Academic Advisor, College of Engineering

Lamar-University; Beaumont (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Lamar University’s College of Engineering is seeking an entry-level Academic Advisor to guide undergraduate students in engineering programs, manage matriculation, and support retention.

Reporting to the Associate Director of Academic for Student Success, the advisor will use Banner, Navigate, and DegreeWorks to document progress, develop academic plans, and connect students with tutoring and services.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 1 year of experience in academic advising or related field.

Responsibilities

• Advise undergraduate engineering students through matriculation and term support.
• Use advising systems to track progress and maintain records.
• Develop academic plans and provide guidance on degree requirements.
• Collaborate with multiple departments to support student success.
• Lead initiatives to improve student engagement and retention.

Skills

Communication

Customer service

Data gathering

Teamwork

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Banner

Navigate

DegreeWorks

CRM/Slate

Job description

Lamar University’s College of Engineering advising group is administratively dual reporting to the Division of Enrollment Management and Marketing and College of Engineering Dean’s Office. This position reports directly to the Associate Director of Academic for Student Success within the College of Engineering and Engineering Institute for Energy and Petrochemical Industries (EPI) and serves as a key leader within the College. The position is an entry-level academic advising role. The Academic Advisor will function under the mentorship of advisor seniors and college enrollment management.

An Academic Advisor in the College of Engineering advises undergraduate students with 60+ hours within a cohort of all college majors. The Academic Advisor is responsible for the advising, retention, and various student success services, ensuring the welfare and academic success of the college's student population. The primary responsibilities encompass knowledge of departmental curriculum, executing effective recruit-back initiatives, addressing high-risk student needs, and developing a valuable experience. The Academic Advisor is a key contributor to the department's mission to support students from application to graduation and beyond, ultimately ensuring their holistic growth and achievement within the field of engineering. The Academic Advisor plays a critical role in enhancing the academic and personal support services for engineering students. This position requires strategic planning and the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders to ensure student success and program effectiveness. Ensuring that university policies, state mandates, and ABET accreditation are carried out in advising and enrolling students.

The Academic Advisor plays a critical role in enhancing the academic and personal support services for engineering students. This position requires strategic planning and the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders to ensure student success and program effectiveness. Ensuring that university policies, state mandates, and ABET accreditation are carried out in advising and enrolling students.

• Holistically assist students on their journey at Lamar University, with specific focus on each piece of the matriculation cycle to include:
  • Initial enrollment.
  • Support during the term for successful completion of courses.
  • Referrals to pertinent support offices.
  • Empowering students to build success skills for progression, sound decision-making, goal setting, and degree completion.
  • Reenrollment each term through graduation.
• Assess each student individually and provide a “one student at a time” approach in the academic advising and student (customer) service strategies.
• Utilize advising systems and technologies (e.g. Banner, Navigate, DegreeWorks) to support delivery of advising services and keep accurate records of student advising contacts and progress toward degree completion. Maintain and update student files and records in accordance with federal, state and university regulations.
  • Utilize degree audit reports to advise students on appropriate course selections and evaluate student’s degree progress.
  • Assist students in interpreting degree audit and requesting any exemptions or course substitutions from the academic departments that may be needed.
• Assist students in developing an academic plan for each semester based on their exploration of various fields of study, evaluation of academic abilities, departmental requirements, clarification of educational and career goals, and academic policies and procedures.
• Use predictive analytic software to identify, create, or secure resources and services to enhance the academic and personal development of engineering students, ensuring access to necessary academic support, counseling, tutoring, etc., and collaborating with other departments, faculty, and staff for seamless coordination of support services. Assist students in developing an academic success plan and provide follow-up guidance and support.
• Verify, compile, interpret, and record a wide variety of data and student information. Track student interactions, input notes, and monitor student success data to influence successful outcomes and provide follow up with students as needed. Responsible to consistently report pertinent data to direct supervisor.
• Assist in the on-going assessment activities of the department and division. Work with leadership to design and implement programs that ease the transition for engineering students, ensuring they have the necessary support and resources for a successful first-year and retention into upperclassmen years.
  • Collaborate with undergraduate and graduate advisors within the college and university to ensure that students receive comprehensive academic advising, including course selection, degree planning, and progress monitoring.
  • Collaborate with department chairs to ensure comprehensive and accurate advising, course selection, degree planning, and progress monitoring.
• Lead programs and initiatives to re-engage former students who wish to return to the engineering program.
• Conduct end of term processes such as checking grades and schedules and assist with probation, suspension, and reinstatement procedures.
• Other duties may be assigned to this position on a regular or occasional basis to respond to the needs of the university.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• At least 1 year of experience in academic advising or related experience.
• Official transcripts are required at the time of employment.
• Ability to maintain a high level of dependability, professionalism & customer service.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills including active listening and ability to present information clearly and professionally to a range of audiences.
• Effective decision-making and problem-solving skills. Ability to use sound judgment, discretion and diplomacy when working on sensitive issues with students.
• Contribute to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of professional skills among a team all working toward the goal of elevating students, their success, and the department’s commitment to a high level of student (customer) service.
• Develop and perpetually expand academic advising strategies and in addition to learning the Lamar University, academic department, college and UAC policies and procedures and assist students in navigating these when appropriate.
• Successful experience working with and building positive advising relationships with target student populations in higher education.
• Work well as part of a team and establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with various constituencies to include students, colleagues, faculty and administrators.
• Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports. Knowledge of basic computer operating system, word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs.

Desired Qualifications

• An understanding of the principles of college student development and the policies and structure of a typical four-year, public university.
• Proficiency and experience in utilizing a range of technologies, which may encompass, but are not limited to, systems like Navigate, Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems/Slate, etc.
• Proficiency in advanced technical and computer skills to support administrative functions, including but not limited to the MS Office Suite, with a strong focus on PowerPoint, Excel, and database management.
• Familiarity with electronic calendar management and various videoconferencing applications like Outlook, Zoom, MS Teams, MS Office, Slate, etc.

Key Competencies

• Dependability, creativity, good judgment, professionalism, customer service, and dedication to sound principles of student development are paramount among necessary characteristics for this position.
• Detail-oriented.
• Timely completion of duties.
• Proficient in delivering highest quality of customer service when engaging with industry leaders, representatives, faculty, staff, and students.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills including active listening and ability to present information clearly and professionally to a range of audiences.
• Effective decision-making and problem-solving skills. Ability to use sound judgment, discretion and diplomacy when working on sensitive issues with students.
• Contribute to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of professional skills among a team all working toward the goal of elevating students, their success, and the college’s commitment to a high level of student (customer) service.
• Demonstrate professionalism, respect, and effective communication when interacting with students, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders.
• Develop and perpetually expand academic advising strategies and in addition to learning the Lamar University, academic departments, college and UAC policies and procedures and assist students in navigating these when appropriate.
• Successful experience working with and building positive advising relationships with target students in higher education.
• Work well as part of a team and establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with various constituencies to include students,colleagues, faculty and administrators.
• Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports.
• Knowledge of basic computer operating system, word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs, included by not limited to; DegreeWorks, Navigate, Banner, Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems/Slate, etc.

Physical Requirements

• Lifting and Carrying: The ability to lift and move reams/boxes of paper, tables, decorations, and other supplies, weighing up to 25lbs, as necessary for job tasks.
• Event Setup and Teardown: Must be capable of setting up and tearing down equipment and materials for events, which may involve bending, lifting, and carrying.

Job Conditions

• 8 am – 5 pm Monday – Friday, some early mornings, some evenings, some weekends.
• This is an on-campus, in-person position. Individuals in this position may occasionally work after hours and a few weekends on a rotating schedule. There are occasional travel opportunities to professional meetings and conferences.
• This position may require participation and attendance in academic advising outreach at college, university, and recruitment events.

Special Note

• We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship now or in the future.