Academic Advisor

Academic Advisor - 005189

Western Carolina University

Department: Advising

Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes Best Employers lists each year.

• 2025 - Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes Americas Best Employers by State list.
• 2024 - Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes Americas Best Midsize Employers list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
• 2023 - Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes Americas Best Midsize Employers list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
• 2022 - Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes Americas Best Employers by State list.

Western Carolina University is the UNC system's westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.

Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance.

Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans - eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire.

Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.

Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses.

Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately.

Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.

WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences - many of which are offered free of charge.

The primary location of this position is on-site in Cullowhee, NC. This position is designated as being exempt from the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (EHRA).

Academic Advisors support undergraduate student success by providing comprehensive, relationship-based advising that promotes academic progress, personal development, and timely degree completion.

Advisors guide students in selecting appropriate courses, exploring majors and career pathways, understanding university academic policies and procedures, and navigating the transition to and through college.

Serving as a primary resource for academic information, the Advising Center advances a coordinated, student-centered advising model in collaboration with campus partners.

Advisors serve as the first point of contact for incoming students, including first-time, transfer, and re-entering students, and continue as primary advisors through the completion of 45 credit hours, transitioning to a secondary advising role through 60 hours.

They provide developmental advising to undeclared students, collaborate with Career Services to support career exploration, and contribute to recruitment efforts by representing the Advising Center.

Advisors also teach academic success courses as assigned and maintain strong partnerships across the institution by serving as liaisons to academic departments, working with department heads and associate deans, and supporting faculty and staff through advising-related workshops and consultation.

In support of institutional goals, advisors work collaboratively to enhance student quality and yield, reduce time to degree, and improve retention and completion rates.

They contribute through their knowledge of academic programs and student support services, application of student development theory, and active participation in the continuous improvement of advising practices.

This includes maintaining accurate advising records, assisting with the development and revision of Advising Center processes and materials, participating in assessment and evaluation efforts, and engaging in ongoing professional development.

Advisors may also perform other duties as assigned in support of students and the Advising Center.

• Must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.
• Minimum of a Masters Degree in Education, Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or a related field.
• For candidates demonstrating comparable independent educational or instructional activities related to the delivery of student advising and counseling or student personnel services, a relevant undergraduate degree and three or more years of relevant experience may be accepted as a substitution.

• Knowledge of counseling…