Academic Advisor

To advance the college's mission, vision, principles, values, and strategic initiatives through continuous improvement decisions.

Academic advising at Kirkwood Community College is a developmental process that considers students' academic needs, goals, interests and prior experiences and education. The academic advisor advises students concerning their academic plans, progress, and academic/career goals, in order to assist students in making personal educational decisions.

The typical work schedule for this position will be Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm.

• Advocate for Continual Improvement- empowering each other to identify opportunities for excellence.
• Collaborate with Mutual Accountability- working together with a willingness to take ownership and account for our actions.
• Champion Service- anticipating needs and creating a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive environment.
• Perseverance- a commitment to excellence even in the face of adversity or delay in achieving success.
• Lead- regardless of title, through positive influence.

• Assist students in the 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/chosen academic program.
• Teach students how to assess their degree progress through 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 them autonomy.
• Develop intervention plans for struggling students.
• Conduct first‑year orientation advising sessions.
• Design and facilitate seminars/workshops that focus on career opportunities, transfer admissions procedures, financial literacy, cultural education activities, and social and personal development
• Perform other related work duties as assigned.

• Possess solid knowledge of the academic programs within the academic pathway.
• Demonstrated organizational, record‑keeping, and planning skills, including time management.
• Working knowledge of Kirkwood’s student policies and procedures and ability to explain those processes.
• Understand the Core Competencies of an advisor as outlined in NACADA.
• Possess strong human relations skills and get along with diverse personalities.
• Read, understand, and express oneself clearly and effectively in oral and written form.
• Establish and maintain good team working relationships with students, faculty, staff, administrators, and the public.
• Welcome, value, and nurture people of all backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, as well as support and promote an environment that accepts differences.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential job duties/responsibilities and performance expectations of the job, which should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned.

Position involves working in an office setting. Occasional (10-33%) standing, pushing, pulling and grasping. Frequent (34-66%) reaching and viewing a computer and other types of close visual work. Constant (67-100%) sitting, walking, repetitive motion, talking and hearing.