Academic Advisor Ii (Open To Internal Applicants Only)

JOB SUMMARY

The Academic Advisor II reports to the Director of Academic Advising & Retention. The incumbent functions as an Academic Advisor in the Student Engagement & Achievement (SEA) Center. The Academic Advisor II advises students to assist them in making appropriate educational decisions specific to their education plan at Fort Valley State University. The Academic Advisor II also recommends courses for students to take, stays updated on course requirements, and counsels students on academic policies and issues.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supports the mission of the SEA Center by helping students explore academic opportunities, identify goals, and assists in implementing plans to reach those goals.
• Assists with engaging a community of advising including faculty advisors, collaborative offices, and all Freshmen and Sophomore undergraduate students through trainings, seminars, programs, events, and related initiatives.
• Advises Freshmen and Sophomore undergraduate students across all disciplines in assigned caseloads and academic interests including, but not limited to, students listed as undecided students, transfer students, and readmitted students.
• Will have considerable responsibilities for advising and will take a leadership role in other advising programming at the discretion of the Director of Academic Advising & Retention and/or the Executive Director of the SEA Center.
• Performs other related duties as assigned as directed by the Director of Academic Advising & Retention, Assistant Director of Academic Advising & Retention, and Executive Director of the SEA Center.
• Provides academic advising to support student retention and other retention initiatives
• Identifies and helps resolve obstacles impeding the academic success of students
• Analyzes students' academic and personal issues/concerns and provides referral/intervention services
• Supports students in developing a required academic plan to meet progression requirements
• Explains academic policies, procedures, and guidelines to students to meet their educational goals
• Educates students about the value of academic advising and the importance of the registration process
• Guides students through college and university level administrative processes
• Maintains appropriate student records and documents student interactions
• May be assigned to support specific academic departments, programs, or student populations
• Utilizes advising technology systems to manage student data

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

1. Knowledge of academic culture, policies, and procedures
2. Ability to exhibit a positive attitude and to collaborate with coworkers, students, faculty, and staff tactfully and courteously in order maintain effective service-oriented relationships.
3. Knowledge of university personnel and budget management policies.
4. Knowledge of higher education practices and standards.
5. Knowledge of current and developing trends in student retention and success.
6. Skill in the delegation of responsibility and authority.
7. Skill in the operation of computers and job-related software programs.
8. Skills in interpersonal relations and in dealing with the public.
9. Skills in oral and written communication.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Master's degree and 2+ years of relevant work experience
• Demonstrates all required knowledge, skills, and abilities of an Academic Advisor Level I
• Demonstrates knowledge, skills, and abilities to function autonomously as an Academic Advisor for assigned degree programs
• Assists with specialty assignments, projects, and/or initiatives
• May train or mentor student assistants, peer advisors, and/or Academic Advisors Level I and II
• Enhanced use of advising technology systems (DegreeWorks, EAB Student Success Management System)

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title III guidelines, and university and Board of Regents policies and procedures. These guidelines require judgement, selection and interpretation in application. This position develops department guidelines.