ACADEMIC ADVISOR COVER LETTER TEMPLATE

Published: Nov 19, 2024 – The Academic Advisor supports students with academic challenges, major changes, and policy inquiries while managing a caseload and collaborating with faculty and administrators. This position assists with advisor assignments, testing, orientations, and academic appeals, and creates materials to educate on academic policies. The advisor also monitors student progress, identifies issues, and refers students to campus resources for support.

An Introduction to Professional Skills and Functions for Academic Advisor with a Cover Letter

1. Capabilities for Academic Advisor Cover Letter

  • Performs a range of activities to monitor the academic progress of students and implement new advising initiatives
  • Provides professional support to the academic advising of students, analyzing possible solutions using standard procedures
  • Counsel students in routine academic or personal matters
  • Responds to queries about students from faculty, parents, and staff.
  • Conducts regular meetings with students to discuss academic programs, choice of major, academic progress, and career goals
  • Facilitates students’ progress toward the degree.
  • Advises students with minor academic difficulties and counseling while responding to queries from faculty, staff, and parents.
  • Keeps records of student degree programs and notes on student conversations.
  • Writes letters of recommendation for students for jobs, scholarships, and graduate schools.
  • Supports and guides a diverse population of students and alumni in professional Master’s degree programs in Analytics.
  • Conducts advising sessions with students to discuss career goals and coursework plans
  • Advises students on a wide range of issues relating to academic requirements, tuition and fees, financial aid, etc.
  • Follows up with students, especially those who need supplemental guidance and support


Skills: Academic Advising, Student Counseling, Career Counseling, Degree Progress Monitoring, Academic Support, Student Records Management, Recommendation Writing, Diversity and Inclusion Support

2. Performance Metrics for Academic Advisor Cover Letter

  • Evaluate the academic progress of students and report individual progress to program leadership.
  • Advises students who may need to take time away from the program, in consultation with the appropriate program staff.
  • Oversees the processing, evaluation, and awarding of student grants, scholarships, fellowships, and other awards.
  • Responsible for working with the Dean of Students to interpret campus policies and advise students and faculty on student conduct, student grievances, disputes, and issues regarding discrimination.
  • Plans, organizes and attends student and alumni events, some may be outside of traditional hours.
  • Coordinates with program staff and UChicago Grad Career Development team on career advising projects where appropriate.
  • Coordinates the capstone project component of the professional Master’s degree program.
  • Collaborates with external relations team to determine the project needs of capstone partners, matches students to research opportunities, and facilitates communications between students and sponsors.
  • Helps students with research and communication skills, and provides student guidance and support from project planning through implementation and writing.
  • Organizes relevant events including panel presentations, and works with the Master’s program teams to ensure a positive capstone experience for the students and sponsors.
  • Keeps records of student degree programs and notes on student conversations.
  • Writes letters of recommendation for students for jobs, scholarships, and graduate schools.


Skills: Academic Evaluation, Student Advising, Grant Management, Policy Interpretation, Event Coordination, Career Support, Capstone Management, Research Support

3. Outcomes for Academic Advisor Cover Letter

  • Explains university degree requirements, academic policies, procedures, and regulations
  • Exploring the choice of academic major, and career interests, assists with educational planning, course selection, student success strategies, and other related issues.
  • Organizes, facilitates, and implements activities related to monitoring student transition and academic progress including advisor follow-up with students and responses to faculty/campus alerts.
  • Works cooperatively with other members of the Hub advising team, initiates and maintains caseload records, and documents advising appointments utilizing EAB Navigate or similar e-advising technologies.
  • Evaluate student transcripts and testing history to effectively schedule students toward graduation.
  • Execute and manage the process of awarding credits.
  • Responsible for the accuracy of student report cards and transcripts
  • Collaborate with administrators in the development and revision of school master schedules and curriculum offerings.
  • Maintain and utilize the Campus Data Roster, which drives campus instructional and operational decisions
  • Coordinate the effectiveness and timeliness of the enrollment, scheduling, and academic records entry process.
  • Assisting with the school’s testing processes, specifically ensuring that state testing rosters are accurate.
  • Meet with students to discuss and educate them on state graduation requirements and their graduation plans.
  • Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations.
  • Assist administration with verification of student’s graduation and activities related to graduation.


Skills: Academic Advising, Degree Requirement Explanation, Educational Planning, Student Progress Monitoring, E-Advising Technology, Transcript Evaluation, Graduation Planning, Record Management

4. Milestones for Academic Advisor Cover Letter

  • Implement educational interventions to increase retention and graduation rates for low-income/first-generation students, including one-on-one and group coaching sessions.
  • Serve as a freshman seminar instructor and provide advisement on course selection and university/community resources.
  • Develop and conduct non-cognitive development workshops such as study skills, critical thinking, and student success software.
  • Complete comprehensive needs assessments, review grades and transcripts, and maintain files on participants.
  • Use the Blumen database and university student success software to track services and monitor academic progress.
  • Administer pre and post-tests, conduct Early Warning alerts, and submit monthly/quarterly reports.
  • Provide support to increase graduation rates through financial literacy workshops, workforce development, and connections to internships and graduate school.
  • Attend faculty meetings and student orientation sessions to inform of project goals and services.
  • Communicate with faculty members on academic progress and make referrals to other student services.
  • Attend departmental meetings and collaborate with faculty and staff to conduct academic workshops and assist with tutoring.
  • Serve on university, regional, state, and national committees. 
  • Make referrals for on-campus and off-campus resources to support program participants


Skills: Educational Interventions, Student Coaching, Workshop Development, Needs Assessment, Student Success Software, Academic Monitoring, Financial Literacy Support, Faculty Collaboration

5. Standards for Academic Advisor Cover Letter

  • Formulate basic graduation plans for all students.
  • Interpret and record academic placement.
  • Participate in carrying out registration procedures including satisfactory academic progress toward graduation.
  • Assist with additional departmental tasks as determined by the Director of Academic Advising including but not limited to updating checklists for all undergraduate majors
  • Mapping courses in major and assessing course schedule conflicts
  • Assists with transfer requests by working with supervisor and Admissions.
  • Notify students of deadlines, registration procedures, course options, course evaluations, and class schedules throughout their program by preparing email communications.
  • Knowledgeable about CACREP requirements and able to advise counseling students appropriately regarding licensing requirements in their home state.
  • Explains the process and policies for admissions, enrollment, registration, and deadlines to all new and returning students.
  • Assist students with the support needed from enrollment through graduation.
  • Provide award-winning customer service and availability to all prospective, and current students, faculty, and staff.
  • Assist Admissions Department with updating of program materials and communication to prospective and continuing students.


Skills: Graduation Planning, Academic Placement, Registration Procedures, Course Mapping, Transfer Support, Email Communication, CACREP Knowledge, Customer Service

6. Success Indicators for Academic Advisor Cover Letter

  • Meet with undergraduate students every semester and with preparation and graduate students to plan for upcoming semesters and revise long-term academic schedules.
  • Conduct these meetings at least twice per semester with continuing undergraduate students.
  • Assists students in planning a program consistent with their abilities, interests, and career demand
  • Identifies options for students to satisfy specific degree requirements
  • Evaluates and makes recommendations on petitions and adjustments to student's program of study
  • Monitors academic progress of students, and makes a follow-up with the students on any report of unsatisfactory work, including probation, poor attendance, and failing students
  • Identifies current and potential needs or problem areas and refers students to appropriate campus resources for assistance
  • Maintains an up-to-date Advising Profile for all undergraduate students, with a summary of course planning for the students, dates of appointments, notation of special circumstances, etc.
  • Proactively contacts and is available for student advisees regularly. 
  • Office hours should be preferably given to the advisee early in the semester. 
  • Provide advice to students regarding academic appeals and other related issues
  • Interprets and explains the university policies and procedures
  • Evaluates transfer transcripts from other academic institutions for equivalencies and application to the applicable degree program
  • Assists AA students with admission requirements and developing plans for transferring to other universities.


Skills: Academic Planning, Degree Requirement Evaluation, Student Advising, Progress Monitoring, Resource Referral, Advising Profile Management, Academic Appeals, Transfer Transcript Evaluation

7. Core Competence for Academic Advisor Cover Letter

  • Develop and maintain advanced expertise about IAS academic programs, university policy, and campus resources. 
  • Work independently to manage an assigned caseload of students to ensure their requirements for graduation are properly met.
  • Provide academic advising, career counseling, success coaching, and other support services to help students develop an educational plan to achieve their intended learning and career goals. 
  • Inform students about procedures for independent study, undergraduate research, study abroad, community-based learning projects, and other experiential learning opportunities.
  • Analyze, interpret, and explain student educational records including transcripts, placement results, and transfer credit evaluations. 
  • Assist students in making informed educational choices with the use of their Degree Audit Report and other planning tools. 
  • Recommend appropriate quarterly credit loads and course selections. 
  • Assist students with the resolution of registration issues.
  • Maintain systematic and frequent contact with assigned students. 
  • Learn and utilize student success management technologies to monitor and support student retention, persistence, and graduation. 
  • Keep accurate, timely, and confidential records of every student interaction and update student educational records.
  • Perform regular audits of student records to evaluate degree completion outcomes. 
  • Identify, monitor, and support students with academic difficulties. 
  • Provide training and coaching in success strategies. 


Skills: Academic Advising, Career Counseling, Success Coaching, Experiential Learning Support, Transcript Analysis, Educational Planning, Registration Support, Student Retention Management

8. Distinguishing Features for Academic Advisor Cover Letter

  • Coordinate the application review process for graduate programs in Chemistry and Geosciences in collaboration with graduate program directors and department faculty admissions committees. 
  • Guide prospective graduate students in Chemistry and Geosciences on choosing and completing a graduate program or concentration. 
  • Participate in and lead recruitment events, information sessions, and orientations for prospective and new graduate students. 
  • Advise current graduate students in Chemistry and Geosciences about academic courses and non-course program requirements. 
  • Troubleshoot student issues related to registration, transfer credits, and course authorizations.
  • Enter, evaluate, and audit graduate student progression data for assigned populations in the Student Information System (Banner) and DegreeWorks
  • Ensure students are progressing through their academic programs on time and certify completion of course and non-course requirements for graduation.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact to graduate directors, faculty advisors, department staff, and current graduate students in Chemistry and Geosciences regarding college and university-level requirements, policies, and procedures from admission to graduation. 
  • Coordinate communications with graduate students regarding departmental and college regulations as they relate to program requirements and the graduation process and coordinate mandatory advisement sessions. 


Skills: Graduate Program Coordination, Academic Advising, Recruitment and Orientation, Student Troubleshooting, Data Management, Program Progression Monitoring, Policy Interpretation, Communication Coordination

9. Achievement Highlights for Academic Advisor Cover Letter

  • Provides holistic academic advising services, including course selection, registration, and academic success and coaching strategies. 
  • Identify academic skill needs and provide information on on-campus services and resources.
  • Monitors, contacts, and conducts follow-up with students in assigned caseloads. 
  • Utilizes college-advising technology to proactively connect, identify, and provide interventions for students who are most at risk for academic difficulty.
  • Proactively follows up with students who do not re-register for subsequent terms, fail satisfactory academic progress/standards of academic progress, and/or are identified by the College's retention system for follow-up.
  • Participates in CARE Days, New Student Orientations, Welcome Weeks, Graduation, and other student events.
  • Engages in proactive contact with students by e-mail, telephone, mail, and other forms of purposeful communication to learn about students' progress with courses and course satisfaction
  • Respond to general questions, and participate as a member of the CARE Team.
  • Sustains extensive, current knowledge of NMC policies, academic and professional development programs, college catalogs, transfer agreements, job search and interview prep best practices, and overall holistic case management processes.
  • Assists the Director of Advising Services with student tracking, assessment, team planning, and process improvement.
  • Collaborates with other faculty and staff to collect and interpret data on incoming students and current students, and participates in planning retention programs.
  • Exchanges information with students on self-care and educational and career goal planning. 
  • Implements educational and career goal plans consistent with students’ skills, interests, and values.
  • Builds and maintains relationships across the campus that help to make academic advising successful 


Skills: Academic Advising, Student Coaching, Retention Strategies, Student Outreach, Policy Knowledge, Case Management, Data Interpretation, Goal Planning

10. Key Client Interactions for Academic Advisor Cover Letter

  • Advise undergraduate students in academic difficulty, students wishing to withdraw or take leaves of absence, students with questions about academic policies and requirements, and students wanting to discuss a change of major or other academic plan changes or additions
  • Manage a caseload of students and collaborate with administrators, faculty chairs, and faculty advisors using Navigate, including outreach and referrals for students at risk
  • Assist with faculty advisor assignments and student placement testing, orientations, and the readmit and fresh start processes
  • Develop information/material for students, faculty, and other campus partners
  • Prepare data, reports, and recommendations for academic advising, and educate students and faculty regarding the use of degree tracker/general education core/academic policies through presentations, workshops, and other campus events
  • Assist the director of academic advising to ensure quality and accurate service.
  • Meet with students from various programs to plan for upcoming semesters and academic schedules.
  • Assist students in planning a program consistent with their strengths and goals.
  • Identify options for students to satisfy specific program requirements, evaluate and make recommendations on petitions and adjustments to their program of study.
  • Provide information to students regarding the process and procedures they must follow for academic appeals and other related issues.
  • Interpret and explain college policies and procedures and their effect on the academic progress of students.
  • Monitor the academic progress of students and follow up for any report of unsatisfactory work, identify current and potential needs or problem areas, and refer students to appropriate campus resources for assistance.
  • Maintain and update advising profiles for all students in programs which includes a summary of course planning for the students.
  • Proactively contact and be accessible to student advisees regularly.


Skills: Academic Advising, Student Support, Caseload Management, Policy Interpretation, Program Planning, Academic Progress Monitoring, Student Outreach, Data Reporting

What Are the Qualifications and Requirements for Academic Advisor in a Cover Letter?

1. Education and Qualifications for Academic Advisor Cover Letter

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Positive attitude and positive customer service orientation and skills.
  • Ability to understand and carry out written and verbal instructions.
  • Ability to manipulate academic documents.
  • Ability to provide a model of integrity, maturity, and leadership
  • Experience with students of diverse backgrounds
  • The willingness to work flexible hours and variable workdays and locations
  • Ability to work with minimal supervision and have the ability to manage stressful situations.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Software and general knowledge/efficiency of computer tools.
  • Effective time management and organization skills


Qualifications: BA in Student Affairs with 1 year of Experience

2. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities for Academic Advisor Cover Letter

  • Experience working with undergraduate and non-traditional university students in an educational environment
  • Experience teaching and/or working with students from economically and educationally disadvantaged backgrounds
  • Demonstrable knowledge of computer applications and the ability to instruct students in appropriate applications.
  • Excellent interpersonal, customer service, communication, and organizational skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to promote the understanding and respect of cultural and human diversity and abilities.
  • Experience working in a dynamic team environment.
  • Experience with higher education or a deep understanding of the college application process
  • An interest in changing the world through education
  • Excellent verbal and written communication, interpersonal skills
  • Effective technology skills, with online/virtual conferencing experience. 


Qualifications: BA in Interdisciplinary Studies with 2 years of Experience

3. Accomplishments for Academic Advisor Cover Letter

  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Ability to work effectively on a team, adapt to change
  • Strong organizational and people skills
  • Proficient computer skills, particularly in MS Word, MS Access, and MS Excel
  • Experience in academic advisement/counseling, marketing
  • Ability to satisfy, within the parameters set by the College and consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws
  • Proficiency in Moodle or similar Student Learning Platforms
  • Ability to quickly assimilate and employ diverse IT modules
  • A high level of ethics, discretion, tact, and diplomacy
  • Ability to positively engage with students, faculty, and staff and constructively problem-solve


Qualifications: BA in Human Resources with 3 years of Experience

4. Key Qualifications for Academic Advisor Cover Letter

  • Experience in interpreting and applying academic policies for student degree requirements and academic progress.
  • Experience in resolving academic issues that also involve the career and life goals of the student.
  • Knowledge of the learning needs of individual students based on their skills, abilities, and goals
  • Skills in career and financial literacy
  • Skills in conflict resolution and human relations, administrative tasks, scheduling activities, and critical thinking
  • Research and evaluation of the program and participants
  • Academic or professional background in business or related programs.
  • Interest in working with families and students to connect them to the best program
  • Strong storytelling skills and experience in public speaking
  • Excellent written and verbal communication, time management, and supervision with the ability to maintain flexibility and work under pressure.


Qualifications: BA in Communication Studies with 4 years of Experience

5. Abilities and Experience for Academic Advisor Cover Letter

  • Knowledgeable of college entrance procedures (A-G requirements), electronic transcripts, standardized testing, etc.
  • Ability to motivate and guide students concerning their futures
  • Work experience in a higher education setting, preferably in academic advising, counseling, or student affairs.
  • Experience using Microsoft Office Suite, Peoplesoft, Navigate and OnBase
  • Experience in working with first-year and non-traditional students
  • Experience in working with transfer students
  • Ability to adapt to new and rapidly changing situations
  • Experience working with/advising underrepresented populations, including first-generation college students
  • Excellent organizational skills and ability to handle competing priorities
  • Able to establish a positive rapport with students, parents, and college representatives with excellent communication skills (both written and Verbal)


Qualifications: BA in Education with 6 years of Experience

6. Education, Knowledge and Experience for Academic Advisor Cover Letter

  • Experience in academic advising, mentoring, student counseling, development, and education.
  • Administrative experience in a post-secondary educational setting
  • Experience in Microsoft Office applications, and Outlook email.
  • Strong, service-oriented focus with high attention to detail, organization, and accuracy
  • High level of ethics, diplomacy, and confidentiality
  • Strong oral and written communication skills
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office applications
  • Proficient in Canvas or similar Student Learning Platforms
  • Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment with good problem-solving skills
  • Ability to quickly assimilate and employ diverse IT modules


Qualifications: BA in Liberal Arts with 3 years of Experience

7. Skills Overview for Academic Advisor Cover Letter

  • Experience with higher education advising with a good knowledge of graduate business curriculum 
  • Work experience in an international setting, and with international students 
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, including ability to draft and prepare original correspondence
  • Ability to articulate and market business academic programs
  • Ability to interact professionally with faculty, students, staff, and the public
  • Ability to manage competing priorities, and work with a diverse student population
  • Proficiency in microcomputer software applications and other student software tools.
  • Demonstrated ability to follow up on issues and be team-oriented with strong student service skills
  • Proficiency with databases and spreadsheets
  • Proactive in terms of seeking information to keep current on changes in procedures, requirements, etc., and developing proposed solutions for challenges encountered


Qualifications: BA in English with 4 years of Experience

8. Abilities and Qualifications for Academic Advisor Cover Letter

  • Excellent listening and interpersonal skills that exhibit positive regard, care, concern, and respect for students, families, and colleagues.
  • Strong commitment to supporting all levels and backgrounds of students through a variety of approaches and processes to achieve their educational and personal goals.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively (written and in-person) to a broad constituency, including administrators, faculty, staff, students, and parents.
  • Thorough understanding and working knowledge of FERPA regulations within a higher education setting.
  • Working knowledge of effective decision-making and conflict-resolution techniques.
  • Ability to coordinate and manage assignments to sustain an extensive workload within a fast-paced environment.
  • Excellent computer skills including SIS, Degree Audit, and related systems.
  • Strong organizational skills and excellent attention to detail.
  • Demonstrated ability to multi-task.
  • Ability to work effectively and collaboratively in a multicultural environment


Qualifications: BA in Business Administration with 3 years of Experience

9. Training and Certifications for Academic Advisor Cover Letter

  • Experience advising/counseling students in a post-secondary educational setting
  • Experience facilitating sessions and workshops at the undergraduate level
  • Experience supporting a diverse population of students with diverse interests
  • Previous experience working with an undergraduate student population 
  • Understanding of theory, approaches, strategies, and best practices relevant to academic advising in higher education
  • Demonstrated ability to create rapport and build trusting advising relationships to meet the needs of diverse student populations
  • Well-developed public speaking/communication, effective listening, and interviewing skills across a diverse spectrum of stakeholders (e.g., staff, faculty, students, parents, future students)
  • Emotional intelligence, including self-knowledge, self-management, and empathy
  • Solid writing ability, attention to detail, and organizational skills
  • Solid computer skills with experience using word processing, spreadsheet, and database software


Qualifications: BA in Psychology with 5 years of Experience

10. Technical Expertise for Academic Advisor Cover Letter

  • Ability to remain impartial, and withhold judgment when assessing challenging student cases
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to be able to deal with students with difficulty, high-risk students, or students dealing with medical, psychological, or compassionate issues that are affecting their ability to complete their academic responsibilities
  • Creative thinking and innovation in seeking out student interests and goals, and in the delivery of advice and information in all delivery methods
  • Exceptional organizational skills, including managing multiple competing priorities and an ability to adapt quickly to emerging priorities
  • Ability to engage in ongoing assessment and development of self and the advising practice
  • Demonstrated record of working on a collaborative team with the motivation and ability to work independently with minimal supervision
  • Knowledge of and ability to manage social media platforms, communication, and enrolment strategies for undergraduate students
  • Intermediate knowledge of various software packages including Microsoft Office, e-mail, and presentation software, with the ability and desire to learn and use new software tools
  • Interest and commitment to ongoing learning and professional development in academic advising
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information


Qualifications: BA in Sociology with 4 years of Experience