Academic Advisor/Senior Academic Advisor (Biology)

VCU College of Humanities and Sciences; Richmond (VA); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition benefits

Health benefits

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

VCU College of Humanities and Sciences seeks an Academic Advisor or Senior Academic Advisor for Biology majors to sustain an environment of effective undergraduate advising. The role focuses on guiding students through degree requirements, crafting academic plans, and supporting retention efforts.

The position requires collaboration, data-driven advising using Navigate and DegreeWorks, and commitment to student success in a hybrid 40-hour work week.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Experience in a college or university setting is preferred for Advisor 2; Senior Advisor requires more.
• Ability to foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility for all.
• Excellent written, interpersonal and oral communication skills.
• Ability to ask questions and practice active listening.
• Ability to support a welcoming environment for students.

Responsibilities

• Provide accurate information on College, program requirements, and university rules and regulations.
• Interpret graduation requirements and advise on substitutions or waivers as needed.
• Maintain confidentiality under FERPA and Title IX policies.
• Advise students on programs of study and develop academic plans.
• Write letters of recommendation and support for student appeals.
• Identify at-risk students and make appropriate referrals.
• Document all advising interactions and maintain confidential records.
• Use Navigate and DegreeWorks to monitor progress and milestones.
• Meet with all assigned advisees at least once per semester.
• Assist with recruitment activities and orientation for new students.

Skills

Excellent communication

Active listening

Interpersonal skills

Professionalism

Fostering respectful environment

Education

Master’s degree

Tools

Navigate advising platform

DegreeWorks

Job description

Unit: College of Humanities and Sciences. Department: CHS Deans Office. Department Summary: The Office of Student Services in the VCU College of Humanities and Sciences (CHS), the largest academic unit in the university, is seeking applicants for an advising position at the Academic Advisor or Senior Academic Advisor level for Biology majors.

Overview

The incumbent to this position will sustain an environment of effective academic advising for undergraduate students in the College in order to support VCU being a leader among national research universities in providing all students with high-quality learning/living experiences focused on inquiry, discovery and innovation in a global environment. More specifically depending on the unit assigned, to provide resources to improve the student to advisor ratio departments and schools within the College of Humanities and Sciences. Meeting these needs will improve student engagement through effective academic advising, while supporting the identified metrics of graduation rates and retention.

Duties And Responsibilities

This position requires a high degree of confidentiality. The main purpose is to sustain an environment of effective academic advising for undergraduate students in the respective program. The person must exercise professional judgment in the following ways:

• Provide correct up-to-date information about all College and program-specific academic program requirements.
• Provide correct interpretations of University and College rules and regulations.
• Be comfortable and accurate in answering pointed questions from parents and students about graduation issues.
• Be able to tell students they lack requirements for graduation and offer suggestions for completion of the needed requirements (including possible substitutions or waivers of degree requirements).
• Follow appropriate protocol for situations involving Title IX or FERPA.
• Provide academic advising services to assigned students:
• Advise students regarding: departmental, College, and University policies and procedures; programs of study; and the development of appropriate academic plans.
• Write letters of recommendation and letters of support for student appeals.
• Assist students in identifying their interests, abilities, skills and academic goals and in making decisions regarding their academic career.
• Introduce students to opportunities that will enrich their academic experience, facilitate their academic and personal development, and support their educational success.
• Teach students how to manage the college experience, navigate the University, make informed decisions, and assume responsibility for their academic success.
• Identify and assist struggling or at-risk students.
• Make appropriate referrals to other university resources.
• Assist students in the online graduation checkout.
• Participate in and provide feedback on training and professional development activities.
• Collaborate with university partners on matters that impact student recruitment, success, and retention:
• Participate in recruitment activities, programs, and initiatives (e.g., Open House, Preview Day).
• Provide advising services to students during New Student Orientation.
• Support departmental and University retention initiatives.
• Contact continuing students who do not register for classes.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records of student information, including advising interactions:
• Document all advising interactions with students.
• Maintain training on policies including Title IX and FERPA.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records on students.
• Monitor student progression in degree program and establish advising checkpoints:
• Use the Navigate advising platform to establish targeted student populations for more intensive advising.
• Use DegreeWorks to determine a student's progress in completing degree requirements.
• Meet all assigned advisees at least once a semester.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum hiring standards for the Academic Advisor 2 and above positions:

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution
• A minimum of one year of professional experience in a college or university setting
• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU
• Excellent written, interpersonal and oral communication skills
• Ability to ask searching questions and practice active listening
• Ability to foster a welcoming and supportive environment for students

Minimum Hiring Standards For The Senior Academic Advisor Positions

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution
• 3-5 years of relevant experience or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU
• Demonstrated experience providing academic, career, or individualized counseling in higher education
• Understand curricula information (including program of study and general education requirements) for areas of advising specialization
• Excellent written, interpersonal and oral communication skills
• Ability to ask searching questions and practice active listening
• Ability to foster a welcoming and supportive environment for students

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution
• Educational Background in the discipline of interest or related field
• Demonstrated experience providing academic, career, or individualized counseling in higher education

Preferred Hiring Standards For The Senior Academic Advisor Positions

• A minimum of 3 years professional advising experience or equivalent experience in a related career field.
• Completion of coursework or training related to diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as topics related to leadership such as conflict resolution, coaching/mentoring, communication styles, or navigating change.

Salary Range

$55,000 to $65,000

Benefits

All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

FLSA Exemption Status

Exempt

Hours per Week

40

Restricted Position

No

ORP Eligible

Yes

Flexible Work Arrangement

Hybrid

University Job Title

91021 - Open

Contact Information

Contact Name: Alvin Bryant

Contact Email: [e-mail]