Academic Advisor III

Job Summary

Academic advisors provide specialized academic advising services to students and analytical advising-based perspectives to University colleagues and public stakeholders, such as students, family members, and prospective students. By integrating excellent interpersonal and communication skills with an advanced knowledge and understanding of curricula, policies (departmental, School, and University), resources, and student development, the Advisor helps students identify options, set academic and developmental goals, and make progress toward those goals.

The advisor works closely with the Director of Advising (and/or Assistant Director) in the development of advising programs and initiatives that facilitate student engagement, success, and retention, provides advising data, and collaborates with academic and other University operational units on matters that impact student recruitment, success, and retention.

Minimum:
Bachelor's degree and six (6) years of academic advising, counseling, higher education, social work, human services with students, young adults or adolescents, or related experience; or, Master's degree and four (4) years of related work experience.

Preferred:
Bachelor's degree and six (6) years of academic advising, higher education, or other related experience; or, Master's degree and four (4) years of related work experience.

To the extent this position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code, the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the critical infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired and to continue to be employed in the position.

• Advise students regarding departmental, School, and University policies and procedures; programs of study; and the development of appropriate academic plans.
• Proactively and holistically manage an assigned caseload of students, document all pertinent student information, and maintain student files and records.
• Conduct student meetings in person and virtually on a regular basis.
• Use advising platform and case-load management strategies to establish targeted student populations for more intensive advising and meet those students a minimum of the required advising sessions per semester.
• Monitor the academic progress of students and determine satisfactory progress toward an undergraduate degree and meet with all students on assigned caseload for 45 and 75 credit checkpoints.
• Assist students in identifying their interests, abilities, and academic goals and in making decisions regarding their academic career.
• Introduce students to opportunities that will enrich their academic experience, facilitate their academic and personal development, and support their educational success.
• Teach students how to manage the School experience, navigate the University, make informed decisions, and assume responsibility for their academic success.
• Identify current and potential needs or problem areas (e.g., study skills, tutoring, counseling) and refer students to appropriate campus resources for assistance.
• Assist students in completing graduation applications.
• Communicate in a professional manner with department faculty, university administrators, researchers, staff, students, and campus visitors.
• Support class scheduling, enrollment, and systems related to class registration.
• Develop and apply a comprehensive knowledge and skill of assigned specialty advising population.
• Participate in recruitment activities, programs, and initiatives.
• Provide advising information to prospective students and/or parents.
• Assist with student onboarding activities including pre and post‑orientation contact.
• Develop, implement, and lead student success activities for the School and University, including but not limited to new student orientation, new student welcome, change of major information sessions, course request group advising, plan of study workshops, etc.
• Develop, lead, and participate in training and professional development activities for the advising unit and…