Academic Advisor (4740)

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Summary/Objective

Provides professional academic support services to undergraduate students in the School of Communication. Advises and counsels new, continuing and non-degree students regarding their academic, professional and career goals. Provides guidance on issues that affect academic performance and monitors the academic progress of each assigned student.  Actively participates in on-campus activities related to the recruitment, conversion, and retention of new and continuing undergraduate students. This position works under general supervision.

Essential Functions

1. Academic Advising: Advises and counsels undergraduate students in meeting degree requirements and understanding policy as well as procedures; assists students with selection and registration of courses; addresses issues that affect academic performance; makes appropriate referrals to other University student services; communicates with faculty regarding students in academic distress; liaisons with other University departments that support athletes, international students, first generation students, students of color, learning disabled students, honor students, and other students with special needs or circumstances; provides recommendations and solutions to streamline advising processes that improve students’ academic experience and address their developmental needs.
2. Academic Review. Monitors and evaluates each student’s academic progress throughout the school year; assists students with the resolution of problems that arise after periodic degree audit updates, change of majors, graduation, etc.; Conducts degree clearance for graduating students; assists students in selecting classes and in making changes for registration; Maintains and updates students files; Makes recommendations to the Director regarding exceptions to academic regulations, academic warnings, probations and dismissals.
3. Recruitment and Orientation Activities for New Students: Assists both new first year and transfer students with their selection and registration of courses; participates in on-campus recruitment and conversion events; conducts orientation activities for new students.
4. Co-curricular Programming and Special Projects: Participates actively with the Director, the advising team, and other University staff to identify and develop experiential education programs and other special initiatives that enhance the professional, intellectual, career, leadership, and personal development of undergraduate students.
5. Represents the SOC on university committees and serves as resource for faculty and other members of the university community.

Supervisory Responsibility

• The advisor works with approximately 350 individual undergraduate students, including new first year and transfer students as well as non-degree and continuing students. 

Work Environment

• The Academic Advisor reports directly to the Director of Undergraduate Student & Academic Affairs. The position requires a high level of interaction with the other Academic Advisor, Senior Academic Advisor, Senior Administrative Assistant as well as  students, faculty and other campus and external constituencies including the Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Academic Services, the SOC Academic Program Assistants, Academic Advisors, Dean of Students, Registrar’s Office, AU Central, International Student Services, Financial Aid, Student Accounts, New Student Programs, AU Abroad, Academic Support and Access Center, Counseling Center, Athletic Academic Support Service, the Dean for Undergraduate Education, Honors, and the Office of Enrollment.
• The advisor is expected to exercise professional judgment in all aspects of the position and has broad decision-making authority subject to review by the Direct