WHAT IS AN ACADEMIC ADVISOR ?
The Academic Advisor is tasked with undertaking research to develop detailed and strategic options and credit plans for students. These plans are designed to facilitate a seamless transition into their desired institution, encompassing precise estimates for degree completion, total costs, and potential savings.
Need-to-Know Overview of an Academic Advisor
1. Academic Advisor Duties and Roles
- Responsible for researching colleges and governmental policies as it influences degree options.
- Responsible for creating degree option estimates for students with or without previous transfer credit.
- Create and maintain line by line credit plans that meet school degree and graduation requirements.
- Responsible for providing academic consultation support to members of the Admissions, Student Services, Coaching and Research team.
- Ensure constant communication of any changes regarding institutional policies and/or procedures.
- Become proficient in various software programs, institutional resources and learn to execute operations in a fast pace environment.
- Attend weekly departmental/individual meetings and training sessions as assigned by your manager.
- Responsible for completing degree options on time for Academic Counselors to present the information to a student on the scheduled date and time set forth in the research request.
- Responsible for other duties as assigned by your manager.
2. Academic Advisor Skills, Experience and Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in relevant field
- Minimum two years of professional advising experience in a higher education setting (such as advising, counseling, or academic success)
- Comprehension of student development theory and dedication to a holistic approach to advising
- Evidence of strong written and communication skills
- 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