Academic Advisor

ACU Academic Advisor

ACU is affiliated with the fellowship of the Church of Christ. All applicants must be professing Christians and willing to support the Christian mission and purpose of Abilene Christian University while employed by the university.

Basic Responsibilities

• Help students to define and develop realistic educational plans through schedule planning for each semester and summer school, if appropriate. Each student should have an up-to-date academic schedule plan through to graduation.
• Proactively contact and be available for students on a regular basis. Office hours should be clear and consistent. Advisors should plan for extended hours during peak advising seasons.
• Consult regularly with Faculty colleagues in order to have up-to-date information on curriculum and degree plans. The information provided to students during advising interactions is expected to be accurate and follow the academic policies set by faculty. Advisors should understand and provide rationale for institutional policies, procedures, and requirements.
• Connect with incoming students during orientation and throughout the summer to assist students with the initial adjustment to university academic life. Special sessions should be scheduled throughout the first academic year.
• Meet at least once each semester with students to:
• Plan for the upcoming semester.
• Review and revise long-range academic program schedules. Advisors should assist students in planning a program that is consistent with their abilities and interests.
• Review the progress towards completing the proposed academic program.
• Discuss grades, milestones, and success markers.
• Discuss student wellbeing and satisfaction.
• Initiate the process for all designated educational transactions (e.g., pre-registration/registration schedule, drops/adds, withdrawals, change of major, waivers, graduation requirements, etc.)
• Follow-up with students on any report of potential barriers to student success. Examples could be, holds placed on student accounts, notice of poor midterm grades, notice of poor class attendance, incomplete grades from previous semester(s), etc. Special attention should be paid to students who are most at risk of not succeeding.
• Maintain an up-to-date advising portfolio with a summary record of performance to date (grade reports, transcripts, requirements completed, advising agreements, etc.)
• Connect students to other institutional resources when necessary. (e.g. faculty, tutoring, the Career Development Office, the Counseling Center, Wildcat Central, etc.)

Essential Duties

• Interested in advising.
• Demonstrates a concerned and caring attitude toward advisees.
• Exhibits effective interpersonal and communication skills.
• Frequent contact with advisees.
• Proactive behavior with advisees.
• Knowledgeable of institutional regulations, policies, offerings, and procedures.
• Monitors students' progress.
• Uses appropriate information resources and refers when necessary.
• Engages in developmental advising versus simply course scheduling.

Professional Development Requirements

Required Skills:

• Detailed oriented and strong organizational skills.
• Excellent communicator and strong presentation skills.
• Strong people skills with a clear understanding of how to provide excellent customer service.
• Strong time management skills are needed to handle the multiple tasks required in successful student advising and project management.

Required Training Modules:

• Training with Academic Departments in your advising cluster.
• Software training as needed.
• Banner and Degree Works training as needed.
• Slate training as needed.
• Regular advising team meetings to keep up-to-date on program and catalog changes.
• Professional growth seminars or conferences for academic advising professionals.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree, Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of three years of experience in higher education is preferred for candidates without a Master's degree.
• High initiative, dependable, and focused
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Goal-oriented, high professionalism.
• Strong organizational skills.

Physical Demands

• Strong voice to endure extended periods of communication.
• Ability to endure long periods of sitting, standing, and walking.
• Ability to travel.
• Handle stress well.
• Other requirements: Each advisor must have their own cell phone.

ACU does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, disability, genetic information, national or ethnic origin in employment opportunities, in keeping with applicable state and federal law.

ACU is committed to maintaining a safe and secure campus environment and protecting the university's financial and physical assets. Therefore, Abilene Christian University conducts background checks on all candidates for employment in security sensitive positions. As a current employee, it will be determined if you need an additional background check upon your hire.