Academic Advisor - Athletics - #140245

Western Carolina University; Cullowhee (NC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Western Carolina University invites applications for the Academic Advisor - Athletics position on the Cullowhee, NC campus. The advisor supports student-athletes by monitoring eligibility, delivering academic and personal advising, and collaborating with Athletics and Career Services.

The role is EHRA-exempt, full-time, with potential teaching duties as assigned. Candidates should hold a Master’s degree in Higher Education or a related field, demonstrate strong communication skills, and be

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Higher Education, Student Personnel, or related field is required.
• Experience in academic advising or related student services programs is preferred.
• Effective communication skills, written and oral, are essential.

Responsibilities

• Monitor academic eligibility and Progress Towards Degree for student-athletes.
• Serve as first enrollment advisor for all incoming student-athletes (freshmen, transfers, re-entries).
• Participate on the Eligibility Certification Committee.
• Provide developmental academic advising to student-athletes through graduation.
• Collaborate with Athletics and Career Services to support student-athlete success.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Master's degree in Higher Education or related field

Job description

Academic Advisor - Athletics - #140245

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

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 the main Cullowhee, NC campus. This position is designated as being exempt from the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (EHRA).

The Athletic Academic Advisor supports the development of the whole student through the delivery of the following duties and responsibilities:

• Monitor academic eligibility and Progress Towards Degree of student-athletes
• Serve as first enrollment advisor for all incoming student athletes -new freshmen, transfers, and re-entering
• Serve on the Eligibility Certification Committee
• Continue as support advisor through graduation for all student athletes
• Provide developmental academic advising to student athletes
• Provision of academic, eligibility, and personal advising for student-athletes
• Provision of regular academic and athletic eligibility progress reports
• Maintain up-to-date understanding of Western Carolina University, NCAA and Southern Conference rules and regulations
• Provision of academic and eligibility information to prospective student-athletes and their parents
• Identification of at-risk students, participation in development of support programs for them, and awareness of campus resources and services to make appropriate referrals
• Serve as liaison to Athletics and attend Athletic Department meetings
• Collaborate with Career Services staff to provide general career counseling
• Represent the Advising Center at recruitment functions
• Teach academic success and first-year experience courses as assigned
• Provide advising information and support for the University community
• Present advisor educational workshops for faculty and staff
• Assist with the development, revision, and updating processes of Advising Center forms and publications
• Maintain appropriate advising records and documentation
• Submit monthly reports of activity
• Participate in the assessment and evaluation of academic advising and advising programs for student athletes
• Participate in ongoing professional development and encourage the growth of colleagues
• Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned in support of the needs of students and the Advising Center

Minimum Qualifications

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

A Master's Degree in Higher Education, College Student Personnel, or related field is required. Experience in academic advising and/or related student services programs is required. Effective communication skills, written and oral, are essential.

Preferred Qualifications

Prior experience in NCAA athletics advising/student-support. Knowledge of NCAA athletics eligibility.

Employment Details

• Position Type: Permanent Full-Time
• Number of Hours Per Week: 40
• Number of Months Per Year: 12

Background Check / 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.

EEO Statement

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 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

1. Cover Letter/Letter of Application
2. Resume
3. List of references

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Do you require sponsorship?
   • Yes
   • No