Academic Advisor

Position: Academic Advisor - #230959
Location: Cullowhee

Posting Number EHRA
1098P Quick Link for Internal Postings (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Classification Title Academic Advisor Working Title Academic Advisor - #230959 Department Advising Center Anticipated Hiring Range Based on qualifications/experience, internal equity, and departmental budget restrictions. About WCU

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

* 2025 - Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes 'America's Best Employers by State' list.

* 2024 - Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes 'America's 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 'America's 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 'America's 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.

Position Summary

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).

Advisors help students select proper courses, choose careers and appropriate majors, understand university academic policies and procedures, and cope with the transition to college. The Advising Center serves as a resource for the campus to better provide academic information. Advisors are responsible for assisting with the university-wide development of a relationship-based model of academic advising in support of the educational success of the undergraduate student.

Along with university colleagues in other units, advisors work to increase the yield and quality of incoming students, decrease the time to graduation, and advance completion rates. Academic advisors contribute to these efforts through their comprehensive knowledge of the academic and support programs of the University and a thorough understanding of student development theories in practice.

Academic Advisors support the development of the whole student through the delivery of the following duties and responsibilities:

* Serve as a first enrollment advisor for all incoming residential students, including new first-year students, transfers, and re-entering students

* Continue as a primary advisor for residential students with 0-45 completed hours

* Serve as the secondary advisor for residential students with 46-60 completed hours

* Continue as a primary advisor for distance students throughout their time in their program

* Serve as the primary advisor for all incoming distance students throughout their time in their program

* Provide developmental, academic advising to undeclared students

* Collaborate with Career Services staff to provide general career counseling

* Represent the Advising Center at recruitment functions

* Teach academic success courses as assigned

* Serve as liaison to assigned departments and meet regularly with department heads

* Meet regularly with the associate dean of the assigned college

* Provide advising information and support for the University community

* Present advisor educational workshops for faculty and staff

* Assist with the development, revision, and updating of Advising Center processes, forms, and publications

* Maintain appropriate advising records and documentation

* Participate in the assessment and evaluation of academic advising and advising program.

* Participate in ongoing…