Academic Counselor

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 61,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits package

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

American University in Washington, DC is seeking an academic counselor in the School of Public Affairs to guide graduate and BA/MA students toward degree completion and career goals.

You will advise on course selection, coordinate with Graduate Program Directors, review applications, and participate in recruitment, orientation, and campus activities. This hybrid, full-time role requires a Bachelor’s degree and 3–5 years of experience; Master’s degree preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 3-5 years of relevant experience required.
• Master’s degree in a related field preferred (advising, counseling, student development).

Responsibilities

• Advises prospective graduate and BA/MA students on degree requirements.
• Reviews applications for graduate programs and provides recommendations.
• Coordinates with Graduate Program Directors on degree programs, policy, and scheduling.
• Supports recruitment, orientation, and campus activities for new students.
• Provides office coverage and handles student questions as assigned.

Skills

Academic advising

Recruitment

Counseling

Communication

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor's degree

3-5 years of relevant experience

Master’s degree (preferred)

Job description

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Learn more about American University.

Department:

School of Public Affairs

Time Type:

Full time

Job Type:

Casual

FLSA Status:

Exempt

Work Modality:

Hybrid 01 (On Campus 3-4 Days/Week)

Union:

SEIU Local 500 - Provost & Enrollment Division

This position is part of a collective bargaining unit representedby SEIU Local 500 - Provost & Enrollment Division. That meansthe terms and conditions of your employment are governed byuniversity policy (including the Staff Personnel Policies Manual)and any collective bargaining agreement entered into betweenAmerican University and SEIU Local 500 - Provost & Enrollment Division.

Job Description:

Summary:

This position serves as academic counselor for graduate students in the School of Public Affairs. Academic advisees may include students in one of several graduate programs or in combined BA/MA programs, other combined programs (such as the JD/MA or LLM/MA), joint degree, dual degree, and certificate programs, as well as non-degree students. The individual in this position provides quality academic support services to new and continuing students regarding their academic, professional, and career goals. The individual may also advise and counsel undergraduate students interested in pursuing a combined BA/MA program prior to their completing their BA.

The individual in this position provides guidance on academic progress and other issues that affect academic performance, monitoring student progress. The individual coordinates closelywith and supports Graduate Program Directors and Department Chairs on matters related to degree programs including policy, recruitment, admissions, course scheduling, student issues, etc. The individual reviews all applications for assigned prospective students applying to graduate degree programs, including combined BA/MA programs. The individual participates in campus activities related to the recruitment, conversion, and retention of these students. The individual represents SPA counselors on university-wide committees and working groups as assigned by the Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and the Director of Graduate Advising.

Essential Functions

• 1.) Academic Advising and Academic Review
  • Advises prospective graduate students, and undergraduate students interested in BA/MA programs, about meeting degreerequirements; assists new and continuing students with courseselection and registration; addresses issues that affect academicperformance; makes appropriate referrals to and works with otheruniversity student services offices as needed; communicates withfaculty and program directors regarding students in academicdistress or facing other issues. Monitors and evaluates eachstudent’s academic progress throughout the year; provides updatedadvising worksheets each semester to all students and maintainsadvising worksheet files in designated platform; maintains and regularly updates other elements of each student file; assistsstudents with the resolution of problems that arise after periodicdegree audits, changes of major, graduation and other issuesrelated to graduate academic affairs; conducts degree clearance forgraduating students. Includes working with undergraduate studentsapplying for BA/MA degrees to include reconciling jointundergraduate and graduate course credits in conjunction with undergraduate counselors. Provides recommendations and solutions to streamline advising processes to improve students’ academicperformance and increase student success and graduation.
• 2.) Recruitment and Orientation Activities for New Students
  • Meets with prospective students. Participates in on-campus and virtual recruitment and conversion events. Attends orientationactivities for new students.
• 3.) Application Review
  • Reviews applications for graduate and BA/MA programs andprovides a recommendation to the program director.
• 4.) Other Duties as Assigned
  • Performs other duties as assigned by the Senior Associate Dean,Director of Graduate Advising, and Graduate Program Directors.Provides office coverage on in-office days such as responding towalk-in students or applicant questions. Assists with ad hocprojects related to support of students and constituents.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

• Full-time.
• 35 hours per week.
• Hybrid 1 work modality (3 - 4 days per week on campus).
• This position assists students during commencement activities and other special student events as required.

Salary Range:

• $61,000.00 - $65,000.00 annually.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree.
• 3 - 5 years of relevant experience required.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Master’s degree with study of academic advising, counseling, student development or other relevant academic educational fieldspreferred.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

• Strong interpersonal communication and problem-solving skillswith appreciation for diverse perspectives.
• Excellent attention to detail with demonstrated ability toprioritize and multitask in fast-paced, high-pressureenvironment.
• Demonstrated ability to develop productive workingrelationships with multiple constituencies (students, faculty, staff, alumni, and others raising questions regarding programs inthe department).
• Demonstrated understanding of a university environmentincluding the organizational, governance, and regulatory structureof major colleges and universities.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimalsupervision.

Benefits

AU offers a competitive benefits package. Click here to learn about American University's unique benefitoptions.

Other Details

• Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.
• Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the Districtof Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.
• Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
• American University is an E-Verify employer.

Current American University Employees

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Contact Us

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American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.