Academic Advisor - #270030

Western Carolina University

Cullowhee (NC)

On-site

USD 45,000 - 60,000

Full time

3 days ago

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Job summary

Western Carolina University seeks an Academic Advisor to serve as the first contact for undergraduate teacher education majors, post-baccalaureate licensure students, and graduate students. The role includes orientation support, educational planning, and guidance on degree requirements within the CEAP.

You will help students understand licensure prerequisites in North Carolina, provide strategies for academic success, and refer to campus resources. Collaboration with CEAP staff is essential.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree or equivalent; experience may substitute.
Legal authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Responsibilities

Serve as the first contact for undergraduate teacher education majors, post-baccalaureate licensure students, and graduate students.
Facilitate orientation functions, including schedule building and presentation delivery.
Guide students in creating educational plans aligned with goals, abilities, and resources.
Provide clear information on WCU/CEAP policies and degree requirements.
Explain NC licensure requirements for teacher education majors.
Offer strategies for academic success and retention.
Refer students to campus offices and resources as needed.
Maintain advising records and participate in program assessment and development.

Skills

Written and oral communication

Advising theory & practices

Diversity & inclusion

MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Banner software

Professional relationships

Confidential information handling

Group presentation

Education

Bachelor's degree or Equivalent

Tools

Banner

Microsoft Office

Job description

Academic Advisor - #270030

Posting Details

Posting Number: EHRA1136P
Quick Link for Internal Postings: https://jobs.wcu.edu/postings/35685
Classification Title: Academic Advisor
Working Title: Academic Advisor - #270030
Department: CEAP Student Success Center
Anticipated Hiring Range: Based on qualifications/experience, internal equity, and departmental budget restrictions.

About WCU

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.

Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes 'Best Employers' lists each year.

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.
Free group exercise classes multiple times per week.
Discounted membership to the campus recreation center.
Free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus.
Pretax flexible spending accounts.
12 paid holidays.
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.
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).

Serve as the first point of contact for undergraduate declared teacher education majors (new freshmen and transfers), post-baccalaureate alternative licensure students, and graduate degree students.
Facilitate orientation functions, including schedule building and presentation preparation and delivery.
Assist students with making educational plans that are consistent with their goals, abilities, and interests, and increase awareness of the various academic options and resources available within the College of Education and Allied Professions and WCU.
Provide students with clear and accurate information regarding WCU/CEAP policies, procedures, and degree requirements.
Assist students in developing a thorough understanding of North Carolina licensure requirements for teacher education majors.
Offer recommendations and strategies for academic success.
Refer students to appropriate campus offices and resources as needed.
Work to advance rates of retention and completion.
Maintain appropriate advising records and documentation.
Participate in the assessment and evaluation of the CEAP academic advising program.
Participate in ongoing professional development and encourage the growth of colleagues.
Report to and meet regularly with the Senior Academic Advisor.
Other duties and responsibilities as assigned in support of the needs of students and the College of Education and Allied Professions (CEAP).

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Strong written and oral communication skills.
Knowledge of current theories and practices in academic advising.
Ability to work effectively and respectfully with students from varied cultural and educational backgrounds.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and familiarity with Banner software.
Ability to establish and maintain professional working relationships with staff, student employees, faculty, and administrators.
Ability to ethically manage and safeguard highly confidential information.
Ability to present and effectively communicate educational information to groups.

Minimum Qualifications

Interested candidates must already be legally authorized to work in the United States and will not require any immigration sponsorship or support.
Bachelor's degree from an appropriately accredited institution; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Three years of successful professional experience in academic advising or a related student services program.

Position Type

Permanent Full-Time

Number of Hours Per Week

Number of Months Per Year

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.

Credential Verification

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.

Applicant Documents