Academic Advisor, College of Engineering

Job Summary

Lamar University’s College of Engineering advising group is administratively dual reporting to the Division of Enrollment Management and Marketing and College of Engineering Dean’s Office. This position reports directly to the Associate Director of Academic for Student Success within the College of Engineering and Engineering Institute for Energy and Petrochemical Industries (EPI) and serves as a key leader within the College.

The position is an entry-level academic advising role. The Academic Advisor will function under the mentorship of advisor seniors and college enrollment management. An Academic Advisor in the College of Engineering advises undergraduate students with 60+ hours within a cohort of all college majors. The Academic Advisor is responsible for the advising, retention, and various student success services, ensuring the welfare and academic success of the college's student population.

The primary responsibilities encompass knowledge of departmental curriculum, executing effective recruit-back initiatives, addressing high-risk student needs, and developing a valuable experience. The Academic Advisor is a key contributor to the department's mission to support students from application to graduation and beyond, ultimately ensuring their holistic growth and achievement within the field of engineering. The Academic Advisor plays a critical role in enhancing the academic and personal support services for engineering students.

This position requires strategic planning and the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders to ensure student success and program effectiveness. Ensuring that university policies, state mandates, and ABET accreditation are carried out in advising and enrolling students.

• Holistically assist students on their journey at Lamar University, with specific focus on each piece of the matriculation cycle to include:
  • Initial enrollment.
  • Support during the term for successful completion of courses.
  • Referrals to pertinent support offices.
  • Empowering students to build success skills for progression, sound decision-making, goal setting, and degree completion.
  • Reenrollment each term through graduation.
• Assess each student individually and provide a “one student at a time” approach in the academic advising and student (customer) service strategies.
• Utilize advising systems and technologies (e.g. Banner, Navigate, Degree Works) to support delivery of advising services and keep accurate records of student advising contacts and progress toward degree completion. Maintain and update student files and records in accordance with federal, state and university regulations.
  • Utilize degree audit reports to advise students on appropriate course selections and evaluate student’s degree progress.
  • Assist students in interpreting degree audit and requesting any exemptions or course substitutions from the academic departments that may be needed.
• Assist students in developing an academic plan for each semester based on their exploration of various fields of study, evaluation of academic abilities, departmental requirements, clarification of educational and career goals, and academic policies and procedures.
• Use predictive analytic software to identify, create, or secure resources and services to enhance the academic and personal development of engineering students, ensuring access to necessary academic support, counseling, tutoring, etc., and collaborating with other departments, faculty, and staff for seamless coordination of support services. Assist students in developing an academic success plan and provide follow-up guidance and support.
• Verify, compile, interpret, and record a wide variety of data and student information. Track student…