Academic Advisor

Abilene Christian University; Abilene (TX); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Abilene Christian University in Texas is seeking an Academic Advisor to assist students in defining educational plans and supporting their academic journey.

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor’s degree and has experience in higher education, demonstrating strong communication and organizational skills. Responsibilities include proactive student engagement and maintaining academic records.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years of experience in higher education is preferred for candidates without a Master’s degree.
• High initiative, dependability, and focus.
• Goal-oriented and high professionalism.

Responsibilities

• Help students define and develop educational plans.
• Consult with Faculty colleagues regularly.
• Maintain an up-to-date advising portfolio.

Skills

Detail-oriented

Strong organizational skills

Excellent communicator

Presentation skills

People skills

Time-management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Banner

Degree Works

Slate

Job description

ACU is affiliated with the fellowship of the Church of Christ. All applicants must be professing Christians and willing to support the Christian mission and purpose of Abilene Christian University while employed by the university.

Basic Responsibilities

• Help students to define and develop realistic educational plans through schedule planning for each semester and summer school, if appropriate. Each student should have an up-to-date academic schedule plan through to graduation.
• Proactively contact and be available for students on a regular basis. Office hours should be clear and consistent. Advisors should plan for extended hours during peak advising seasons.
• Consult regularly with Faculty colleagues to have up-to-date information on curriculum and degree plans.
• Provide accurate information to students during advising interactions, following academic policies set by faculty. Understand and provide rationale for institutional policies, procedures, and requirements.
• Connect with incoming students during orientation and throughout the summer to assist students with the initial adjustment to university academic life. Schedule special sessions throughout the first academic year.
• Meet at least once each semester with students to: Plan for the upcoming semester; Review and revise long‑range academic program schedules; Assist students in planning a program consistent with their abilities and interests; Review progress toward completing the proposed academic program; Discuss grades, milestones, and success markers; Discuss student well‑being and satisfaction.
• Initiate the process for all designated educational transactions (pre‑registration/registration schedule, drops/adds, withdrawals, change of major, waivers, graduation requirements, etc.).
• Follow up with students on any report of potential barriers to student success, such as holds on student accounts, poor mid‑term grades, poor class attendance, incomplete grades from previous semesters, etc., especially for students at risk of not succeeding.
• Maintain an up‑to‑date advising portfolio with a summary record of performance to date (grade reports, transcripts, requirements completed, advising agreements, etc.).
• Connect students to other institutional resources when necessary (faculty, tutoring, the Career Development Office, the Counseling Center, Wildcat Central, etc.).

Essential Duties

• Demonstrate a concerned and caring attitude toward advisees.
• Exhibit effective interpersonal and communication skills.
• Frequent and proactive contact with advisees.
• Be knowledgeable of institutional regulations, policies, offerings, and procedures.
• Monitor students’ progress.
• Use appropriate information resources and refer when necessary.
• Engage in developmental advising rather than simple course scheduling.

Professional Development Requirements

• Required Skills: Detail‑oriented and strong organizational skills; excellent communicator and strong presentation skills; strong people skills with an understanding of how to provide excellent customer service; strong time‑management skills to handle multiple tasks required in successful student advising and project management.
• Required Training Modules: Training with Academic Departments in your advising cluster; software training as needed; Banner and Degree Works training as needed; Slate training as needed; regular advising team meetings to stay up‑to‑date on program and catalog changes; professional growth seminars or conferences for academic advising professionals.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of three years of experience in higher education is preferred for candidates without a Master’s degree.
• High initiative, dependability, and focus.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Goal‑oriented, high professionalism.
• Strong organizational skills.

Physical Demands

Strong voice to endure extended periods of communication; ability to endure long periods of sitting, standing, and walking; ability to travel; handle stress well.

Other Requirements

Each advisor must have their own cell phone.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

ACU does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, disability, genetic information, national or ethnic origin in employment opportunities, in keeping with applicable state and federal law.