ACADEMIC ADVISOR JOB DESCRIPTION

As the Academic Advisor, you own the full advising relationship for an assigned undergraduate caseload, translating institutional degree requirements into actionable semester-by-semester plans while identifying and intervening on academic risk before it compounds. You work within a collaborative advising team, coordinating with the Registrar, Financial Aid, and faculty to move students from orientation through graduation clearance.

Career Impact: Advisors who manage complex caseloads spanning transfer, probation, and undecided populations build fluency in institutional policy, degree audit systems, and student development theory, competencies that open doors to Advising Director and Dean of Students tracks.

Business Impact: Each student who receives timely, accurate advising is more likely to re-enroll the following term, and per-student tuition retention is a metric institution leadership watches closely against enrollment targets.

Growth Opportunity: Experience writing intervention plans, facilitating orientation programming, and representing the advising office on cross-functional committees strengthens the professional profile needed to move into senior or lead advisor roles with supervisory scope.

• Manage an assigned undergraduate caseload of up to 500 students through individual appointments, proactive outreach, and degree audit review.
• Advise students on major requirements, course selection, transfer credit evaluation, and graduation eligibility within institutional policy.
• Monitor early warning flags in student information systems and initiate targeted outreach to students showing academic risk signals.
• Develop written academic success plans with probation and reinstated students, documenting agreed strategies and follow-up timelines.
• Collaborate with the Registrar, Financial Aid, and campus support offices to resolve registration holds, prerequisite exceptions, and enrollment barriers.
• Facilitate orientation advising sessions for incoming and transfer students, guiding course selections aligned to degree pathways.
• Support continuous improvement of advising unit processes by contributing to committee work, policy review, and peer training.
• Maintain accurate and confidential advising records in degree audit and student information systems following institutional data standards.

• Bachelor's degree in education, counseling, social science, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• Two or more years of academic advising or student affairs experience in a higher education setting, with direct undergraduate caseload responsibility.
• Working knowledge of degree audit processes, articulation agreements, and undergraduate academic policy administration.
• Demonstrated ability to identify at-risk students and design structured intervention plans that address academic, personal, and financial barriers.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex policy clearly to students, faculty, and administrators.
• Ability to manage a high-volume caseload independently while meeting institutional deadlines for registration, graduation clearance, and reporting cycles.
• Familiarity with FERPA requirements governing the confidentiality and appropriate disclosure of student academic records.

• Master's degree in higher education administration, student affairs, counseling, or a closely related field.
• NACADA membership or documented engagement with national advising professional development frameworks.
• Experience advising specific undergraduate populations, including transfer students, Early College or dual-enrollment students, or students re-entering after academic dismissal.
• Prior experience co-teaching a first-year experience or college success seminar course in a collegiate setting.

• Student caseload retention rate, measuring the percentage of assigned students who re-enroll each term.
• Graduation audit clearance rate, tracking the proportion of eligible students processed within the institutional deadline window.
• Early warning response rate, reflecting how consistently flagged students receive documented outreach within five business days.
• Academic success plan completion rate among probation students, measuring follow-through on documented intervention agreements.
• Advising appointment utilization rate across the assigned caseload, indicating proactive engagement versus reactive-only contact.
• Typical tools: Student information systems (commonly Banner or PeopleSoft); degree audit platforms (commonly Degree Works or Navigate)

• Base Salary Range: $42,000 to $58,000 annually, varying by institution size and region
• Bonus: Typically not applicable; merit increases are common in annual review cycles
• Equity: Not standard for this role in higher education settings
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; often includes domestic partner options
• PTO: 15 to 20 days annually, plus institutional holidays; some positions follow the academic calendar
• Common Perks: Tuition remission for employee and dependents, professional development funds, TIAA, or state pension plan

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Work authorization in the United States is required for this position. Employment is contingent on successful completion of a background check, which may include review of criminal history in accordance with applicable law. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process upon request. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law.

The Academic Advisor delivers comprehensive transfer student support across case management, advising campaigns, and orientation programs, bridging institutional partnerships between Enrollment Management, NC State Colleges, and community college networks. Reporting to the advising unit and collaborating with EMAS, the Exploratory Studies team, and faculty, this work advances transfer student retention and graduation outcomes across the university.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide support for university-wide advising of transfer students as a case manager.
• Support AAPS Change of Major Drop-in Advising.
• Support transfer advising in partnership with Enrollment Management and Services and NC State's Colleges for prospective incoming students with deeper advising needs.
• Work in partnership with EMAS to support effective advisor training for NC Community Colleges and provide consultation on updating the baccalaureate degree plans as needed.
• Work closely with EMAS and ICT advising to coordinate and articulate best practices in common between transfer and ICT advising.
• Support academic units in revising their baccalaureate degree plans to meet articulation agreements for students entering with Associate Degrees.
• Teach assigned sections of USC classes that support the various programs and outreach in the department.
• Outcomes of the courses are: transition to college, academic success, major and career exploration, and diversity.
• Have primary oversight and responsibility for coordinating the academic experience of transfer students upon admission and those in transition across majors.
• Develop and manage advising campaigns, track student progress, communicate with advisers of record, develop reports, and coordinate resources for transfer student success.
• Work collaboratively with university partners, Exploratory Studies, and staff, students, and community members to conceptualize, plan, and implement support programs for transfer students.
• Participate in internal and external committees to represent issues and advocate for resources pertinent to transfer student success, including co-chairing the Transfer Student Success Advisory Committee, serving on the AAPS Advising Outreach team, and attending system-level, regional, and national transfer-related meetings.
• Present transfer advising workshops to students and parents at New Student Orientation, University Open House, Experience NC State Sessions, and other recruitment events.
• Deliver advisor training and development workshops to help advisors best serve transfer students based on institutional data and keep advisors and administrators abreast of transfer student needs.
• Maintain information about transfer student support on university webpages in collaboration with communications staff.
• Partner with University Admissions and Registration and Records to enhance the transfer student experience and support.
• Actively seek professional development opportunities to maintain and improve knowledge and expertise in advising, teaching, diversity, technology, and specialty areas.
• Collect data that reflects both service gaps and successes in the transfer student experience.
• Use data to advocate for improving the overall success and student experience of transfer students.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in higher education, counseling, student development, or a closely related field.
• Experience in academic advising at the collegiate level of three or more years.
• Experience in academic advising at the collegiate level of five or more years.
• Experience advising students in transition, including transfer students, first-year students, exploratory and undecided students, international students, veteran students, Early College High School students, and re-deciding students.
• Experience in career advising, including demonstrated use of career assessments, advising undecided students, and cross-curricular advising.
• Experience in first-year or transfer student collegiate teaching or facilitation at the college level.
• Experience with data-driven decision-making.
• Experience with marketing and communications to students and stakeholders using social media, infographics, webinars, and other platforms.
• Experience with event or program planning.
• Knowledge of the developmental needs of college students.
• Strong skills in interpersonal communication, both written and verbal.

Embedded within the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology department, the Academic Advisor owns individualized advising for undergraduate students across course selection, academic jeopardy support, and peer advising program oversight. Working closely with the College of Natural Sciences Advising Office, life science advising teams, and campus support offices, this position shapes pathways to graduation and strengthens retention outcomes for a large, culturally diverse undergraduate population.

Core Functions

• Provide comprehensive, individualized advising to BMB undergraduate students.
• Advise students about BMB, College, and University academic regulations, requirements, and guidelines.
• Advise students about course selection during registration periods.
• Provide advice and guidance to students having difficult academic problems, and provide appropriate campus referrals to resources for academic and personal assistance.
• Advise students from a wide array of personal and academic backgrounds with sensitivity to the needs of non-traditional and underrepresented student populations.
• Orient new students in summer and winter New Student Orientation sessions with particular emphasis on course selection for a successful start at the University.
• Coordinate and oversee the department's peer advising program with the Chief Undergraduate Advisor, including group advising sessions and other advising activities.
• Work with students in academic jeopardy to identify and address factors affecting their academic performance.
• Assist in the development and implementation of programs for life science students to enhance student retention, success, and satisfaction.
• Maintain records of confidential advising sessions regarding academic progress to ensure advising continuity and to facilitate graduation clearance.
• Learn and use advising platforms such as the Student Success Collaborative and other platforms as required.
• Collaborate with student support and outreach offices and personnel across campus to enhance the success of BMB students.
• Collaborate with life science departments and their advising teams to coordinate the advising of life science students and their transitions into and between majors and progression towards graduation.
• Collaborate with the College of Natural Sciences Advising Office and its staff, including academic deans, Exploratory Track advisors, life science advisors, health professions advisors, career advisors, and the Director of Student Success and Diversity.
• Develop a relationship with various offices on campus, including advising counterparts in other Colleges, the Undergraduate Registrar, New Student Orientation, Disability Services, Center for Counseling and Psychological Health, the Learning Resource Center, Campus Career Services, International Programs Office, Domestic Exchange, and Five College partners.
• Meet regularly with the Chief Undergraduate Advisor and other members of the advising team, and attend other campus meetings as required.
• Participate in recruitment activities, such as Fall and Spring Open Houses.
• Clear students for graduation at the end of each term as appropriate.
• Develop and maintain generalist knowledge of majors both within and outside of the college in order to facilitate advising students as they transition across majors.
• Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, diversity, equality, and inclusiveness.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in any major with a minimum of one year of experience in academic advising, student services in higher education, or teaching at the college level.
• Experience in academic advising, student services in higher education, or teaching at the college level.
• Knowledge of a high volume and wide array of complex curricular information and academic policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of majors both within and outside the college to facilitate student transitions across disciplines.
• Proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs.
• Experience with advising platforms such as the Student Success Collaborative.
• Strong skills in interpersonal, oral, and written communication.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, organize multiple tasks, and set priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with others and to identify and achieve shared goals.
• Demonstrated ability to work with a large, culturally diverse faculty and undergraduate population.
• Demonstrated capacity, skill, and willingness to engage students and contribute to student success.

Reporting to the Pamplin College of Business Undergraduate Programs leadership, the Academic Advisor shapes individualized educational plans for approximately 450 undergraduates through advising appointments, academic intervention, and referrals to campus resources. Partnering with assigned department liaisons and campus support partners, this position enables timely degree completion and advances student success outcomes across the college.

Primary Duties

• Provide holistic, student-focused academic advising services to approximately 450 undergraduate students through individual appointments, emails, and other channels.
• Deliver accurate information and advice to students about majors, minors, course options, study abroad, transfer credits, extracurricular activities, and campus resources.
• Assist students in developing a comprehensive educational plan that serves to meet their academic and career goals.
• Interpret and explain department, college, and university academic policies and procedures.
• Initiate academic intervention for students in academic difficulty.
• Provide individualized support and assess student needs to make appropriate referrals to campus resources.
• Participate in all aspects of New Student Advising and Registration.
• Engage in professional development activities to remain current with academic advising best practices.
• Participate in Commencement activities.
• Serve as the liaison to assigned departments and campus support partners.

Skills & Qualifications

• Master's degree in business, education, counseling, higher education administration, or a related field.
• Bachelor's degree in business, education, counseling, or a related field, coupled with training and experience that may equate to an advanced degree.
• Member of NACADA or a similar professional organization.
• Previous professional academic advising experience in a business discipline.
• Previous professional student-focused experience in a higher education setting, including academic advising, career advising, or student affairs.
• Previous experience working with diverse student populations.
• Knowledge of university academic policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of academic advising offices, programs, policies, and software.
• Experience using student information systems such as Banner and Navigate.
• Strong skills in written and verbal communication and presentation.
• Demonstrated accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain a high level of confidentiality and discretion.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Sitting at the intersection of academic advising and community health education, the Academic Advisor leads one-on-one career counseling, co-teaches Community Health orientation courses, and coordinates students throughout the intercollegiate transfer process. Operating across campus-wide committees and college student events, this position advances student success and program completion within the Community Health major while supporting the broader mission of the college.

Duties

• Provide one-on-one advising and career counseling to degree majors and monitor progress toward degrees.
• Co-teach the Community Health orientation courses for new students.
• Welcome and advise new students during summer registration, including transfer students, and assist with course selection.
• Assist with the promotion of the Community Health major and provide support for student communication, including print and web-based materials.
• Collaborate with college-based student programs.
• Assist with college-wide student events.
• Coordinate, support, and evaluate students throughout the intercollegiate transfer process.
• Serve on campus-wide, college, and departmental committees.

Education & Experience

• Master's degree in education, counseling, a health-related field, or higher education administration.
• Experience in academic advising, career counseling, or student support services of at least one year.
• Experience working with students in a health-related field or academic setting.
• Ability to work effectively across academic disciplines and as part of an advising team.
• Creativity and commitment to program initiatives.
• Knowledge of the needs and concerns of college students and a passion for working with them.
• Strong skills in public speaking, writing, and organizational abilities.

A key member of the academic advising team, the Academic Advisor builds proactive support structures for undergraduate students through early warning outreach, academic probation counseling, and leave-of-absence recovery to drive retention and graduation. Collaborating across the Registrar, Financial Aid, Student Life, and Residential Life, this position advances the school's student success and degree completion goals.

Functions

• Help students navigate their academic experience by assisting with proactive academic planning, creative problem-solving, and connection to academic resources.
• Work with students holistically to help them meet their personal and academic goals and to find solutions for personal, social, financial, and academic problems.
• Assist undergraduates with course registration, academic strategies, and developing post-graduation plans.
• View and manage early warning flags by providing outreach to students and communicating with faculty.
• Troubleshoot problems with registration and refer students to support services to facilitate success.
• Advise undergraduates on academic opportunities and requirements, policies, and procedures.
• Meet with academic probation students and reinstated suspension students to conduct a self-assessment and articulate an academic success plan.
• Monitor students' academic progress and proactively intervene when issues arise.
• Communicate to students the process and deadlines for graduation processing.
• Create and maintain accurate academic records using degree audit software and student information systems, and document student meetings and notes in the student information database.
• Support retention and graduation goals by working with students on leave of absence or academic dismissal.
• Represent the advising office at university-wide events, meetings, and conferences.
• Collaborate with professional colleagues and faculty to host small group advising sessions and workshops.
• Work in close collaboration with key campus partners, including the Registrar, Financial Aid, Student Life, and Residential Life.
• Participate in advising-wide and school-wide working groups and committees.
• Contribute to projects to continually improve academic advising service delivery and the training and development of academic advisors.

Experience & Qualifications

• Master's degree in Student Affairs, Higher Education, Counseling, or a related field, including Social Science.
• Master's degree required; applicants completing a final academic semester or quarter will be considered and may be asked to confirm academic completion date.
• Experience in advising or other academic support services for undergraduate students of three or more years.
• Experience with engineering students and programs.
• Experience supervising and developing staff.
• Understanding of student development theory and current academic advising practices.
• Knowledge of co-curricular academic experiences necessary for a comprehensive undergraduate experience.
• Strong multicultural competency and enthusiasm for working with high-achieving, socially and culturally diverse student populations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other advising technology platforms.
• Superior interpersonal skills with the ability to relate to all levels of the organization and work effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations verbally and in writing.
• Excellent organization, time management, and project management skills.
• Ability to work independently and develop and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to interact productively with faculty, administrators, students, and other academic and administrative departments.

Student retention and degree attainment across community college meta-majors depend on the Academic Advisor, who delivers individualized advising plans, orientation sessions, and career development seminars to guide students from enrollment to graduation. Serving as the institutional link between students, faculty, and campus support systems, this position ensures students build the problem-solving skills and academic confidence needed to succeed in their chosen disciplines.

Accountabilities

• Assist students in exploration of goals, interests, strengths, values, and concerns through positive, open-ended questions and intentional advising strategies.
• Assist students in developing academic plans that meet goals and future aspirations.
• Teach students about curricular requirements, academic standards, and academic milestones related to an intended or chosen academic program.
• Teach students how to assess their degree progress toward graduation.
• Refer students to campus resources, programs, and support systems that promote academic success, career development, experiential learning, and engagement in a chosen discipline.
• Collaborate with faculty and guide students to opportunities that engage students with faculty and professionals in their chosen disciplines.
• Assist students in developing problem-solving skills to allow autonomy.
• Develop intervention plans for struggling students.
• Conduct first-year and transfer student orientation advising sessions.
• Design and facilitate seminars and workshops focused on career opportunities, transfer admissions procedures, financial literacy, cultural education activities, and social and personal development.
• Advise students on multiple campuses as required.

Technical Qualifications

• Knowledge of academic programs within the meta-major.
• Knowledge of institutional student policies and procedures and the ability to explain those processes.
• Knowledge of the Core Competencies of an advisor as outlined by NACADA.
• Strong skills in human relations and the ability to work effectively with diverse personalities.
• Proficiency in organizational, record-keeping, and planning skills, including time management.
• Ability to read, understand, and express oneself clearly and effectively in oral and written form.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, faculty, staff, administrators, and the public.
• Ability to welcome, value, and nurture people of all backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, and support an environment that accepts differences.

As the Academic Advisor, this role owns one-to-one student consultations, semester-by-semester program planning, and academic appeal guidance to bridge service providers and support students throughout each term. The advising unit relies on this work to close gaps between student needs and institutional resources, improving academic progress and outcomes for a diverse post-secondary student population.

Role Responsibilities

• 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 for academic appeals and other related issues.
• Interpret and explain college policies and procedures and their effect on the academic progress of students.
• Monitor academic progress of students, follow up on reports 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, including a summary of course planning.
• Proactively contact and remain accessible to student advisees on a regular basis.
• Remain amenable to working extended hours during pre-registration advising periods.
• Assist students through the application process, providing relevant information and guidance, and ensuring exceptional service.

Background & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Experience in academic advising, mentoring, student counselling, development, and education of one to three years minimum.
• Administrative experience in a post-secondary educational setting.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook.
• Proficiency in Canvas or similar student learning platforms.
• Strong skills in oral and written communication.
• Strong service-oriented focus with high attention to detail, organization, and accuracy.
• High level of ethics, diplomacy, and confidentiality.
• Ability to quickly assimilate and employ diverse information technology modules.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment and adapt to change.
• Ability to collaborate positively with students, faculty, and staff.
• Strong problem-solving skills.

Academic Advisor shapes personalized student relationships through video conference, text, phone, and email channels, guiding adult learners at Excelsior toward degree and certificate completion while coordinating proactive outreach for at-risk students. The work directly supports enrollment retention across a hybrid advising model rooted in Excelsior's Albany home office and strengthens student outcomes by seamlessly connecting individuals to university support resources.

Job Functions

• Cultivate strong working partnerships with assigned students, approaching them as individuals requiring personalized time and attention.
• Customize support through delivery methods most helpful to each student, including video conference, text messaging, chat, phone, and email.
• Assist students in assessing goals and help them develop an educational plan for successful completion of a degree or certificate.
• Guide students in course selection, assist in resolving academic problems, and identify and monitor academic progress.
• Conduct proactive outreach to students exhibiting behaviors that put them at risk for academic failure or stop-out, provide coaching to assess challenges behind at-risk behaviors, identify a plan for remediation and follow-up, and provide moral support and confidence-building assistance.
• Assess appropriate courses of action consistent with individual student goals and circumstances, and ensure seamless referrals between students and university support resources such as Accessibility Services, Career Services, Financial Aid, and the Writing Center.
• Assist in the development and coordination of student programming and events, including recruitment events, orientation modules, success- and support-related webinars, and engagement activities.

Professional Experience

• Experience working in college-level student services or student support of at least two years, with preference for experience working with adult students and in online advising.
• Solid understanding of the characteristics and challenges of adult learners.
• Strong skills in interpersonal communication and relationship building, with a genuine passion for helping people better themselves through education and a coaching-for-success mindset.
• Ability to interpret and clearly communicate complex processes and policies, orally and in writing, in a manner befitting an institution of higher education.
• Strong technological skills, including the ability to quickly learn and adapt to student service platforms and software.
• Keen analytical, judgment, and problem-solving skills.

The Academic Advisor advances student persistence in online degree programs by developing individualized course sequencing plans, re-enrollment outreach, and graduation readiness support across a cross-functional higher education team. Reporting collaboratively through faculty partnerships and institutional departments, this position resolves barriers to progress and drives degree completion outcomes for a diverse online student population.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Onboard new students and facilitate their transition into the academic environment.
• Work with students and appropriate academic personnel to develop an individualized course sequencing plan consistent with each student's career goals and objectives.
• Provide best practices and guidance in helping students complete coursework successfully in the online environment.
• Facilitate awareness and help students locate and obtain general information and contacts with support services, including tutoring, learning resources, webinars, career services, and workshops.
• Promote and support academic progress to encourage students to persist and complete courses and degree programs promptly.
• Work across departments to resolve student problems and serve as a liaison to triage barriers.
• Ensure students complete the re-enrollment process each term through outreach and retention efforts.
• Assist all students with academic problems, including working closely with at-risk students to identify interventions and strategies such as tutoring and additional academic advising.
• Work regularly with faculty on at-risk advising and appeals.
• Help prepare students for graduation requirements and transition to alumni status.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Master's degree preferred, in Business, Counseling, or Higher Education.
• Experience in a higher education setting, counseling, coaching, relationship management, or customer service of three or more years.
• Knowledge of the student enrollment process and guidelines.
• Strong skills in customer service, interpersonal communication, and relationship building, including in a virtual environment.
• Strong computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage time proactively and with strong organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment with minimal supervision.
• Ability to learn quickly, carry out multiple tasks, and adapt to changing priorities.
• Willingness and ability to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends.

Embedded within the Computer and Information Science department, the Academic Advisor oversees holistic advising and success programming for roughly 1,100 undergraduates, spanning one-on-one appointments, group information sessions, graduation audits, and career pathway events. Working closely with the Director of Academic Advising, faculty, and university offices, including Career Services and the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, this position produces the proactive advising environment that supports CIS student success at scale.

Scope of Work

• Advise and support students holistically regarding academic program planning and options, academic careers, student success, and well-being.
• Identify and work with students in need of further academic coaching and guidance, set up reporting, and create a proactive advising approach to assure their success.
• Plan and implement programming in coordination with faculty and university offices such as Career Services, Undergraduate Research, and the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to support student success, career pathways, and community building.
• Assist in course roster updates, curricular planning worksheets, graduation audits, and enrollment management.

Position Requirements

• Master's degree in higher education, student affairs administration, or a related field.
• Bachelor's degree with a minimum of three years of experience in higher education working directly with undergraduate or graduate students, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with academic advising and working with a diverse college population.
• Proven ability to support students holistically and understand that success is defined differently for each student.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively with others, including senior administrators and faculty, and to think creatively and problem solve.
• Strong skills in oral and written interpersonal communication, with a commitment to helping others.

Reporting to university academic leadership, the Academic Advisor develops registration support, computing curriculum guidance, and graduation certification services for both on-campus and distance learning students across satellite locations. Partnering with faculty and student-facing technology systems, this position enables students to complete STEM and Computing degrees efficiently and supports broader university enrollment and retention outcomes.

Work Activities

• Work with students to set academic goals and develop strategies for achieving them.
• Address procedural and technical questions about course selection and registration.
• Assist students in planning timely completion of degree requirements.
• Monitor students' academic progress to ensure timely degree completion.
• Explain computing curricula to better guide students in their choice of major, concentration, electives, and degree.
• Assist with recruitment activities at high schools, community colleges, and on campus.
• Teach one-credit academic and professional preparation seminar courses.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree highly preferred, with preference for an academic degree in STEM or Computing.
• Experience as an academic advisor or academic counselor working with students in higher education of at least three years, or an equivalent combination of education and experience as determined by the university.
• Knowledge of computing curricula and familiarity with course content.
• Experience with Banner information systems.
• Strong skills in communication and interpersonal relations, with the ability to establish strong rapport with students.
• Proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet software, and student-facing information technology systems.
• Ability to work autonomously while also serving as a dependable and collaborative member of a student-oriented team, with both individual and collective responsibility for student success.
• Outstanding service orientation.

Sitting at the intersection of curriculum advising and continuous institutional improvement, the Academic Advisor refines academic records, degree requirement guidance, and registration support for students at multiple entry points and experience levels. Operating across an accredited institution with responsibilities that scale from entry-level to senior advising functions, this position produces measurable gains in student progression and contributes to the long-term development of advising policies and procedures.

Performance Expectations

• Provide academic advising for students in matters related to goals, curriculum, course load and scheduling, registration processes, majors, academic success, and university policies.
• Evaluate, update, and securely maintain student and advising records.
• Assist with student orientation and registration each summer and as needed throughout the year.
• Assist with and take increasing responsibility over time for projects related to the continual improvement of policies and procedures.
• Engage in personal professional development, including cross-training in career-related services.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with no experience required at the entry level.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with three years of advising experience, of which two years include full-time primary advising duties in higher education, or a related graduate degree substituting for two years of experience.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with five years of advising experience, of which four years include full-time primary advising duties in higher education, or a related graduate degree substituting for two years of experience.

A key member of the business school advising team, the Academic Advisor advances undergraduate program navigation, honors course design, and post-graduation planning across multiple campuses and a diverse student body. Collaborating across the Dean's Office, Registrar, Admissions, and faculty, this position produces current, accurate academic guidance that supports both individual student success and institutional curriculum integrity.

Key Deliverables

• Help students transition to university life and familiarize them with academic policies and procedures.
• Advise undergraduates on academic programs, academic strategies, and plans to fulfill both general requirements and major requirements within the business school.
• Assist students in evaluating post-graduation plans, including graduate school options.
• Work with the Admissions Office and prospective students, and serve as liaison between students, the Dean's Office, the Registrar's Office, and faculty.
• Work with the Director of the Honors Program to track student performance and design and implement honors courses and events.
• Update online and printed student materials such as prerequisite lists, Program of Study sheets, and the Academic Student Advisement Guide, and work with administration and faculty to ensure all curriculum is current and clear to students.
• Fulfill responsibilities across multiple campuses and occasionally work evening and Sunday hours as required.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree with at least two years of experience working at a university, preferably in academic services, or a master's degree in a related field.
• Knowledge of the principles of business.
• Familiarity with Jewish Studies is preferred but not required.
• Strong skills in interpersonal communication and organizational abilities, with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, specifically Excel.
• Ability to work comfortably with students, deans, faculty, and parents, and to discuss student issues confidentially.
• Proven ability to take initiative and work collaboratively as part of a team.

Successful Early College student outcomes across K-12 and higher education partnerships depend on the Academic Advisor I, who oversees annual plans of study, program enrollment coordination, and communication between faculty, parents, and high school personnel. Serving as the primary liaison across K-12 partners, campus offices, and community stakeholders, this entry-level position advances Early College program delivery and supports student progress within university academic systems.

Areas of Ownership

• Direct the academic advising of all Early College students, including developing each student's annual plan of study, overseeing approval of academic plans, and ensuring enrollment in appropriate academic courses.
• Work with Early College staff to coordinate communication between appropriate faculty and staff, parents, and high school personnel.
• Maintain appropriate database systems and records.
• Build collaborative relationships with various K-12 partners, campus partners, and community partners.
• Assist in marketing, recruiting, and coordination of delivery of Early College programs and services.
• Maintain flexibility to work days, nights, weekends, and occasional travel as required.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in education, instructional technology, communications, or business.
• Bachelor's degree with some experience, including student or graduate assistant, intern, or student-oriented experience.
• Experience with client management systems such as Talisma.
• Experience with database management systems such as ACCESS.
• Experience with institutional systems such as Banner and SARS.
• Ability to plan, develop, and administer academic advising with exceptional interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work with diverse groups of high school-age students and educators.
• Proficiency in basic computer applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Ability to work effectively in a team setting and communicate effectively with various groups of people.

As the Academic Advisor, this role produces personalized coaching plans, daily communication cadences, and financial literacy support to sustain student persistence and course completion across online degree programs. The advising team relies on this work to maintain Title IV compliance, data integrity within student information systems, and institutional retention rates across a diverse online student population.

Core Responsibilities

• Manage student caseload with a focus on persistence, coaching, and financial literacy.
• Correspond via phone and email with students on a regular basis to ensure retention and success.
• Diagnose individual student areas of opportunity in areas such as time management, technical skills, or classroom proficiency, and use available resources to improve student success.
• Develop rapport and constructive working relationships with all students and staff.
• Monitor student attendance and grades in the database to ensure retention and progression.
• Maintain active engagement with students through effective and personalized communication, while assessing the likelihood of success and service level needed.
• Create and execute a daily, weekly, and monthly communication and contact plan to ensure successful course completion and persistence in degree programs.
• Evaluate student requests, identify issues, and determine appropriate means for resolution.
• Define and interpret institutional policies and procedures for students.
• Maintain a working knowledge of federal, state, and institutional policies governing Title IV student aid programs.
• Work closely with other staff, including enrollment services, student accounts, student finance, academics, and registrar.
• Communicate ideas for policy and procedure improvements to leadership.
• Ensure compliance with all external regulatory and institutional policies and procedures, including management of student information system data integrity and security.
• Exercise independent judgment and effective critical thinking skills in support of departmental expectations and the university's mission.

Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Experience in higher education and academic advising of one to two years.
• Knowledge of federal financial aid programs and regulations.
• Knowledge of online distance education models and success strategies.
• Knowledge of customer service strategies and conflict resolution.
• Experience with Campus Vue.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook to manage communication and workflow.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to research, gather data, compile information, prepare reports, investigate, analyze information, and draw conclusions.
• Ability to engage in critical thinking, exercise independent judgment, and maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Proven interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to effectively interact with a diverse student population.
• Ability to work effectively in a changing environment subject to frequent interruptions.

Academic Advisor produces accurate, timely advising services for new, returning, transfer, and post-baccalaureate students across multiple Georgia Highlands College locations, managing add/drop requests, transfer evaluations, and probation registration processes. The work directly supports Georgia Highlands' enrollment management goals by ensuring students receive appropriate course placement, financial aid referrals, and graduation pathway guidance across all campuses.

Operational Focus

• Provide advising to students, including new, returning, change of major, continuing, transfer, post-baccalaureate, and transient students.
• Assist students with adds, drops, withdrawals, and hardship withdrawals.
• Assist students with transfer evaluations, curriculum substitutions, college prep curriculum, and learning support deficiencies.
• Refer students to Financial Aid, Student Support Services, the Registrar, the Business Office, Admissions, and other colleges as appropriate.
• Assist students in the development of career plans and the determination of grade point averages.
• Assist students in locating required examinations for specific programs.
• Register students with academic holds, prerequisite blocks, approved overrides, and unclear registration needs, and assist those on academic aid recommendation, probation, or dismissal.
• Attend new and transfer student orientations, deliver division orientation as needed, assist students in interpreting advising transcripts, and refer students to Financial Aid or the Registrar as appropriate.
• Review transcripts for possible registration errors.
• Attend training and meetings as requested and serve on search committees as requested.
• Travel to other locations to assist with advising and orientation.

Requirements

• Baccalaureate degree with one to two years of related experience.
• Knowledge of the BANNER advising and registration system.
• Knowledge of Board of Regents policies and University System policies.
• Knowledge of student support services, general financial aid rules, general transfer policies, and degree audit programs.
• Strong skills in the provision of advising to potential and current students.
• Strong skills in the analysis of problems and the development and implementation of solutions.
• Strong skills in oral and written communication.

The Academic Advisor guides prospective students and families through consultations, academic assessments, and product presentations, serving as the front-line representative of the company's mission within school talks, career expos, and partnership channels. Working across local and digital marketing teams to expand lead generation, this position creates direct enrollment impact by connecting families to programs that align with their educational goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and interact with prospective customers, including students, parents, and guardians, by introducing the company's mission and values.
• Conduct consultations and academic assessments.
• Present products and services to prospective customers.
• Establish, develop, and maintain positive business and customer relationships.
• Continuously improve sales techniques and industry knowledge.
• Pitch and ideate new ways to connect with families.
• Forge partnerships with associated businesses, non-profits, and organizations.
• Work with local area and digital marketing teams to develop and enhance lead generation methods by identifying opportunities for campaigns, services, and distribution channels to increase leads and sales.
• Engage in outreach activities such as presenting at school talks, careers expos, and seminars.
• Research potential organizations and markets for lead generation and partnerships.
• Attend industry events where relevant and provide feedback and information on market trends.

Required Qualifications

• Experience with a strong sales track record.
• Experience with higher education or a deep understanding of the college application process, or high learning agility.
• Strong skills in storytelling and public speaking.
• Ability to work with families and students to connect them to the best program.
• Ability to communicate effectively via video chat and phone.
• Driven, collaborative, and competitive, with a demonstrated ability to make things happen for others and oneself.

Embedded within a campus-wide student services structure, the Academic Advisor coordinates retention plans, community agency partnerships, and individual advising sessions aligned to program completion and student satisfaction goals. Working closely with academic teams, admissions staff, and community partners to implement proactive outreach on issues such as transportation, childcare, and housing, this position elevates persistence rates and shapes the institutional culture of student support.

Strategic Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group advising outside of discipline-related academic guidance.
• Assist in the coordination of activities related to student programs and services aimed at supporting student success and program completion.
• Make outside referrals as needed to support student retention.
• Practice a proactive approach to supporting students by swiftly taking action on any personal issue interfering with program success and retention.
• Serve as a liaison between students and the campus.
• Support and mentor students in person, by phone, or in a group setting on a regular basis.
• Provide resources to students and make appropriate community-based referrals related to needs and concerns expressed in advising sessions or through faculty and staff.
• Participate in meetings to identify students who may be in danger of dropping or being withdrawn from programs of study.
• Partner with the academic team to develop, manage, and implement the campus retention plan, including primary responsibility for retention rates and successful transition of students on leave of absence back to active status.
• Address inquiries, questions, concerns, and issues, refer students to appropriate faculty and staff, and ensure appropriate action is taken in compliance with policy, procedures, and legal requirements.
• Complete and enter accurate reports, including daily activity logs, document attendance at workshops and student service events, and assist students in completing and submitting required academic, advising, and attendance forms.
• Distribute student satisfaction surveys and develop plans to resolve potential concerns in partnership with the academic team.
• Plan, implement, and direct programs in partnership with community agencies to proactively promote retention, student engagement, and satisfaction, including organizing workshops addressing common issues such as transportation, childcare, and housing.
• Ensure students have completed onboarding prior to the start of classes in partnership with Admissions, and participate in New Student Orientation as assigned.
• Attend and successfully complete all required training and comply with all institutional and organizational policies.

Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred; associate degree required.
• Experience in an academic setting, including teaching or advising of at least three years, with prior experience in education preferred.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Strong skills in written and verbal communication, presentation, organization, and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage conflicting priorities, handle multiple tasks and projects concurrently, and complete assignments within allotted time.
• Commitment to student satisfaction and success, with high standards of ethical conduct consistent with organizational and government standards.
• Ability to work dependably and collaboratively as part of a team while also performing independently without extensive direction.