Academic Counselor

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Learn more about American University.

School of Public Affairs

Full time

Casual

Exempt

Hybrid 01 (On Campus 3-4 Days/Week)

SEIU Local 500 - Provost & Enrollment Division

This position is part of a collective bargaining unit represented by SEIU Local 500 - Provost & Enrollment Division. That meansthe terms and conditions of your employment are governed by university policy (including the Staff Personnel Policies Manual) and any collective bargaining agreement entered into between

American University and SEIU Local 500 - Provost & Enrollment Division.

This position serves as academic counselor for graduate students in the School of Public Affairs. Academic advisees may include students in one of several graduate programs or in combined BA/MA programs, other combined programs (such as the JD/MA or LLM/MA), joint degree, dual degree, and certificate programs, as well as non-degree students. The individual in this position provides quality academic support services to new and continuing students regarding their academic, professional, and career goals.

The individual may also advise and counsel undergraduate students interested in pursuing a combined BA/MA program prior to their completing their BA.

The individual in this position provides guidance on academic progress and other issues that affect academic performance, monitoring student progress. The individual coordinates closely with and supports Graduate Program Directors and Department Chairs on matters related to degree programs including policy, recruitment, admissions, course scheduling, student issues, etc. The individual reviews all applications for assigned prospective students applying to graduate degree programs, including combined BA/MA programs.

The individual participates in campus activities related to the recruitment, conversion, and retention of these students. The individual represents SPA counselors on university-wide committees and working groups as assigned by the Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and the Director of Graduate Advising.

• 1.) Academic Advising and Academic Review
  • Advises prospective graduate students, and undergraduate students interested in BA/MA programs, about meeting degree requirements; assists new and continuing students with course selection and registration; addresses issues that affect academic performance; makes appropriate referrals to and works with otheruniversity student services offices as needed; communicates with faculty and program directors regarding students in academicdistress or facing other issues. Monitors and evaluates each student’s academic progress throughout the year;
    
    provides updatedadvising worksheets each semester to all students and maintainsadvising worksheet files in designated platform; maintains and regularly updates other elements of each student file; assistsstudents with the resolution of problems that arise after periodicdegree audits, changes of major, graduation and other issues related to graduate academic affairs; conducts degree clearance forgraduating students. Includes working with undergraduate studentsapplying for BA/MA degrees to include reconciling jointundergraduate and graduate course credits in conjunction with undergraduate counselors.
    
    Provides recommendations and solutions to streamline advising processes to improve students’ academic performance and increase student success and graduation.
• 2.) Recruitment and Orientation Activities for New Students
  • Meets with prospective students. Participates in on-campus and virtual recruitment and conversion events. Attends orientationactivities for new students.
• 3.) Application Review
  • Reviews applications for graduate and BA/MA programs and provides a recommendation to the program director.
• 4.) Other Duties as Assigned
  • Performs other duties as assigned by the Senior Associate Dean,Director of Graduate…