Academic Advisor

Augsburg University has maintained a strong academic reputation defined by excellence in the liberal arts and professional studies since 1869. A safe and welcoming campus in the heart of Minneapolis, Augsburg offers undergraduate and graduate degrees to nearly 3,200 diverse students.

Augsburg’s mission is to educate students to be informed citizens, thoughtful stewards, critical thinkers, and responsible leaders. The Augsburg experience is supported by an engaged community that is committed to intentional diversity in its life and work. An Augsburg education is defined by excellence in the liberal arts and professional studies, guided by the faith and values of the Lutheran church, and shaped by its urban and global settings.

Augsburg invites individuals who share our mission and commitment to intentional diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging to join our community. In particular, Augsburg invites BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, individuals with disabilities, women, veterans and those from underrepresented or marginalized backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Summary of Position

Provide comprehensive advising, financial literacy and academic support services to Augsburg University students who participate in the TRIO/SSS program; assist TRIO/SSS participants in their persistence, academic performance, and timely graduation from the University; enhance existing and develop new programming designed to improve the academic counseling experience for participants in TRIO/SSS; collaborate with on-and off-campus departments to provide complementary student services.

Primary Responsibilities

• Academic Advising and course selection: Advise and monitor students regarding course selection and planning, major and graduation requirements, 4-year planning, graduation advising.
• Financial Aid Counseling and financial literacy advising: Advise students regarding financial aid award and renewal, and about federal, state, institutional, and other sources of financial aid. Instruct on personal budget planning, student account management and other financial literacy topics, monitor and advise on scholarship applications and completion of requirements.
• Academic Counseling: Coach students in academic skills and time management techniques through weekly meetings during students’ first term in SSS; monitor academic progress, respond to academic feedback reports and alerts from instructors; provide specialized probation advising and specialized advising for program participants admitted to the University conditionally; assist students in setting and achieving academic goals.
• Personal and Career Counseling: Instruct students in life and career skills, assist with major decision making strategies, intervene in minor crises and screen for appropriate referrals, counsel on variety of issues including family issues, college transition adjustment, college completion, personal development. Guide students to appropriate self-advocacy personally and academically.
• Advocacy: Advocate on behalf of students with faculty and staff, coach students to self-advocate.
• Summer Bridge: Design and lead supplemental instruction sessions for Summer Bridge course July-August. Assist in planning and day-to-day operations of 5-week academic residential program. Design and lead several program activities. Direct service to and implementation of advising programming for students participating in voluntary academic support program in order to meet eligibility and administrative requirements of the federal grant.

Additional Responsibilities

• Specialized workshops and cultural activities: Design, present, and evaluate 6-8 student academic support workshops per year, often in collaboration with on- and off-campus community partners; plan and accompany student participants on cultural, academic, and leadership activity events 2-4 times per year.
• Project planning and maintenance: Maintain program website, social networking sites and/or program newsletter to support necessary advertisement and communication of program activities. Plan, prepare, and implement retention initiatives to meet TRIO/SSS mission and objectives. Maintain partnerships with workshop co-sponsors, create new programming as needed
• Collaborative and ongoing training activities: Participate in at least one college committee, cross-departmental training, or discussion group per academic year; consult, collaborate and advise on programming and student issues with campus departments (faculty, Student Financial Services, Admissions, Disability Services, Counseling, Career Services, Multicultural Student Services, etc.)
• Professional development activities, program assessment, case notes on database and in student files, other documentation for federal grant support.
• All other duties as apparent or assigned by supervisor.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Typical work environment is an office.
• Sedentary work for long periods of time.
• Regular computer and phone use.
• Regular communication with others. Infrequent driving in the metro area for cultural activities, training, workshops, and special projects; must have reliable transportation.
• Occasional travel outside of metro area for professional development.
• Occasional long or irregular hours related to weekend and evening hours to accommodate Summer Bridge students, Adult Undergraduate students, to present workshops, and to participate in cultural activities and professional development activities.
• Intense work environment: student issues can reach crisis and feel overwhelming; it is important that the advisor maintains perspective and professional boundaries.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree; Master’s degree in education, student affairs or counseling related field preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) years full-time related work experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with counseling, advising, teaching, and/or student development theories.
• Computer skills including MS Office, internet and email usage.
• Counseling and/or student development theories and/or skill.
• Familiarity with web-based programs and systems, web site design programs preferred.
• Prior experience with TRIO or other educational opportunity programs preferred.
• Knowledge of FERPA and related confidentiality guidelines preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Ability to keep accurate and timely records of student contacts
• Ability to communicate clearly verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively in a diverse work environment. Ability to be attentive to details, show initiative, be accurate, be precise.
• Ability to lead; work in a team environment; and work independently with little supervision.
• Ability to reason/analyze; maintain confidentiality; and demonstrate patience, understanding with first-generation, low income students preferred.
• Ability to organize workflow; manage multiple projects; handle frequent interruptions.
• Ability to speak bilingually in Hmong, Somali or Spanish preferred.

Benefits at Augsburg

Augsburg University offers a competitive and comprehensive total rewards program including:

• Medical, dental and vision coverage

• A generous 403(b) matching program with an employer contributions of up to 8% upon eligibility

• Up to 100% tuition remission for employees, spouses and dependents, and participation in the Tuition Exchange program with colleges and universities throughout the US

• Generous paid time-off, including 14 paid holidays, 12 sick days, 2 community service days, and vacation of up to 22 days per year immediately upon hire

• Employer-paid STD, LTD and life insurance

• Enhanced Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all employees

Augsburg’s Statement regarding COVID-19 Vaccinations

For the safety of our students, employees and the community in which we live and work, Augsburg requires all employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19. For individuals who are unable to be vaccinated due to religious or medical reasons, Augsburg offers exemptions and accommodations.

Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Statement

Augsburg is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color, or any other protected class.

Augsburg University is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all applicants and employees regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, national origin, familial status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status or public assistance status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to complete our application process, please contact our Human Resources Department at phone number: 612-330-1058 or email: hr@augsburg.edu.