Academic Advisor

Department: University College Academic Advising - 202100

Minimum Qualifications

Master’s degree completed by the position start date from an accredited institution with an emphasis in student development, higher education, or related area.
Experience working with students in a college setting and a demonstrated commitment to the educational development of students.
Advanced technology skills and experience with the ability to quickly learn technical advising tools including Banner, DegreeWorks, TracCloud, Slate, and Google Software.
Evidence of excellent verbal and written communication skills as well as outstanding organizational, interpersonal, and problem solving skills.
Exhibits energy, enthusiasm, a positive approach to work, attention to detail and accuracy, and a strong work ethic.
Ability to establish excellent rapport with students, parents and families, colleagues and the campus community.
Evidence of a commitment to the UCAA’s mission and the University’s 2022-2027 Strategic Plan .
Exhibits a high level of ethics, integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism.

License/Certification Required

Preferred Qualifications

Academic advising experience.
Experience with Banner 9, AppalNet Self Service, DegreeWorks and other advising tools.
Working knowledge of the Appalachian State University General Education program and the North Carolina Comprehensive Articulation Agreement.
Experience with online course registration.
Experience understanding and explaining academic policies to students and parents.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
University College (UC) Academic Advising introduces students to the University’s academic and co-curricular opportunities. UCAA staff advise, support, and collaborate with students as they navigate the curriculum and develop their educational plans.
UC Academic Advisors provide academic advising for first years, transfers, continuing, and returning undeclared students by assisting them with their academic planning, major selection, academic progress, and referrals to appropriate campus resources. Academic advisors also prepare for and conduct individual advising sessions and present advising and policy information to incoming students.

Additionally, Academic Advisors lead workshops on academic success strategies, serve on various committees, take the lead on special projects and responsibilities, liaison with academic departments, stay current with advising and orientation technology and professional development trainings, and assist with goal setting, strategic planning, and assessment of services.

Job Duties & Responsibilities Include:

Advises and manages a caseload of approximately 350-400 undeclared students on a full-time, 12-month contract.
Serves as a new student advisor during the summer, fall, and spring orientation/new student advising periods.
Meets with all required students in the caseload at least once during the semester for academic planning. Also, is available to meet with students who have voluntary advising as needed.
Monitors all students in the caseload who are on academic probation. Assists in leading probation workshops, as needed.
Serves as a mentor to new advisors after gaining advising experience and skills.
Attends all training events scheduled for advisors as follows: New advisors: complete the Advisor Training Model, apprentice with an experienced, full-time advisor, attend monthly training sessions on advising updates and issues, and attend other training sessions held during the summer and academic year. Continuing advisors: attend training and professional development sessions scheduled for all academic advisors during the summer and academic year as well as the monthly sessions on advising updates and issues. All advisors are expected to stay abreast of university academic policies and procedures and current research and developments in the field of academic advising, and to share resources with their colleagues.
Serves as a liaison between University College Academic Advising, one or more academic departments, and one Student Affairs office.
Keeps accurate records of student contacts, documents student visits for accountability purposes, and maintains confidentiality.
Establishes and maintains collegial, respectful relationships with all colleagues, students, parents and families.
Represents University College Academic Advising at various committees and University-related functions, including open houses and Admissions receptions.
Actively participates in all current and new initiatives of University College Academic Advising.
Assists with special projects as deemed appropriate by the University College Academic Advising leadership team.

Evaluation Competencies of Applicants:

Job Knowledge: Advisor demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to perform effectively; maintains relevant info, keeps info current, and communicates it well.
Student-Centered Advising Skills: Advisor demonstrates skills that create a positive advising session: listening, flexibility, patience, receptivity, and responsiveness. Advisor is consistently available to meet with students via appointments and walk-ins, including students whose advisor (e.g., an off-contract, part-time advisor) is unavailable.
Assessment of Student Needs: Advisor accurately assesses students’ skills, needs, goals, concerns and problems, and provides appropriate responses.
Adherence to work schedule: Advisor works 40 hours each week, except on holidays, vacation and sick days. Advisor maintains a reasonably detailed calendar indicating appointments and Advising Center availability and clearly communicates with supervisor about scheduling, requesting days off, etc.
Professional Contributions and Development: Advisor seeks to improve skills and effectiveness as a professional. Advisor presents and participates in meetings and conferences beyond the office and attends appropriate and relevant workshops and professional development opportunities.
Interpersonal Skills: Advisor demonstrates ability to collaborate and communicate effectively and respectfully with colleagues, supervisors, students, and parents.
Organizational Skills: Advisor demonstrates ability to maintain records and a filing/retrieval system, and has ready access to resources.
Liaison Responsibilities: Advisor is responsible for maintaining contacts outside the department for the purpose of acquiring and disseminating pertinent information to colleagues.
Technological skills appropriate for performance of job duties: Uses technology in an appropriate and professional manner and stays current with advising and orientation technology (e.g., Banner 9 and Self Service, DegreeWorks, TracCloud, Slate, Docuware, AsULearn, Google software).
Additional Responsibilities/Leadership Roles/Special Projects: Advisor participates in or initiates additional responsibilities and special projects (ex. committees, task forces).

Work Schedule/Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:00-5:00
Suggested Salary Range: $47,500 - 52,000
Closing Date: 4/24/2024
Open Until Filled: No
Evaluation of Applications Begins: 04/15/2024
Proposed Date of Hire: 05/20/2024

To apply, visit

Appalachian State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. The University does not discriminate in access to its educational programs and activities, or with respect to hiring or the terms and conditions of employment, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity and expression, political affiliation, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information or sexual orientation.