Advisor, Nursing Program Student Support

Summary

The Nursing Program Student Support Advisor works specifically with students enrolled in the Evening/Weekend Nursing Program, providing proactive and intrusive services in advising course selection, making educational plans, and assisting in potential career and transfer possibilities. The Advisor takes the lead on onboarding new students on all orientation topics, including use of HCC computing systems, and is responsible for the retention of assigned students through outreach to those at risk of drop‑out and departure, and ongoing supportive contact for all program students.

The Advisor also provides general academic advisement via walk‑ins, appointments and virtual advising. This is a grant‑funded, part‑time position for 29 hours per week; work hours will vary by program needs, but will likely occur before 5 pm on weekdays.

• Provides proactive college onboarding and academic advisement for new Evening/Weekend RN students.
• Initiates contact with new and prospective students shortly after acceptance to HCC and guides them through the onboarding process to ensure readiness for classes.
• Interprets SAT, ACT, and Hagerstown Community College placement test results; interprets courses, grades, and codes listed on transcripts.
• Explains college catalog information regarding degree, certificate, and letter of recognition program requirements.
• Explains college policies and procedures to students based on individual needs.
• Assists students in scheduling and registration of courses.
• Assists students in understanding general information about the transfer process by providing accurate information.
• Assists students in career planning and development, including exposure to non‑credit programs as appropriate.
• Guides students in the use of online academic advising resources, including student email, Self‑Service, and D2L.
• Develops academic plans with students based on their career/major choice and assists the student in uploading the plan to Self‑Service.
• Explains financial aid rules and regulations, discusses the benefits of connecting with faculty, and refers students to appropriate offices on campus when needed.
• Documents advising visits and student interactions in the appropriate database(s).
• Serves on the CARE team and provides targeted support, interventions and outreach to Evening/Weekend Nursing Program students at risk of drop‑out or departure.
• Facilitates strategic one‑to‑one sessions to help students identify concerns and build their own capacity for academic success.
• Provides ongoing encouragement, support and taps into students’ personal goals and intrinsic motivation to aid in student success.
• Refers students to learning support services and follows up as needed, utilizes software to respond and document student cases.
• Participates in monitoring of degree audits and progress with Evening/Weekend Nursing Program students throughout their academic career at HCC, intervening when challenges arise.
• Communicates and provides proactive outreach when students have not registered for a given semester, documenting issues and problem‑solving appropriately.
• Responds, assists, monitors, and communicates with student cases submitted via the college’s early alert processes, documenting for confidential sharing of information.
• Assists students with registration questions and navigation of Self‑Service’s registration functions.
• Works closely with Admissions, Nursing faculty, and external partners with regard to recruitment and proactive outreach activities for prospective students considering application for the Evening/Weekend Nursing Program and ensures student accounts are settled according to partnership agreements and finance protocols.
• Serves the college on special committees, which includes regular attendance at staff and division meetings.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Education or Social Work.
• Master’s degree preferred; willingness to work toward a degree if hired.
• Preference for candidates with experience working with students in a higher education setting.
• Knowledge and experience with a student database system is essential (e.g., Colleague).
• Ability to develop relationships and maintain best practices for proactive and intrusive student success guidance.

• Interpersonal skills to guide students in academic decision‑making.
• Excellent organizational and planning skills for dealing with the career and transfer student population.
• Advising and communication skills to deal effectively with students, faculty, staff, coaches, and community leaders.

Normal office environment with the ability to work late afternoon/evening hours to serve the Evening/Weekend Nursing Program.