Academic Advisor

PSU-Student Success Programs; Pittsburg (KS); On-site; USD 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Pittsburg State University is seeking an Academic Student Advisor to support the advisement program. You will guide students on degree requirements, perform degree audits, and coordinate advisement communications to ensure successful progression.

The role covers program development, data maintenance, and collaboration with faculty and staff to enhance student retention and success in a full-time, 12-month appointment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education, counseling, social work, psychology, sociology, or related fields.
• One year of experience in a related field.
• Master’s degree in psychology, higher education, counseling, or related fields preferred.

Responsibilities

• Advise students on academic requirements and course selection.
• Perform and interpret degree audits.
• Coordinate communications to students regarding registration and probation; manage a student listserv.

Skills

Academic advising

FERPA compliance

Record keeping

Student engagement

Communication to students

Team collaboration

Orientation planning

Program evaluation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in education or related field

One year of related experience

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Duties and Responsibilities

Academic Student Advisement – 40%

• Advises students about academic requirements and selection of courses
• Performs and interprets degree audits
• Demonstrates respect for all individuals
• Participates in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the academic advisement program’s goals and objectives
• Identifies options for students to satisfy degree requirements; assists students in completion
• Participates in orientations for the first‑time college students and transfer students
• Coordinates communication to the students regarding such things as registration and academic probation; this could include the maintenance of a student listserv
• Participates in institutional student development and retention programs
• Serves as a resource for faculty/staff

Administrative & Programmatic Duties – 20%

• Disseminates information on institutional policies and procedures
• Understands the institution’s interpretation of FERPA rules for the release of student information to faculty, parents, students, etc.
• Reviews and interprets placement and other standardized test scores, unofficial transcripts, and course prerequisites
• Develops advising materials and presentations to support individual and group student sessions

Data, Assessment, & Continuous Improvement – 20%

• Maintains accurate records (including electronic records) of interactions with students
• Maintains systematic and frequent contact with advisees
• Stays abreast of changing institutional information including admissions requirements, new programs, course changes, deadlines, important dates, costs, expanding facilities, updates in college‑wide initiatives, transfer requirements, and state and federal mandates
• Engages in professional development activities, which may include, but are not limited to, memberships in professional organizations; attending conferences, workshops, division and department training sessions; and staying current with information technology skills

Student Success & Engagement – 15%

• Is a student advocate when appropriate
• Serves as liaison and fosters intentional relationships with other advisors, offices, colleges, and departments
• Refers students to the appropriate specialized staff for such issues as comprehensive counseling, financial assistance, study abroad, etc.
• Monitors student registration activities and recommends solutions to academic difficulties

Other Duties as assigned – 5%

• Performs additional responsibilities as delegated to support the mission and strategic goals of the division and university

Education and Experience

Required Education and Experience - Time of Hire

• Bachelor’s degree in education, counseling, social work, psychology, sociology, or related fields
• One year of experience in a related field

Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in education, counseling, social work, psychology, sociology discipline or related fields. This degree requirement ensures candidates possess the advanced theoretical knowledge, highly specialized methodologies, and critical problem‑solving skills fundamental to this work. These competencies are typically developed and rigorously validated only through the comprehensive curriculum and intensive experiential experience inherent in a formal degree program.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in psychology, higher education, counseling, or related fields
• Experience advising and/or counseling in Higher Education
• Experience working with college students and parents

Screening Services (Background Checks): Your employment with Pittsburg State University is contingent on a satisfactory criminal background and sex offender check.

Salary Range: $45,000.00 annually

Job Type: Unclassified

Appointment Duration: 12 months

Work Schedule: Full Time, Monday – Friday, weekends as needed, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM, evenings as needed

Application Documents Required*:

• Resume

• Cover Letter

• Names and Contact Details for three (3) Professional References

• Transcript

*Consolidate into two documents to upload.

Open Until Filled with a first consideration date of November 18, 2026.

Search Committee Chair: Ashley Wadell, [e-mail]

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

PSU will only accept applications submitted through this process.

Pittsburg State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing a respectful and supportive environment for all employees.

About Us

About Pittsburg State University

Founded in 1903, Pittsburg State’s 373‑acre campus is a beautiful blend of historic buildings and modern facilities, including state‑of‑the‑art athletics, arts, and research facilities.

Its residential and online undergraduate and graduate student population of nearly 6,000 is guided by an exceptionally talented and dedicated faculty, staff, and administrative team.

Pitt State’s hands‑on learning environment and engagement by alumni working in a variety of professional sectors creates incredible academic, internship, and employment opportunities for students. Academic programs often bring home national honors.

The university enjoys a close relationship with Pittsburg residents as well as city and business leaders. Throughout town, you’ll see gorilla statues in front lawns and red and gold Gorilla spirit at local businesses. Students, faculty, and staff are highly engaged in the local school district and with service projects, and in turn the community is highly supportive of and engaged in university activities.

Faculty, staff, and students have access to many amenities, including discounts and free access to concerts, plays, athletic events on campus as well as discounts on meals and services off campus.

Pitt State has developed unique partnerships in downtown Pittsburg, 1.4 miles north of the main campus. There, Block22 and the historic Hotel Besse offer innovative student housing options and the new Kelce College of Business building, scheduled to open in July 2026, will feature state‑of‑the‑art classrooms, collaboration spaces, and space for professional development and public events.

The university has earned institutional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission and two elite classifications from the Carnegie Foundation.