Academic Advisor

University of South Carolina

Spartanburg, Northern (SC, KY)

Hybrid

USD 50,000 - 52,000

Full time

29 hours ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement programs

Tuition assistance

EAP

Paid holidays

Professional development

Job summary

University of South Carolina Upstate seeks an Academic Advisor – Grant to guide students through college planning, advising, and program selection. You will promote success through advising practices and career exploration, serving majors as assigned by the AVP for Student Success.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree and at least 3 years of related experience; a Master's degree is preferred with some higher education experience.

Qualifications

Requires a bachelor’s degree in a job related field and 3+ years of related experience.
Master’s degree preferred with at least 1 year in higher education advising, support services, or related field.

Responsibilities

Advise current and prospective students and promote effective advisement practices.
Assess students' needs, goals, and prior experiences to design an academic plan.
Promote student success, including academic support and career exploration; serve assigned majors.

Skills

Advising

Student counseling

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Master’s degree (preferred)

Job description

About USC

About University of South Carolina

From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

Benefits package

USC Upstate offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:

Health and Life Insurance

Retirement Programs

Paid Tuition Program

Employee Assistance Program ( EAP )

13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)

Professional Development Opportunities

Anticipated Hiring Range $49,700 - $52,000; Salary commensurate with education and experience.

Location of Vacancy

Location of Vacancy USC Upstate, Spartanburg, SC

Part/Full Time

Part/Full Time Full Time

Hours per Week

37.5

Work Schedule

Monday – Friday; 8:30am – 5pm; Some evenings and weekends as needed are required.

Type of Staff Position

Type of Staff Position Staff Research Grant (SRGP)

Basis

Basis 12 months

Job Search Category

Job Search Category Student Services

Benefits for Research Grant or Time-Limited Positions Are Indicated Below

The University of South Carolina (UofSC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about UofSC benefits, access the \"Working at USC\" section on the Applicant Portal at https://uscjobs.sc.edu. Research Grant or Time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or no benefits, based on the grant or project funding.

South Carolina Retirement

Yes

State Insurance Programs

Yes

Annual Leave

Yes

Sick Leave

Yes

Position Description

Advertised Job Summary

Academic Advisor – Grant
University of South Carolina Upstate
RTF00201PO26
Spartanburg, SC

Academic Advisors are responsible for advising current and prospective students, promoting good advisement practices, and assisting with academic support. Academic advisors assess students’ needs, goals, interests, and prior academic experiences to guide students in designing and implementing a successful academic plan. Advisors are also responsible for promoting student success, including academic support and career exploration. This position will serve majors as assigned by the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Success.

Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience

Requires a bachelor’s degree in a job related field and 3 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience.

Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree required with a minimum of 1 year of experience in higher education academic advising, academic support services, first‑year experience programming, career counseling, or related field.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Ability to work and motivate traditional as well as nontraditional students, strong computer and interpersonal skills required.

Job Duties

Job Duty

Navigate students through the major transitions of college enrollment. Provide programming for students as they enter, remain enrolled, and leave the institution. Maintains an advising load and works directly with students to accomplish educational goals. Key aspects include maintaining the integrity of academic policies while serving as a student advocate; fostering a culture of student responsibility and success; providing students with information about the possible consequences of academic decisions; and creating plans of study. Must maintain current knowledge of degree programs. Assists students during OAR and participates in open house events, FAB Friday, and other student recruitment events. Complete plans of study.

Essential Function Yes

Percentage of Time

Job Duty

Assist students in the development of an educational plan, including choosing a program of study and/or clarifying educational goals.

Essential Function Yes

Percentage of Time

Job Duty

Provide academic advising for assigned majors and monitor student registration. Educate students about course planning and registration processes. Refer students to campus resources to meet individual needs.

Essential Function Yes

Percentage of Time

Job Duty

Implement targeted outreach to students with at-risk factors.

Essential Function Yes

Percentage of Time

Job Duty

Improve students’ career readiness through major exploration and referral to appropriate campus programs and services.

Essential Function Yes

Percentage of Time

Job Duty

Maintains accurate data for reports and informed decision-making. Keeps advising statistics, work schedules, and other reporting documents up-to-date. Monitor and respond to students using advising software (Starfish).

Essential Function Yes

Percentage of Time

Job Duty

Teach UNIV 101 (College Success Seminar).

Essential Function Yes

Percentage of Time

Job Duty

Other duties as assigned.

Essential Function Yes

Percentage of Time

Position Attributes

Hazardous weather category

Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing.

Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing. No

Number of Vacancies

Desired Start Date

08/31/2026

Position End Date

09/30/2028

Job Open Date

08/31/2026

Job Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable law.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

* This University of South Carolina Upstate position is located in Spartanburg, South Carolina.Do you wish to continue applying for this position?
- Yes
- No

* Are you willing and able to submit to a pre-employment background check that may include, but it is not limited to, criminal history, national sex offender search and motor vehicle history as a condition of hire?
- Yes
- No

* Do you have a master’s degree required with a minimum of 1 year of experience in higher education academic advising, academic support services, first‑year experience programming, career counseling, or related field?
- Yes
- No