Academic Advisor
Governors State University

Job Info

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Description

This position is classified as an Academic Support Professional (ASP) and is covered by theCollective Bargaining Agreement. They are directly involved in academic advising general studies and bachelor's degree programs. They will monitor students' academic records, assist with course selection, inform students about academic policies, make students aware of study abroad programs, discuss transfer credit, articulate academic majors and career interests equivalencies, integrate, explain academic standing (including Early Alert Warnings via GSUStar (Starfish), academic probation and suspension), discuss degree programs, (including changing majors, graduate programs, and minors); explain degree audit, and graduation clearance. They will be housed in the Undergraduate Academic Advising Center.

Essential Responsibilities

Essential Responsibilities
85% Provide primary advising from pre-admission to graduation for undergraduate students in general studies and bachelor's degree programs. Communicate with students in person, by phone, e-mail, GSU Star, or other forms of electronic communication to answer questions and requests for information. Document student contact in GSU Star including results of advising appointments, responses and clearing for flags and student requests for assistance. Maintaining availability for appointments for students in GSU Star. Inform new students about the requirement of the new virtual student orientations. Assist with the development of the virtual orientations and advising website when requested to discuss program requirements with newly admitted freshman and transfer students when requested. Review with new and continuing students the degree audit and provide them with information regarding course sequencing. Determine student eligibility to register for various courses requiring prerequisites and inform them of the proper sequence of courses. Place and release advising holds, review applications for transfer of college, change of majors, SAP appeals, and process GI Bill Verification forms. Ensure that each graduating student's file is updated, verify that all requirements have been met, and process graduation applications accurately and timely. Communicate with students placed on academic probation. Communicate via e-mail with students throughout the semester to information them of various university activities, deadlines, and important information. Scholarships and tuition waivers are promoted through e-mail periodically each year. Consult with chairs regarding schedule by providing the needed student data. Speak with current students about minor requirements and how they support the academic major. Promote the programs by participating in either on-campus or off-campus recruitment activities when requested. Participate in regularly scheduled meetings with the UAAC, appropriate college, division/department and program personnel. Review portal, website, and program handbooks for accuracy, updates, and inform the Colleges and faculty of required changes.
10 % Participate in University open houses major/minor fairs/resource fairs and orientation.

5% participate in university committees as approved by the Director of the UAAC

Required and Preferred Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Previous academic advising experience required.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with students, faculty, staff and other higher educational institutions.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment with flexible hours.
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to accurately and efficiently use a variety of Microsoft office (word processing, spreadsheet and/or database, PowerPoint) to create/produce letters, reports, flyers and other documents; ability to learn and successfully use new software programs and ERP systems to fulfill job requirements.
• Experience working successfully with diverse populations; able to demonstrate an understanding of, sensitivity to and appreciation for academic, ethnic, socio-economic, disability, age and gender diversity of students and staff attending or working at GSU.
• Ability to multi-task, handle projects and prioritize based on program goals and objectives
• Ability to work with little supervision, make decisions, and demonstrate good judgment.
• Experience in prior learning assessments or credit for prior learning.

• Preferred QualificationsMaster's degree or higher.
• One year experience in University-level academic advising
• Knowledge of Student Information Systems (Colleague or related product)
• Experience working with a variety of students at diverse entry points into the University (e.g., Freshmen-Senior; traditional and non-traditional; adult learners)
• Ability to help students with understanding pathways to complete graduate education.
• Bilingualism

Supplemental Information

Please attach these required documents:

Resume

Cover Letter

List of Three Professional References

Transcripts

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