and experience in practical application of counseling techniques in a college advising environment is also preferred.
Skills:
- Excellent speaking, writing and active listening skills
- Interest and enthusiasm for working in a service-oriented position
- Think critically to resolve complex problems and consider potential actions
- Assess performance of yourself, other individuals, or systems and make improvements or take corrective action
- Professional communication incorporating tact, cultural sensitivity, and diplomacy
- Efficient use of software and online systems to communicate, and record data
- Strong time management and organizational skills
- Adhere to data privacy and security policies
- Maintain confidentiality and use discretion on how and when to share information
