Academic Advisor

Position Information Posting Number Position Title Academic Advisor FTE 1.0 Position Type Staff Department Undergraduate Advising Center Position Summary Information Job Summary/Basic Function About This Role: Lamar University’s Undergraduate Advising Center ( UAC ) is administratively located within the Division of Enrollment Management and Marketing and the Academic Advisor position reports directly to the Team Lead, Associate Director of the Undergraduate Advising Center, and ultimately to the Senior Director of Advising. The position is an entry-level academic advising role that fits as the initial academic advising level within the organizational structure of the UAC . The Academic Advisor functions under the mentorship of Academic Advisor Senior and the Team Lead based on Meta Major. This position is responsible for providing comprehensive academic advising and student success support to an assigned cohort of students. An Academic Advisor in the UAC advises freshman and sophomore undergraduate students within a cohort of majors. The position focuses heavily on enrollment, reenrollment, and departmental and academic requirements for lower risk students. This role assists their cohort of students in student success by aiding students identify any root causes to issue, provides information, and refers students to University resources that can assist in meeting their needs. What You’ll Do – Position Responsibilities: Holistically assist students on their journey at Lamar University, with specific focus on each piece of the matriculation cycle to include: o initial enrollment o support during the term for successful completion of courses o referrals to pertinent support offices o empowering students to build success skills for progression o reenrollment each term through graduation. Assess each student individually and provide a “one student at a time” approach in the academic advising and student (customer) service strategies. Lead students through the process of sound decision-making, goal setting and the steps to execute a plan to fruition. Advise students regarding educational opportunities, academic core and departmental requirements, and academic policies and procedures. Ensure that university policies and state mandates are carried out in advising and enrolling students. Advise students on appropriate course selection and placement. For students that are TSI - restricted, explain their placement into developmental courses, complete a TSI Success plan and monitor their TSI progress updating plans as needed. Assist students in developing an academic plan for each semester based on their exploration of various fields of study, evaluation of academic abilities and clarification of educational and career goals. Help students transition to college and acquire relevant information on services focused on meeting their academic needs and developing learning strategies and skills to be successful in college. Advise students on new student and retention initiatives and the courses required for their participation. Verify, compile, interpret, and record a wide variety of data and student information. Track student interactions, input notes, and monitor student success data to influence successful outcomes and provide follow up with students as needed. Responsible to consistently report pertinent data to direct supervisor. Utilize degree audit reports to advise students on appropriate course selections and evaluate student’s degree progress. Assist students in interpreting degree audit and requesting any exemptions or course substitutions from the academic departments that may be needed. Use predictive analytic software for targeted advising and monitoring of student academic progress. Provide guidance on possible courses of action and refer students to appropriate campus resources. Assist students in developing an academic success plan and provide follow-up guidance and support. Utilize advising systems and technologies (e.g. Banner, Navigate, DegreeWorks) to support delivery of advising services and keep accurate records of student advising contacts and progress toward degree completion. Maintain and update student files and records in accordance with federal, state and university regulations. Participate on committees, working groups, or special projects as needed. Assist in academic advising outreach at university and recruitment events. Give presentations to incoming freshmen at New Student Orientation. Assist in the on-going assessment activities of the department and division. Perform additional duties as assigned. Key Competencies: Ability to maintain a high level of dependability, professionalism & customer service. Excellent written and verbal communication skills including active listening and ability to present information clearly and professionally to a range of audiences. Effective decision-making and problem-solving skills. Ability to use sound judgment, discretion and diplomacy when working on sensitive issues with students. Contribute to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of professional skills among a team all working toward the goal of elevating students, their success, and the department’s commitment to a high level of student (customer) service. Develop and perpetually expand academic advising strategies and in addition to learning the Lamar University, academic department, college and UAC policies and procedures and assist students in navigating these when appropriate. Successful experience working with and building positive advising relationships with target student populations in higher education. Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports. Knowledge of basic computer operating system, word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs. Physical Requirements: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight 10 lbs.; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; to travel to other locations using various modes of private and commercial transportation; and to verbally communicate to exchange information. Who We Are: Lamar University is an accessible global university for life-long learners with a passion for broad-based community engagement. As a vital contributor to the socioeconomic wellbeing and resilience of the Gulf Coast region, our expertise is recognized locally and beyond. Lamar University is home to more than 17,000 students and is among the fastest growing Texas colleges and universities. LU is a member of The Texas State University System, which is the first higher education system of Texas and maintains the lowest average tuition and fees of any university system in Texas. With more than 100-degree options and a community that cares, Lamar students are always proud to be Cardinals. Lamar University is committed to fostering a culture where students, faculty and staff of all backgrounds can learn, work, and serve. Benefits: Health, dental & vision insurance Life insurance State of Texas Retirement plans Tuition covered at 100% for employees, spouses and/or eligible dependent. Paid time off – vacation, sick, and holidays. To see more information about the available benefits, please visit: Insurance – Lamar University ( Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree required. At least 1 year of experience in academic advising or related experience. EEO Statement Lamar University is An Equal Opportunity Employer Veteran's Preference Statement Lamar University is proud to provide employment preference to veteran applicants in accordance with Texas 805 Government Code, Section 657.003. Preferred Qualifications Security Sensitive Statement This position is security-sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of the Texas Education Code §51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information. Salary $37,330-$48,529 Work Hours Application Information Posting Date 07/17/2024 Close Date 10/17/2024 Open Until Filled No Special Instructions