Academic Advisor - #005189

Western Carolina University

Cullowhee (NC)

On-site

USD 42,000 - 62,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC invites applications for Academic Advisors. You will provide comprehensive, relationship-based advising to undergraduate students, guiding them in choosing coursework, exploring majors, and planning degree progress to promote academic success.

You will collaborate with Career Services and academic departments, support recruitment, and may teach academic success courses.

Qualifications

Eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.
Master’s Degree in Education, Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or a related field.
For candidates with comparable experience, a relevant undergraduate degree plus three or more years of related experience may be substituted.

Responsibilities

Provide comprehensive, relationship-based advising to undergraduate students.
Guide students in selecting courses, exploring majors, and understanding degree requirements.
Collaborate with Career Services and academic departments to support student success.
Teach academic success courses as assigned and assist with advising-related workshops.

Skills

Counseling techniques

Communication skills

Student advising

Education

Master’s in Education

Master’s in Counseling

Master’s in Psychology

Tools

Microsoft Office

Banner

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

For questions or additional information please contact Richard Gamble at rgamble@wcu.edu

Anticipated Hiring Range Based On qualifications/experience, internal equity, and departmental budget restrictions.

About WCU

Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes ‘Best Employers’ lists each year. Including:

2025 – Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes ‘America’s Best Employers by State’ list.

2024 – Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’ list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.

2023 – Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’ list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.

2022 – Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes ‘America’s Best Employers by State’ list.

Western Carolina University is the UNC system’s westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.

Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans – eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.

Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses.

Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year.

Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.

WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences – many of which are offered free of charge.

Position Summary

The primary location of this position is on-site in Cullowhee, NC. This position is designated as being exempt from the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act ( EHRA ).

Academic Advisors support undergraduate student success by providing comprehensive, relationship-based advising that promotes academic progress, personal development, and timely degree completion. Advisors guide students in selecting appropriate courses, exploring majors and career pathways, understanding university academic policies and procedures, and navigating the transition to and through college. Serving as a primary resource for academic information, the Advising Center advances a coordinated, student-centered advising model in collaboration with campus partners.

Advisors serve as the first point of contact for incoming students, including first-time, transfer, and re-entering students, and continue as primary advisors through the completion of 45 credit hours, transitioning to a secondary advising role through 60 hours. They provide developmental advising to undeclared students, collaborate with Career Services to support career exploration, and contribute to recruitment efforts by representing the Advising Center. Advisors also teach academic success courses as assigned and maintain strong partnerships across the institution by serving as liaisons to academic departments, working with department heads and associate deans, and supporting faculty and staff through advising-related workshops and consultation.

In support of institutional goals, advisors work collaboratively to enhance student quality and yield, reduce time to degree, and improve retention and completion rates. They contribute through their knowledge of academic programs and student support services, application of student development theory, and active participation in the continuous improvement of advising practices.

This includes maintaining accurate advising records, assisting with the development and revision of Advising Center processes and materials, participating in assessment and evaluation efforts, and engaging in ongoing professional development. Advisors may also perform other duties as assigned in support of students and the Advising Center.

Minimum Qualifications

Must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Minimum of a Master’s Degree in Education, Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or a related field.

For candidates demonstrating comparable independent educational or instructional activities related to the delivery of student advising and counseling or student personnel services, a relevant undergraduate degree and three or more years of relevant experience may be accepted as a substitution.

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge of counseling techniques, including career counseling, is preferred. Strong written and oral communication skills are essential.

Experience with Microsoft Office is preferred; knowledge of Banner is preferred. Additional computer skills are helpful.

Position Type

Position Type Permanent Full-Time

Number of Hours Per Week

Number of Hours Per Week 40

Number of Months Per Year

Number of Months Per Year 12

Posting Text

Open Date

Open Date 06/26/2026

Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Background/E-Verify

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.

Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify . Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.

All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.

EOE

Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.

University Safety

The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.

Required Documents