Academic Advisor

Salary: $41,500.00 Annually
Location : 4205 Ryan St, Lake Charles, LA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: MSU091026U99735
Division: Enrollment Management
Opening Date: 09/10/2026


Position/Application Information
McNeese State University invites applicants to apply for the position of Academic Advisor in the Office of Advising. This position reports to the Director of Advising and Retention. This is a full-time, 12-month, unclassified position. The appointment is available October 15, 2025.
Position Number: U99735
SALARY: $41,500
DEADLINE: Open until filled.
APPLICATION PROCESS AND MATERIALS: Applicants MUST complete an electronic application and upload required documents listed below:

• Letter of Application detailing experience relevant to the position
• Resume
• Three Professional References (include: name, phone number, and e-mail address)
• Unofficial Transcripts

*O nly completed application packets including all items listed above will be reviewed.
ALL JOB OFFERS ARE CONTINGENT UPON THE SUCCESSFUL RESULT OF A CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK AND RECEIPT OF OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT(S) IF APPLICABLE.
TO APPLY FOR THIS VACANCY, click on the "APPLY" button at the top of advertisement to complete the electronic application, which can be used for this vacancy as well as future job opportunities. Applicants are responsible for checking the status of their application to determine where they are in the recruitment process. Further status message information is located under the Information section of the Current Job Opportunities page. * Required application materials WILL NOT be accepted after the deadline, if applicable. Applications may be rejected if incomplete. *
CONTACT INFORMATION:
IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS POSITION, PLEASE CONTACT THE CHAIR:

Ashley Bass at View email address on click.appcast.io
Office of Human Resources Contact :

Kim Dronett, HR Analyst/Employment Liaison: or View phone number on click.appcast.io

Position Duties/Responsibilities
The Academic Advisor employs a holistic advising approach with a focus on developing the total student and serving as the partner in their educational discovery and academic journey. The Academic Advisor is responsible for functions related to advising, transcript evaluation, and graduation. The Academic Advisor will work closely with students, faculty, Athletics, Honors College, Registrar's Office, Admissions and Recruiting, Financial Aid, Scholarships, Career and Professional Development Services, Support Services, and International Programs. This job will mainly involve advising the College of Business, the School of Agriculture, and the School of Kinesiology.
Additionally, the Academic Advisor:

• Maintains an advising load of approximately 500-700 students based on selection of major and academic requirements
• Is responsible for preparing student advising forms based on admissions application, test scores and transcripts
• Informs students of their responsibilities considering institutional policies
• Maintains extensive knowledge of Banner Self-Service, Banner 9, and Degree Works
• Monitors student registration activities and recommends solutions to academic difficulties
• Maintains accurate records of student interactions
• Participates in the development, implementation, review, presentation and revision of new student enrollment activities for first-time freshmen, transfer students, and parents
• Oversees and updates information/videos on the website
• Participates in the planning, implementation and the evaluation of the academic advisement program's goals and objectives
• Participates in institutional student development and retention programs
• Refers students to other student support services when appropriate
• Serves as a liaison with other departments and a resource for students
• Communicates effectively and successfully with diverse populations
• Interprets test scores, unofficial transcripts and course prerequisites for students
• Provides excellent service to all internal and external customers; ensures problems are resolved in an efficient and effective manner; responds to inquiries via phone, email, and face-to-face in a timely manner, works effectively and collaboratively as a team member; and meets expectations in a fast-paced dynamic and customer-oriented environment
• Honors and stays abreast of changing institutional, ULS and state requirements and deadlines
• Participates in weekend or after-hours events with notice for advising and other events that support recruitment, advisement, or retention of undergraduate students each semester
• Engages in professional development activities as directed by supervisor
• Completes other duties as assigned by the Director of the Office of Advising and Retention or Executive Director of Enrollment Management

Required/Preferred Qualifications
Required:

• Bachelor's degree
• Excellent communication skills via telephone, email, and all other written exchanges and in person
• Excellent computer skills
• Excellent organizational skills
• Ability to work independently
• Problem solving skills
• Ability to work and interact with diverse individuals and groups at all levels
• Ability to thoroughly understand and abide by federal and university guidelines and student confidentiality requirements

Preferred:

• Master's Degree
• Significant work experience in higher education or other educational setting
• Experience working with Ellucian Banner

General University information
McNeese State University, located in Lake Charles, Louisiana, is a public university and a member of the University of Louisiana System. Under Louisiana law, applications and all supporting materials will become public record. All applicants are expected to submit complete and accurate materials as specified in the position announcement. A background check and an English Proficiency assessment (Faculty Only) will be conducted on selected finalists. We comply with Louisiana Revised Statute 49:1001, et seq, and State of Louisiana Executive Order 98-38, which provides for drug testing of employees, appointees, prospective employees, and prospective appointees. Prospective employees and employees are informed if a drug test is required.
McNeese State University is an AA/EEO/ADA employer committed to excellence through diversity and a SAME agency (State as a Model Employer for People with Disabilities) for the State of Louisiana.
Persons needing reasonable accommodations as provided by the Americans with Disabilities Act should contact the ADA Coordinator, Dr. Desmond Wallace, Office of Inclusive Excellence: Voice: View phone number on click.appcast.io; TDD/TTY, Hearing Impaired: View phone number on click.appcast.io; or View email address on click.appcast.io.
The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 requires McNeese State University to inform applicants that the University can employ only U.S. citizens and aliens lawfully authorized to work in the U.S. Each new employee is required to present documentation verifying his/her identity and right to accept employment. McNeese participates in E-Verify.
Louisiana Revised Statute 42:31-"Eligibility requirements for certain unclassified employees"-requires any person hired or employed in an unclassified position, whose annual salary or rate of compensation is equal to or exceeds one hundred thousand dollars, provide proof to his public employer that he has been issued a Louisiana driver's license and that all vehicles registered in his name are registered in Louisiana within thirty days of being hired or employed at such salary.
Transcripts from Foreign Universities: Prospective faculty submitting transcripts from foreign universities or schools must have the coursework evaluated for equivalency to United States-accredited coursework by a university-approved agency. The prospective faculty member is responsible for the cost of the evaluation. McNeese typically accepts evaluations by World Education Services ( or Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.
McNeese State University offers a wide array of benefits to eligible employees to include:

Comprehensive retirement programs through the State of Louisiana or Optional program, Supplemental retirement accounts (403B and 457) pre-tax and roth versions, Health Insurance, Life Insurance, Supplemental Insurance to include Vision, Life, Dental, Cancer, Intensive Care, Short Term Disability and more, Paid holidays, Tuition fee reduction program for eligible employees and dependents, Leave accrual and carryover, and many other on campus perks/discount programs.

You may view the current year's Benefits Guide at: