Academic Advisor

McNeese State University; Lake Charles (LA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

McNeese State University invites applicants to apply for the position of Academic Advisor in the Office of Advising. This is a full-time, 12-month, unclassified position with appointment available October 15, 2025.

The Academic Advisor will maintain an advising load, evaluate transcripts, assist with graduation, and collaborate with students, faculty, and campus offices to support retention. Responsibilities include advising 500–700 students, developing student enrollment activities, maintaining

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Excellent communication skills via multiple channels.
• Excellent computer skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and solve problems.

Responsibilities

• Maintain advising load of 500–700 students.
• Evaluate transcripts and assist graduation.
• Collaborate with students, faculty, Athletics, and offices.
• Provide high-quality service to internal/external customers.
• Engage in professional development and institutional initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of the Office of Advising and Retention.

Skills

Excellent communication

Excellent computer skills

Excellent organizational skills

Independent work

Problem solving

Diversity engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Tools

Ellucian Banner

Banner Self-Service

Banner 9

Job description

McNeese State University invites applicants to apply for the position of Academic Advisor in the Office of Advising. This position reports to the Director of Advising and Retention. This is a full-time, 12-month, unclassified position. The appointment is available October 15, 2025.

Position Number: U99735

SALARY:$41,500

DEADLINE:Open until filled.

APPLICATION PROCESS AND MATERIALS:Applicants MUST complete an electronic application and upload required documents listed below:

• Letter of Application detailing experience relevant to the position
• Resume
• Three Professional References (include: name, phone number, and e-mail address)
• Unofficial Transcripts

*Only completed application packets including all items listed above will be reviewed.

ALL JOB OFFERS ARE CONTINGENT UPON THE SUCCESSFUL RESULT OF A CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK AND RECEIPT OF OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT(S) IF APPLICABLE.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS POSITION, PLEASE CONTACT THE CHAIR:

Ashley Bass at [e-mail]

Office of Human Resources Contact:

Kim Dronett, HR Analyst/Employment Liaison: [e-mail] or [phone]

The Academic Advisor employs a holistic advising approach with a focus on developing the total student and serving as the partner in their educational discovery and academic journey. The Academic Advisor is responsible for functions related to advising, transcript evaluation, and graduation. The Academic Advisor will work closely with students, faculty, Athletics, Honors College, Registrar’s Office, Admissions and Recruiting, Financial Aid, Scholarships, Career and Professional Development Services, Support Services, and International Programs. This job will mainly involve advising the College of Business, the School of Agriculture, and the School of Kinesiology.

Additionally, the Academic Advisor:

• Maintains an advising load of approximately 500-700 students based on selection of major and academic requirements
• Is responsible for preparing student advising forms based on admissions application, test scores and transcripts
• Informs students of their responsibilities considering institutional policies
• Maintains extensive knowledge of Banner Self-Service, Banner 9, and Degree Works
• Monitors student registration activities and recommends solutions to academic difficulties
• Maintains accurate records of student interactions
• Participates in the development, implementation, review, presentation and revision of new student enrollment activities for first-time freshmen, transfer students, and parents
• Oversees and updates information/videos on the website
• Participates in the planning, implementation and the evaluation of the academic advisement program’s goals and objectives
• Participates in institutional student development and retention programs
• Refers students to other student support services when appropriate
• Serves as a liaison with other departments and a resource for students
• Communicates effectively and successfully with diverse populations
• Interprets test scores, unofficial transcripts and course prerequisites for students
• Provides excellent service to all internal and external customers; ensures problems are resolved in an efficient and effective manner; responds to inquiries via phone, email, and face-to-face in a timely manner, works effectively and collaboratively as a team member; and meets expectations in a fast-paced dynamic and customer-oriented environment
• Honors and stays abreast of changing institutional, ULS and state requirements and deadlines
• Participates in weekend or after-hours events with notice for advising and other events that support recruitment, advisement, or retention of undergraduate students each semester
• Engages in professional development activities as directed by supervisor
• Completes other duties as assigned by the Director of the Office of Advising and Retention or Executive Director of Enrollment Management

Required :

• Bachelor’s degree
• Excellent communication skills via telephone, email, and all other written exchanges and in person
• Excellent computer skills
• Excellent organizational skills
• Ability to work independently
• Problem solving skills
• Ability to work and interact with diverse individuals and groups at all levels
• Ability to thoroughly understand and abide by federal and university guidelines and student confidentiality requirements

Preferred:

• Master’s Degree
• Significant work experience in higher education or other educational setting
• Experience working with Ellucian Banner

McNeese State University, located in Lake Charles, Louisiana, is a public university and a member of the University of Louisiana System. Under Louisiana law, applications and all supporting materials will become public record. All applicants are expected to submit complete and accurate materials as specified in the position announcement. A background check and an English Proficiency assessment (Faculty Only) will be conducted on selected finalists. We comply with Louisiana Revised Statute 49:1001, et seq, and State of Louisiana Executive Order 98-38, which provides for drug testing of employees, appointees, prospective employees, prospective appointees. Prospective employees and employees are informed if a drug test is required.

McNeese State University is an AA/EEO/ADA employer committed to excellence through diversity and a SAME agency (State as a Model Employer for People with Disabilities) for the State of Louisiana.

Persons needing reasonable accommodations as provided by the Americans with Disabilities Act should contact the ADA Coordinator, Dr. Desmond Wallace, Office of Inclusive Excellence: Voice: [phone]; TDD/TTY, Hearing Impaired: [phone]; or [e-mail].

The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 requires McNeese State University to inform applicants that the University can employ only U.S. citizens and aliens lawfully authorized to work in the U.S. Each new employee is required to present documentation verifying his/her identity and right to accept employment. McNeese participates in E-Verify.

Louisiana Revised Statute 42:31–“Eligibility requirements for certain unclassified employees”–requires any person hired or employed in an unclassified position, whose annual salary or rate of compensation is equal to or exceeds one hundred thousand dollars, provide proof to his public employer that he has been issued a Louisiana driver’s license and that all vehicles registered in his name are registered in Louisiana within thirty days of being hired or employed at such salary.

Transcripts from Foreign Universities: Prospective faculty submitting transcripts from foreign universities or schools must have the coursework evaluated for equivalency to United States-accredited coursework by a university-approved agency. The prospective faculty member is responsible for the cost of the evaluation. McNeese typically accepts evaluations by World Education Services (www.wes.org) or Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. www.ece.org.