College of Arts and Letters (CAL) Academic Advisor

Working Title:

College of Arts and Letters (CAL) Academic Advisor

State Role

Title:

N/A

Position Type:
Administrative & Professional (Non-teaching Faculty)

Position Status:
Full-Time

FLSA Status:
Exempt:
Not Eligible for Overtime

College/Division:
Student Academic Success

Department: 100536 - University Advising

Pay Band:

Pay Rate:
Commensurate with Experience

Specify Range or Amount:

Is this a JMU only position? No

Is this a grant-funded position? No

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? No

Beginning Review Date: 8/31/2026

About JMU:

Mission

We are a community committed to preparing students to be educated and enlightened citizens who lead productive and meaningful lives.

Vision

To be the national model for the engaged university: engaged with ideas and the world.

Who We Are

Situated in the heart of Virginia's beautiful Shenandoah Valley, the city of Harrisonburg is a vibrant community with a population of approximately 52,000. Harrisonburg is conveniently located approximately 120 miles from Washington, D.C. and Richmond, VA.

JMU is a selective, public institution with a growing national reputation for offering experiences that lead to an outstanding education and supportive environment for students, faculty and staff. The student body includes approximately 21,000 undergraduate and 1,800 graduate students, with over 1,000 full-time instructional faculty.

JMU offers thriving programs in the liberal arts, science and technology, and professional disciplines at the undergraduate, master's and doctoral levels. JMU has achieved national recognition for the high quality of its academic programs, focus on maintaining strong student/faculty interaction, and innovative faculty research.

General Information:

University Advising is seeking a student-centered and collaborative Academic Advisor to support students within the College of Arts and Letters (CAL). As part of a dynamic advising team serving a broad student population, the Academic Advisor provides holistic academic guidance that empowers students to navigate their educational journey, explore academic opportunities, and progress toward timely degree completion. The academic advisor partners with faculty, staff, and campus resources to foster student success, engagement, and belonging while supporting institutional goals related to retention, persistence, and graduation.

This position plays a vital role in helping students achieve their academic and personal goals within JMU's learning-centered environment. Through proactive outreach, individualized advising, and a commitment to student belonging, access, and success, this position plays a vital role in helping students achieve their academic and personal goals within JMU's learning-centered environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:

* Provide holistic, student-centered academic advising to Justice Studies and Communication majors, including guidance on General Education, major, minor, and degree requirements.

* Manage an assigned caseload by proactively monitoring academic progress, conducting outreach, and maintaining consistent, timely communication with students.

* Support student success through goal setting, degree planning, early intervention, and referrals to campus resources as needed.

* Participate in first-year and transfer orientation programs to support student onboarding and transition.

* Participate in first-year and transfer advising trainings to stay current on advising best practices at JMU

* Represent the department at recruitment events, including open houses, admitted student days, and academic showcases.

* Contribute to outreach efforts that enhance student engagement, retention, and recruitment.

* Maintain accurate, timely, and comprehensive electronic advising records in alignment with institutional policies.

* Utilize advising technologies and data systems to inform advising practices and support student success initiatives.

* Ensure responsiveness and accessibility to students through established advising systems and communication channels.

* Collaborate in development and improvement of advising materials for students and colleagues.

* Ensure advising content reflects current policies and…