Academic Advisor

The Academic Advisor I serves as a frontline contact for current and prospective students, providing comprehensive academic advising support for the Music Department programs within the College of Arts and Sciences. The role partners with students to develop individualized academic plans, interpret curriculum and policy requirements, and connect academic decisions to personal, educational, and career goals. Additional responsibilities include advising on program changes and connecting students to appropriate campus resources.

The Advisor serves as a knowledgeable resource and advocate, utilizing professional judgement, institutional systems, and campus partnerships to guide students through informed decision-making while ensuring compliance with university policies and confidentiality standards.

Student Advising & Support

• Deliver academic advising services through one-on-one advising sessions to guide students on academic requirements, degree progress, course selection, and degree planning using Degree Works.
• Advise students on academic decision-making, including course selection, program changes, academic standing, and
• Hprogression, ensuring decisions are informed and aligned with institutional requirements.
• Guide students in setting, evaluating, and refining academic and career-related goals that are realistic, achievable, and aligned with their interests and abilities.
• Educate students on available campus resources and services and recommend strategies for effective utilization to support academic success and retention.
• Intervene with students experiencing academic difficulty and advise on improvement plan options.
• Explain the purpose of higher education and connect academic choices to long-term personal, professional, and career goals.
• Promote student engagement and success by discussing the importance of building learning communities, professional networks, and support system with peers, professors, and mentors.
• Support orientation, recruitment, and student success programs by participating in workshops, open houses, and campus tours highlighting academic programs, etc. as needed.

Administrative & Data Responsibilities

• Review and monitor student records in Banner and Degree Works, track degree progress and flag concerns. Initiate referrals for at-risk students to appropriate university and external resources, following up as needed to support student outcomes.
• Maintain accurate and current degree audits and curriculum updates; support orientation and information sessions as assigned.
• Document all advising interactions and outreach in the advising system (Achieve/CRM) promptly and accurately.
• Uphold confidentiality requirements per FERPA and institutional policies when handling student records and information.

Campus Collaboration

• Communicate with faculty and staff regarding student issues, referrals, and interventions.
• Work with department administrators to proactively identify academically at-risk students and develop programming to connect those students with appropriate resources to facilitate student success.
• Actively engage in advisor training and professional development.
• Participate in University Advising onboarding and complete the Advising Foundations Certificate.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in higher education, counseling, or related field.
• 1 year of relevant work experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrate experience in building and maintaining strong collaborative relationships.
• Proven track record of delivering clear, professional, and persuasive oral and written communications to varied audiences.
• Working knowledge of performing arts organizations and music programs.
• Understanding of developmental academic advising processes.
• Familiarity with understanding complex academic curriculum and policy
• Experience with the software programs Degree Works, Banner, and/or Aggie Handshake.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of student development and the ability to serve and assist the students in developing effective academic plans and career and life goals in order to promote student retention and academic success.
• Knowledge of student advising and graduation requirements to the academic major, department or school and the ability to anticipate department and/or student needs.
• Ability to creatively and independently problem solve by prioritizing and multitasking while under pressure.
• Ability to serve individuals with diverse personalities through the use of effective oral,…