Academic Advisor - #230959

Western Carolina University; Cullowhee (NC); On-site; USD 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Western Carolina University is seeking an Academic Advisor (230959) to work on-site in Cullowhee, NC within the Advising Center. This EHRA-exempt role supports student success by guiding students from enrollment through degree completion and overseeing residential, distance, and transfer student advising.

The position emphasizes a development-focused advising approach, with collaboration across campus to support recruitment, retention, and timely graduation while maintaining advising records and

Qualifications

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States; sponsorship not provided.
• Master’s degree requirement or substitution with comparable independent educational or instructional activities related to student advising and counseling may be accepted in lieu of the listed degree.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a first enrollment advisor for incoming residential students and continue as primary advisor for residential and distance students.
• Assist students in selecting courses/majors and understanding university policies to progress toward degree.
• Support the Advising Center’s relationship-based advising model and contribute to recruitment, retention, and timely graduation.

Education

Master’s Degree in Education, Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Banner

Job description

Overview

Academic Advisor - 230959, Western Carolina University

Department: Advising Center

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

About WCU

Western Carolina University is part of the UNC system and offers a comprehensive benefits package. The university provides resources, policies and programs to support work/life balance, along with health, dental and vision insurance plans, retirement plan options, disability plans, tuition waivers for eligible employees, and on-campus wellness benefits.

Responsibilities

• Academic Advisors support student success by helping students navigate their academic journey from initial enrollment through degree completion.
• Assist students in selecting courses and majors, exploring career options, understanding university policies and procedures, and progressing through college.
• Support the Advising Center’s relationship-based advising model and contribute to goals related to recruitment, retention, timely graduation, and student achievement.

Academic Advisors support the development of the whole student through the delivery of the following duties and responsibilities:

• Serve as a first enrollment advisor for all incoming residential students, including new first-year students, transfers, and re-entering students
• Continue as a primary advisor for residential students with 0–45 completed hours
• Serve as the secondary advisor for residential students with 46–60 completed hours
• Continue as a primary advisor for distance students throughout their time in their program
• Serve as the primary advisor for all incoming distance students throughout their time in their program

They provide developmental advising to undeclared students, collaborate with Career Services to support career exploration, and maintain comprehensive knowledge of the University’s academic programs, support services, and student development practices.

Advisors also support the broader University community through recruitment activities, academic success instruction, faculty and staff training, departmental partnerships, and advising-related outreach.

In addition, Academic Advisors maintain advising records and documentation, contribute to the assessment and continuous improvement of advising programs and services, assist with the development and maintenance of advising processes and resources, engage in ongoing professional development, and perform other duties as needed to support the mission of the Advising Center and the success of WCU students.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Minimum Qualifications

• Interested candidates must already be legally authorized to work in the United States and will not require any immigration sponsorship or support.
• 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

• Experience with Microsoft Office preferred, knowledge of Banner preferred. Additional computer skills helpful.

Position Type: Permanent Full-Time

Special Instructions to Applicants

Application materials must be submitted online. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire. Please include a cover letter, current resume and a list of three professional references with complete contact information. For questions or additional information, please contact Catherine MacCallum at [e-mail]

AA/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 [phone] or email at [e-mail].

University Safety

The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Cullowhee, NC. 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.

To apply, please visit: jobs.wcu.edu/postings/34503