Academic Advisor

Position Description Summary/Purpose :

This position builds collaborative relationships between the student and university community to support Goodwin University’s diverse students as they explore and pursue career and personal goals. It supports the mission to foster student success and retention by providing comprehensive and individualized one-on-one advisement sessions. During advisement sessions, students develop the knowledge and skills necessary to select their courses within their plan of study, as well as make decisions on choice of major and academic goals. Advisors challenge, support, and encourage students to be active participants in their learning, development and academic success.

Essential Job Functions/Primary Responsibilities :

(The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)

• Works closely with other advisors, admissions, registrar, department chairs and the faculty to provide timely and accurate information to students on career and course/degree options.
• Tracks progress and retention of assigned groups of students.
• Advises students in the development of an academic plan of study.
• Provides students with information about alternatives, limitations, and possible consequences of academic decisions.
• Responsible for programmatic counseling of students who are having difficulties in their present program.
• Authorizes add/drops for the majority of programs and assists students to complete other administrative tasks.
• Learns and remains knowledgeable about student support services and makes appropriate referrals.
• Actively involved in student retention e f forts; makes appropriate referrals.
• Assists with University registration, new student orientation, and other student services activities and programs.
• Participates in professional conferences and other individual professional development activities.
• Strong commitment to diversity or experience with non-traditional students.
• Communicates with students both in-person as well as on-line, via telephone, or video sessions.
• Conducts all work in a safe manner and all work safety practices are followed.

Other Functions

• Performs similar or related work as required, directed or as situation dictates.
• Continues professional development and training; keeps current with trends.
• Assists other department staff as needed to promote a team effort.

Knowledge, Ability and Skill :

• Knowledgeable about all the University's academic programs and related degree/certificate information and keep that knowledge up to date.
• Strong self-directed learning and teamwork skills, as well as superior interpersonal and problem-solving skills
• Ability to maintain a student-centered approach to service and deal in a friendly and helpful manner
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to be flexible
• Ability to always remain sensitive to issues of ethnicity, disability, and diversity of population. Adheres to strict confidentiality and other ethical standards
• Able to manage stress well and be adaptable in a changing, fast-paced environment
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of all student records and related documents
• Approach issues with a problem-solving at t itude while exercising independent judgment and ethical decision making
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Excel, FOCUS 2 and Tutor Trac

Qualifications

Education, Training and Experience :

• Required: Master's degree in a related field working with students in an academic capacity.
• Demonstrated experience or interest in helping students transfer into and out of traditional 4-year university programs

Special Requirements :

• Member of the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) preferred.

Physical and Mental Requirements :



Work Environment None Under 1/3 1/3 to 2/3 Over 2/3 Outdoor Weather Conditions X Work with fumes or airborne particles X Work near moving mechanical parts X Risk of electrical shock X Vibration X



Physical Activity None Under 1/3 1/3 to 2/3 Over 2/3 Standing X Walking X Sitting X Talking & Hearing X Using hands/fingers to handle/feel X Climbing or balancing X Bending, pulling, pushing X Driving X



Lifting Requirements None Under 1/3 1/3 to 2/3 Over 2/3 Up to 10 pounds X Up to 25 pounds X Up to 50 pounds X Up to 75 pounds X Up to 100 pounds X Over 100 pounds X

Vision Requirements:

X Close vision (i.e. clear vision at 20 inches or less)

Distance vision (i.e. clear vision at 20 feet or more)

Color vision (i.e. ability to identify and distinguish colors)

Peripheral vision (i.e. ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or

left and right while the eyes are fixed on a given point)

Depth perception (i.e. three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and

spatial relationships)

___ No special vision requirements

(This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee. It is used as a guide for personnel actions and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.)