Academic Advisor

Roger Williams University; Bristol (RI); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established institution is looking for a passionate Academic Advisor to support first-year students in their academic journey. This role involves providing personalized guidance, helping students navigate their course selections, and fostering their independence and self-efficacy. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication skills and a commitment to student development. Join a vibrant community dedicated to academic excellence and student success, where your contributions will make a significant impact on the lives of students as they transition into university life.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field required.
• Experience in advising or similar roles preferred.
• Strong communication and multitasking skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide educational guidance to first-year students.
• Advise on course selections and academic goals.
• Monitor academic progress and support student success.

Skills

Advising Students

Communication Skills

Customer Service

Multitasking

Attention to Detail

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Education

Master's Degree in Counseling

Tools

Microsoft Office

Trac Cloud

Ellucian Colleague

Job description

Roger Williams University Job Posting: Academic Advisor

At Roger Williams University, students are prepared to be thinkers and doers ready to solve challenging problems with innovative solutions. RWU offers 50 majors and robust offerings of graduate and professional programs across eight schools of study, including Rhode Island's only law school. With campuses on the coast of Bristol and in the heart of Providence, RI, the university emphasizes small classrooms, undergraduate and graduate research, and community engagement. A Roger Williams education blends liberal arts and professional studies, equipping students with interdisciplinary thinking and well-rounded knowledge for success in a global interconnected world. RWU is committed to strengthening society through engaged scholarship, fostering critical thinking and practical skills in students.

Roger Williams University seeks to recruit and support a broadly diverse community of faculty and staff. We value all races, genders, identities, and abilities and aim to create a community that encourages lifelong learning, professional development, and academic innovation.

Job Description:

Reporting to the Assistant Director, Advising & Peer Mentorship, the Academic Advisor provides educational guidance and assistance to first-year students. The role involves utilizing extensive knowledge about academic programs, policies, procedures, and student support services while maintaining confidentiality. The Academic Advisor interprets student needs, provides individualized service, and develops strategies for student success, especially for those experiencing academic or transitional difficulties.

Essential Functions / Characteristics:

1. Participate in New Student Orientation activities related to academic advising and registration.
2. Serve as the primary advisor for a defined group of first-year students.
3. Advise students on major and general education course selections, policies, procedures, and resources.
4. Provide holistic and developmental advising to first-year students.
5. Assist students in identifying short- and long-term academic goals.
6. Help students explore majors, minors, and academic opportunities like double majors and individualized programs.
7. Inform advisees of important academic calendar dates.
8. Monitor academic progress and guide students on related issues.
9. Track and intervene with students who receive academic referrals.
10. Support students facing transitional issues related to college attendance.
11. Develop students' self-efficacy and independence skills.
12. Serve as an Academic Skills Enrichment Program Advisor.
13. Build collaborative relationships with faculty, support staff, deans, the Registrar's Office, Enrollment Management, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and Student Life.
14. Maintain advising records in the Trac Cloud system.
15. Be knowledgeable of FERPA and university policies regarding confidentiality.
16. Utilize Colleague, CIVITAS, and other university systems for advising.
17. Organize and implement workshops and events supporting student success, such as major exploration and academic skills workshops.
18. Establish a professional development plan, staying updated on best practices in academic advising.

Additional Functions:

1. Complete matriculation processes, including withdrawals and reinstatements.
2. Participate as a member of the Student Success Team, focusing on immediate academic support services.
3. Oversee the web presence of the Advising and Peer Mentorship Office to enhance engagement and visibility.
4. Collaborate with faculty advisors to improve advising quality and facilitate major transitions.
5. Participate in outreach efforts by the Center for Student Academic Success (CSAS).
6. Represent the Office and University at enrollment and other events.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in College Student Personnel, Counseling, Education, or a related field.
• Experience advising students or in similar roles (e.g., Graduate Assistant, Resident Assistant, Pre-College Advising).
• Ability to engage and develop students effectively.
• Strong communication skills with diverse constituents.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Customer service experience.
• Ability to prioritize and multitask efficiently.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, student information systems, and willingness to learn new software.
• Ability to handle sensitive and complex information professionally.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in College Student Personnel, Counseling, Education, or related field.
• Experience in higher education advising or academic counseling.
• Proficiency with Office 365, Ellucian Colleague, TracCloud, and web-based scheduling tools.
• Knowledge of student development theories and advising models.
• Familiarity with undergraduate and graduate curricula.
• Experience working in fast-paced, student-focused, team environments.

At the University's discretion, equivalent education and experience may be considered.

Additional Information:

RWU is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer committed to diversity. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or other protected characteristics. For our Non-discrimination policy, visit our website. RWU prohibits discrimination based on sex in education programs and activities, in compliance with Title IX. Complaints should be directed to the Title IX Coordinator: Dr. Jen Stanley, 1 Old Ferry Road, Bristol, RI 02809, [phone], [e-mail].

Application Instructions:

Please attach a resume, cover letter, and a list of three professional references.