Academic Counselor

The mission of California Lutheran University is to educate leaders for a global society who are strong in character and judgment, confident in their identity and vocation, and committed to service and justice. Founded in 1959 in beautiful Ventura County, the university has an enrollment of about 4,000 undergraduate and graduate students who come from across the nation and around the world from a diversity of backgrounds, cultures and faiths. As a federally recognized Hispanic-Serving Institution, Cal Lutheran is looking for candidates with a dedication to and success in working in diverse communities. The university is committed to an inclusive learning and work environment that values individual differences and respects each person’s dignity. Responsibilities Counsels students in their growth and development during their academic journey; guides students with identification of long‑term goals and career plans; provides information and direction for planning a program of study to help ensure that students meet their goals and graduate within an appropriate time frame. Advises students individually and in groups regarding their academic plan and performance; implements the provisions of the academic support programs; reviews, monitors, and evaluates student progress; identifies potential student needs or problem areas; provides resources and referrals. Acts as subject matter experts for a set of academic programs; works to position the student to create a graduation plan that meets requirements for the degree; serves as a proactive agent to support students with faculty and academic departments. Applies affirmation, support and advocacy in academic counseling and outreach, bearing in mind the impact of diversity, equity and inclusion in the University’s undergraduate student population. Develops and implements data‑driven campaigns to improve student retention and graduation and to engage all undergraduate student groups to achieve academic success. Initiates an intake process for all students to guide appropriate course registration, academic advising and student success. Tracks and maintains information related to retention, attrition and success rates of all enrolled students; identifies barriers and develops a system to identify and intervene with students with academic needs and/or difficulties; monitors students’ academic progress including analyzing reports, identifying potential areas of concern, and provides appropriate support and resources. Conducts program evaluations for undergraduate students; prepares and records petitions to modify academic requirements; performs graduation audits; confirms degree completion and commencement participation. Serves as a liaison between the University and the students with respect to degree requirements and student progress; responds to requests, concerns, and complaints from students, parents, faculty, campus administrators and the general public regarding programs, services, policies, procedures and regulations; resolves matters with confidentiality, tact and sensitivity; expedites referrals to the appropriate/responsible group. Is knowledgeable in all degree requirements and common substitutions and transfer equivalencies to support both undergraduate students and faculty. Maintains confidentiality of student records and other information according to FERPA regulations. Coordinates with various offices, faculty and staff to develop specific programming to increase student success, retention and graduation rates; provides accurate information about campus policies and procedures; serves as a campus resource through workshops, presentations, trainings; assists and participates in various events as required, including but not limited to Admitted Students Day, New Student Orientation, T2CLU (incoming transfer event) and Commencement. Completes ongoing training and professional development required for this position. Performs special projects and related duties as assigned. Knowledge University rules, regulations, policies and procedures. Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Basic courses offered by community colleges and universities. Proper course analysis and evaluation techniques. Methods and procedures of admitting and registering students. Student development theories and practices in higher education. Academic counseling and advising strategies and related best practices. Effective academic resources and strategies for student success. Collecting information, compiling data and record‑keeping techniques. Diversity, equity and inclusion and how that impacts student success. Exceptional customer service and interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy. Organizational and oral/written communication skills. Professional communication, including usage of grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary. Modern office practices, procedures and equipment. Relevant computer software and technology, including Microsoft Office. Abilities Self‑motivate and self‑direct. Establish and maintain cooperative, professional, positive and effective working relationships. Process and maintain highly confidential information. Assess student needs, goals, problems and personal adjustments relating to or affecting their academic performance. Practice confidentiality and professionalism in all modes of communication. Evaluate, solve problems and adopt an effective course of action. Make interpretive judgments quickly and accurately regarding academic matters. Apply University policies, procedures, rules and regulations appropriately. Execute program services according to department standards. Explain all aspects of the academic requirements. Prepare and interpret comprehensive statistical reports. Develop activities, presentations, handouts, forms and other relevant communication. Work with a diverse population of students and campus affiliates. Perform multiple projects simultaneously involving people and paperwork. Organize work to meet timelines. Operate a computer and basic office equipment. Learn and utilize work‑related software programs. Communicate clearly and effectively. Minimum Qualifications Any combination equivalent to: a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum of two years of experience in admissions, academic advising, student counseling, transcript evaluations and other student services areas. Preferred Qualifications A master’s degree from an accredited institution in counseling, higher education administration or related field. Three years of professional experience working directly with college students in individual and group settings. Licenses and Other Requirements Ability to travel and work flexible hours as needed. Physical Abilities Detect to understand appropriate written correspondence; operate a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine and computer printer; communicate to exchange information in person, in writing, on the telephone and by email; stationary position for extended periods of time; move or transport light objects; position self to store and/or retrieve files; office environment; constant interruptions and distractions; multiple projects with ongoing and various deadlines; collaboration with members in the campus community; contact with complacent, struggling and/or dissatisfied individuals; public speaking for workshops and events; possible duties in evenings, weekends or holidays. Equal Opportunity Statement California Lutheran University is committed to providing equal opportunity in employment for all persons, regardless of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender, gender identity or expression or any other basis protected by applicable law. No person shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of or be subjected to discrimination in any program, activity or facility of the University on the basis of these factors in a manner consistent with applicable federal and state laws, regulations, ordinances, orders and rules and University’s policies, procedures and processes. #J-18808-Ljbffr California Lutheran University