Academic Advisor II, College of Engineering

Pay Grade: 29E

Context of the Job:

Under the general direction of the Chair, Associate Chair for Undergraduate Education and the Business Administrator, the Academic Advisor II is responsible for the academic advisement of current undergraduate students and transfer students in the Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering. The Academic Advisor II develops and manages the curriculum articulation agreements and program coordination with external two-year colleges whose students' transition to UD after earning their associate's degree. The Academic Advisor II works cooperatively with other members of the College of Engineering and department advisement enterprise and maintains regular contact with other academic units at the University to facilitate the students' degree completion.

The Academic Advisor II is responsible for the degree audit process, curriculum changes, and course inventory. The Academic Advisor II assists with programs and events for prospective students, and identifies, trains, and supervises student leaders who assist with recruitment and programming. The Academic Advisor II conducts new student orientation meetings and compiles student materials such as handbooks, forms, etc.

Major Responsibilities:

• Provide advisement services to Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering undergraduates, guiding them to formulate educational goals and to make appropriate educational decisions to reach their goals. Meet new students to discuss course scheduling. Advise students on course requirements.
• Assist students in transition between their associate's degree and bachelor degree programs and expedite the process whenever possible. In collaboration with faculty and the Career Center, advance students' career goals through educational avenues and professional development including co-operative opportunities, internships and course work.
• Monitor the progress of all Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering students and students enrolled in articulation agreement programs; collaborate with external advisors on the assigned campuses, especially those in special academic circumstances, to improve transition, graduation and retention rates. Maintain regular contact with other academic units and two year colleges for the purpose of sharing academic information, coordinate academic advisement with other on campus and off campus units, and refer students to appropriate academic departments and support services.
• Manage and update students' applications, files, and records. Verify accuracy of course load, change of major forms; Department minor requests; curriculum changes and course pre requisite requirements. Monitor and communicate probationary status and mid-term grade processes and graduation eligibility.
• Identify potential problem areas (e.g., study skills, tutoring) and refer students to appropriate campus resources for assistance. Interpret policy, explain GPA and academic standing, review transfer credits, and provide guidance on majors, minors, and other related academic matters. Audit degree program requirements for individual students and assist with degree certification; disseminate accurate and up-to-date academic information and policies to students, faculty, and others.
• Provide support and referral services for academic and personal issues to students, working with offices such as the Dean of Students Office, the Office of Student Conduct, the Center for Counseling and Student Development, Career Center, Admissions, and Housing & Residence Life.
• Work with faculty to explain and interpret academic policies, train new advisors on curriculum and policy.
• Assist with seminars designed to support faculty on academic issues, including instructional technology, advising, and UDSIS.
• Provide support with course scheduling, registration and academic/career options. Respond to inquiries, investigate, and resolve problems related to undergraduate transactions handled by the department.
• Compile, verify, and analyze statistical reports; prepare administrative reports that may contain confidential information.
• Avoid/resolve conflicts of Department courses and courses outside the Department that are part of the curriculum.
• Submit descriptions of proposed new undergraduate courses and change the descriptions of existing undergraduate courses including changes in prerequisites via the course inventory process.
• Manage the submission of additions and edits to the UD Course Catalog to reflect all changes in undergraduate course descriptions.
• Plan, coordinate, and participate in campus undergraduate recruitment and pre-admission activities including but not limited to, weekend fairs, student orientation, honors day and other events such as undergraduate summer research. Prepare recruiting and program information including the undergraduate recruiting materials, handbook and orientation materials.
• Lead Department student ambassadors' organization; develop opportunities for on-campus and off campus such as recruiting events, community outreach; and schedule and participate in the undergraduate team meetings.
• Collaborate with community colleges that have articulation agreements with the department. Communicate with community college faculty and staff throughout the year and host an annual visit.
• Assist in the development and coordination of a variety of programs and workshops for students, parents, and faculty.
• Collaborate with the College, Department Chair and/or Business Administrator to track the availability of Honors Day award funding, coordinate the selection of award recipients, and facilitate the payment of all awards.
• Serve on University, College or Department committees as needed
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree and three years of academic advising experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Degree in student affairs, student personnel, college counseling or related field preferred.
• Effective leadership, organizational, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to evaluate student transcripts and/or records.
• Ability to present effectively to small and large groups and to work productively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Ability to grasp, retain, and disseminate an extensive and varied body of information. Ability to exercise sound judgment and employ decision-making skills.
• Knowledge of academic standards governing student probation, suspension, and/or expulsion and student recruitment and retention issues.
• Ability to communicate, to students, course prerequisites, certification, and/or curriculum/graduation requirements.
• Advanced working knowledge of advisement policies, procedures, systems, regulations, and standards at the university level.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills and ability to analyze, summarize, and effectively present data.
• Proficient computer skills including use of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint. Experience with UDSIS, UD Webforms and Blue Hen Success preferred.