Academic Advisor I

Columbia Southern University, Inc.; Orange Beach (AL); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbia Southern University, Inc. is seeking an Academic Advisor I to support students in the Academic Advising Center. Under supervision of a Team Lead, you will help plan schedules, recommend courses, and guide students toward their degree goals.

The role emphasizes communication via phone, email, SMS, chat, and video calls; you will monitor progress, ensure FERPA compliance, and participate in professional development.

Qualifications

• Experience working with diverse student populations preferred.
• Experience in problem-solving and conflict resolution preferred.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with professionalism.

Responsibilities

• Serves as central point of contact for assigned student population.
• Provides guidance throughout degree program including success strategies.
• Uses phone, email, SMS, chat, and video calls to engage with students.
• Proactively contacts assigned student population per university priorities.
• Identifies student goals and develops student-centered academic plans.
• Ensures accurate information and compliance with university policies.
• Advises at-risk students and explores alternatives for persistence.
• Complies with FERPA and relevant laws regarding student information.
• Completes at least two hours of professional development per year.

Skills

Active Listening

Critical Thinking

Reading Comprehension

Social Perceptiveness

Time Management

Attention to Detail

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Outlook

Blackboard

Internal database software

Job description

Job Title: Academic Advisor I
Department:Academic Advising Center
Reports to:Team Lead of Academic Advising Center
FLSA: Exempt
Hours: Monday through Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Onsite) Friday 10:00am -5:00pm (Remote)

Job Summary

Under the direction of a Team Lead; works alongside the Academic Advising staff, to provide educational guidance and assistance for students enrolled by planning schedules, recommending courses and determining appropriate education solutions.

Essential Job Tasks

Additional duties may be assigned.

• Serves as the central point of contact for as assigned student population and as the referral to other offices and agencies, encouraging students to engage in the resources, curriculum offerings, policies, and procedures of the university.
• Provides guidance throughout the student's degree program in areas such as success strategies and academic program changes.
• Utilizes various communication methods, including phone, email, SMS, chat, and video calls, to engage with students.
• Proactively contacts an assigned student population in accordance with university priorities.
• Identifies students' goals and promotes successful achievement by developing student-centered relationships and academic plans, and monitoring student progress.
• Effectively applies university guidelines, academic terminology, and acceptable advising practices and processes by providing accurate information to students, ensuring compliance with university policies, and demonstrating proficiency in advising tools and software.
• Advises at-risk students for academic success by exploring alternatives for overcoming barriers to persistence or graduation.
• Complies with FERPA and other applicable state and national laws concerning student information.
• Promotes, maintains, and enhances workplace culture within the Academic Advising Center and the university.
• Completes at least two hours of professional development training per year.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Knowledge

• English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Administrative - Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
• Computer - Knowledge of basic computer processes including word processing, web browsing, and Microsoft Office including Basic Microsoft Excel.

Skills

• Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
• Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
• Time Management - Manages one's own time to accomplish assigned tasks.
• Attention to Detail - Thoroughness and accuracy when accomplishing a task ensuring all aspects are reviewed.

Abilities

• Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
• Written Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
• Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
• Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.

Education & Experience

• Experience working with diverse student or customer populations and understanding their unique needs preferred.
• Experience in problem-solving and conflict resolution, with the ability to handle sensitive situations with professionalism and confidentiality preferred.

Equipment Used

• Office equipment including computers, telephones, and printers.
• Software used includes Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Blackboard, and internal database software.
• Secure and reliable internet is required for this position.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The position is hybrid and when working remotely the employee should have a designated workspace free from distractions and noise. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This position requires working in an office setting with the use of fluorescent lighting. Candidates should be comfortable working in an environment with fluorescent lights, which may be present throughout the workspace.

Supervisory Responsibilities

There are no supervisory responsibilities for this position.

Pay Transparency Statement

In accordance with applicable state and local pay transparency laws, applicants who reside in a jurisdiction with designated pay transparency requirements and for whom this position is available on a remote basis may be entitled to receive additional information regarding the compensation range and benefits associated with this role. Such information will be provided upon request, as required by law. Please contact [e-mail].