Academic Advisor, Penn Engineering Online Programs

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

Academic Advisor, Penn Engineering Online Programs

Job Profile Title

Coordinator, Program

Job Description Summary

Penn Engineering Online is seeking a passionate higher education professional with experience in graduate-level academic advising for non-traditional, mid-career professional, or adult learners, providing students with the resources and support they need to persist to graduation. The Academic Advisor supports students who are enrolled in the at-scale online graduate degree and certificate programs from acceptance through graduation.

Job Description

Penn Engineering Online is seeking a passionate higher education professional with experience in graduate-level academic advising for non-traditional, mid-career professional, or adult learners, providing students with the resources and support they need to persist to graduation. The Academic Advisor supports students who are enrolled in the online graduate degree and certificate programs from acceptance through graduation. The Academic Advisor is responsible for fostering student success and retention by advising students through multiple communication platforms, conducting anti-melt communication efforts, tracking student progress, and serving as a trusted collaborator for the course team. They are also responsible for upholding program and university policies and helping students understand how these policies directly affect their academic experience. Additionally, the Academic Advisor supports the Community Engagement Manager with engagement initiatives such as virtual and in-person events. Reporting to the Associate Director of Academic Advising, the Academic Advisor will join a collaborative team that is continually innovating and streamlining processes in a positive and dynamic work environment.

​Responsibilities: 

• Conduct day-to-day communication with degree students and advisees via email, phone, texting, office hours, and video-conferencing in a warm and professional manner, ensuring that all correspondence is addressed within 24 hours of receipt. Advise students on curriculum, program policies, time management, program expectations, etc. Connect students to University resources as needed. Perform regular advising with students on academic warning or probation. Host some weekend and evening advising sessions each month (weekday hours will be adjusted accordingly).

• Track and maintain student records by recording advising notes, processing course-level petitions and student requests, performing degree audits, and reviewing prerequisite errors.

• Create and maintain program information for students: Support new student onboarding by assisting with initial account set-up, hosting information sessions, communicating important dates and deadlines, etc. In collaboration wit