First-Year Academic Advisor

Job no: 493630
Work type: Administrative (Full Time)
Location: Marion, IN
Categories: Academic Advising/Academic Support

Job Title: First-Year Academic Advisor

Reporting Relationship: Director of Registration & Academic Services and First-Year Advising

Unit: IWU-Marion

Department: Registration & Academic Services-IWU Marion

Campus Location: Barnes Student Center

Summary of Position: The First-Year Academic Advisor serves as a dedicated team member of the Academic Advising team within Registration & Academic Services.  This position facilitates a smooth transition for new students into the IWU-Marion community to assist in student thriving.  Advisors help each student as they transition into the institution with previous college credit, creating a first-year course schedule, and navigating academic questions in partnership with faculty.  Advisors will support first-year by developing a relationship, answering questions, and navigating unique situations using a culturally responsive and strengths-based approach.  Using positive psychology and an appreciative approach, advisors will help students develop a growth mindset, utilize their strengths, grow in their feelings of competency and autonomy, and create important, meaningful connections to the institution.  The Academic Advisor will serve to offer support as students navigate their college experience to help set them up to thrive at IWU-Marion.  

Duties and Responsibilities

• Academic Support & Processing:
  • Assist first-year students in the transition into college and throughout the first year at IWU by helping with academic processes and resourcing students
  • Help with the processes and systems within the RAS department, such as scheduling, registration, academic planning, and transfer work/dual credit
  • Supporting students by answering questions and helping them connect to needed resources
• Academic Advising Meetings:
  • Support students through scheduled and impromptu meetings by answering questions, helping with registration, and navigating their college experience
• Communication:
  • Tracking the department with communication to students
  • This work would include reminder emails/texts, collaborative communications (such as the residential student emails - Wildcat Update), and other methods of supporting RAS timelines and communication
  • The goal would be to ensure all students have the needed information to make informed decisions
• Events:
  • Invest in the student experience through events, both in the RAS office and campus events
  • These events include various events in RAS, registration, graduation, new student/admitted student events, and new student orientation weekends

Qualifications: According to Indiana Wesleyan University employment policy all employees must possess a strong Christian commitment and adhere to the standards outlined in the IWU Community Lifestyle Statement.

Education

• Masters degree preferred

Experience

• Two (2) years of experience in a related field preferred, but not required

Required Skills

• Demonstrates a mature personal faith in Jesus Christ and a commitment to the mission of IWU
• Demonstrates a strong, positive, team-oriented attitude and continued goal to learn and grow
• Demonstrates extraordinary interpersonal and collaborative skills to work with a variety of constituents (such as parents and students) and colleagues (such as faculty, admissions, and academic leadership)
• Understands the complexities of higher education and can successfully and respectfully navigate organizational areas and policies
• Demonstrates an ability to learn and use complex information, such as academic policies and procedures, curricular pathways, and graduation requirements
• Possesses strong technical skills and a high comfort level within a computerized environment
• Exhibits outstanding oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrates the ability to make well-informed decisions, problem solve, and coordinate a variety of activities and tasks
• Reveals exemplary organizational skills, attention to detail, flexibility, and the capacity to develop efficient and effective systems for the implementation of policies and processes
• Adheres to strict confidentiality requirements

Diversity Statement

IWU commits to create a community that reflects kingdom diversity. We will foster an intentional environment that exhibits honor, respect, and dignity. Acknowledging visible or invisible differences, our community authentically values each member’s earthly and eternal worth. We refute ignorance and isolation and embrace deliberate and courageous engagement.

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER

As a religious educational institution operating under the auspices of The Wesleyan Church, Indiana Wesleyan University is permitted and reserves the right to prefer employees on the basis of religion (42 U.S.C., Sections 2000e-1 and 2000e-2).

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws.

Advertised: 13 Feb 2024 US Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: 14 Mar 2024 US Eastern Daylight Time