Online Academic Advisor

Overview

Unit: Student Success Administration

Department: Office of Strategic Enrollment Management and Student Success

Department Summary: Virginia Commonwealth University is seeking an Online Student Success Advisor to join the Online Student Success unit. This position supports students entering VCU's online undergraduate and graduate programs by connecting them with online resources, identifying potential challenges, and assisting with academic planning. The Online Success Advisor helps students understand and utilize the Bulletin, Major Maps, and Degree Works to facilitate a clear understanding of their online program.

While working remotely, this position serves as the advisor and resource for an assigned caseload within the unit, collaborating with campus partners and departments to identify barriers and facilitate a supportive transition for admitted online students.

• Academic Advising:
  Engage with online students to provide one-on-one guidance and academic advising from the start of the admitted process through the online student’s time ntify and reaffirm students’ educational goals while sharing course and program information throughout the student’s journey.
• Demonstrates an understanding of the role of advising in supporting the VCU mission and the ability to work with diverse online student populations from all backgrounds and experiences.
• Serve as Online Student Success Advisor for online students, effectively managing a caseload and maintaining accurate records, including advising interactions.
• Interpret and effectively use advising information on Slate, eServices, Degree Works, and the Navigate Student Success Management Tool.
• Communicate collaboratively with students and campus partners to facilitate academic development, planning, and goal achievement.
• Refer students to appropriate university resources (e.g., Campus Learning Center, University Counseling, Student Accessibility and Educational Opportunity, Career Services, Student Financial Management Center).
• Utilize multiple methods of remote communication (e.g., phone, email, instant messaging, Zoom) to maintain consistent and timely engagement.
• Assist with academic advising and organize required documentation to ensure online students successfully complete orientation and meet program requirements.
• Act as a resource regarding university policies and procedures.
• Support Online Student Success with orientation and new student advising initiatives; attend departmental and program partner meetings regularly to maintain advising knowledge and collaboration between units.
• Cross-Campus
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Collaborate with university partners on matters impacting student recruitment, enrollment, success, and retention, and support departmental and university retention initiatives.
• Participate in recruitment activities, including online prospective and admitted student events.
• Partner with VCU Online leaders (admissions, registrar, financial aid, etc.) to implement programs and initiatives.
• Conduct Navigate Enrollment Campaigns for Fall and Spring retention initiatives; collaborate with advising partners on messaging and participation.
• Assist with the planning and coordination of workshops and programming under the leadership of the Assistant Director.
• Participate in and provide feedback on training and professional development activities.
• Teaching:
  Teach an online Student Success course designed to help students learn how to manage the online college experience, navigate the University, make informed decisions, engage in strategic career planning, and assume responsibility for their academic success.
• Other Position Details:
  This position will be 100% remote, with opportunity for on-campus work if interested. This position is open to VCU internal applicants only. This position is currently funded with soft-funds and continued employment is dependent upon continued funding, with no anticipated challenges to future funding.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be a current VCU Employee
• Master’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Two years of full-time experience as an academic advisor in a college or university setting.
• One year…