Academic Counselor I

South University Inc.; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established institution is seeking a dedicated academic counselor to support students throughout their academic journey. This role focuses on providing personalized academic advising, ensuring students are informed about policies, and developing tailored plans for their success. The ideal candidate will excel in communication, organization, and problem-solving, fostering a supportive environment for students to thrive. Join a collaborative team committed to enhancing the student experience and retention rates, making a meaningful impact in the lives of learners eager to grow and succeed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field is required.
• Experience in academic advising or counseling is preferred.
• Strong customer service and communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized advising to students and monitor their academic progress.
• Develop course schedules and assist students with academic goals.
• Collaborate with faculty and support services for student success.

Skills

Customer Service

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Problem Resolution

Interpersonal Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

MS Office

Customer Relationship Management Systems

Student Information System

Learning Management System

Job description

South University Tampa, FL, 4401 N. Himes Avenue, Tampa, Florida, United States of America Req #2833

Friday, March 14, 2025

What's next for you is the first priority for us! With over 45 programs from associate to doctoral degrees, South University is a private institution dedicated to providing educational opportunities that spark the intellectual, social and professional development of a diverse student population.

Our 120-year story—past, present and future—is a history formed by the many individuals who have developed the education and spirit of community that have become our pledge to the students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters of South University. Online and at our 8 locations and 2 learning sites, we take pride in our welcoming environment; one-on-one support and personalized attention that helps students define goals and identify the means to pursue them.

Visit www.southuniversity.edu today to learn more about what makes us stand apart as a place to Belong, Believe and Become, a place where you can make a difference in the lives of students eager to learn and grow.

South University, the right direction for a brighter future.

SUMMARY:

This position is responsible for providing student centered academic counseling through the student lifecycle and for ensuring the delivery of effective and quality service to students in the following areas: course scheduling, timely response to requests for information, at risk student interventions and referrals to University resources. This is accomplished through proactively advising students of University’s policies and procedures, assisting students with developing goals and plans for progression through the program of study, and collaborating with Admissions, Financial Aid, Faculty, Program Directors, and University Support Services on the student’s behalf. This position provides comprehensive support services and serves as the primary advocate for the assigned student body, aimed to improve the student experience and retention to graduation.

KEY JOB ELEMENTS:

• Provide individualized proactive advising to all assigned students.
• Drive student persistence and success through orientation, exposure to the learning platform, effective class scheduling, and monitoring degree progress to graduation.
• Develop course schedules for new, continuing, transfer and reentry students aligned with course sequencing in the curriculum and provide advisement focused on academic progress toward graduation in the shortest time possible for the student, as applicable to their individual situation.
• Maintain direct contact with assigned students via phone, text and e-mail; respond to student inbound communication within established timeframes.
• Monitor student’s attendance, grades, academic progress, and financial responsibilities, and develop success plans for at-risk students, or those experiencing challenges, in collaboration with faculty, academic leadership and University support services.
• Demonstrate proficiency with understanding and communicating policies in the University Catalog, Student Handbook and Programmatic Handbooks as they relate to assigned students, such as Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy, Attendance Policies, Academic Integrity/Academic Honesty Policies, Conduct Policies and Appeals Procedures. Provide guidance to assigned students for academic procedures such as grade challenges or appeals.
• Facilitate new student’s acclimation to the academic environment prior to the first class by reviewing the enrollment process, providing an overview of the on-line or campus classroom and reviewing graduation progression options. Audit student academic records regularly and determine progression towards and candidacy for graduation.
• Assist students reentering the university after being withdrawn or dismissed from the University with the reinstatement process, monitor student progress to graduation, provide proactive advising, and develop interventions as needed.
• Effectively access and perform assigned duties using the Student Information System, Learning Management System and relevant databases.
• Maintain compliance with management of student information through adherence to FERPA requirements and Record Management Policies.
• Participate and successfully complete all academic counselor training and development activities.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related degree required.
• Academic advising or academic counseling experience preferred.
• Customer Service experience preferred.
• Strong basic computer software (MS Office) skills as well as exposure to Customer Relationship Management Systems or Student.
• Excellent customer service skills, as well as strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills with student and faculty populations.
• Effective organizational and problem resolution skills.
• Ability to communicate and effectively act as a member of a team.
• Able to develop productive relationships with students, colleagues and supervisors in a virtual environment.
• Able to effectively present information and respond to questions or requests from students, staff and faculty.
• Able to create and act on academic reports and forecasts.
• Ability to interact effectively as a member of a team and work collaboratively with other departments.
• Able to adapt to changing assignments and multiple priorities.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The environment is dynamic and goal-oriented requiring multi-tasking of responsibilities at all times. This position requires the ability to work effectively with a variety of personalities both within the school and with the public. A caring and self-directed nature is essential. Must possess a desire and ability to study, practice and obtain additional knowledge and skills on an ongoing basis to remain well versed in financial aid program offerings, policies and procedures. The operating environment requires strict adherence to all regulatory requirements and internal policies. The position works extensively with the financial aid staff and the admissions department personnel. Outside contacts include prospective students and applicants, their families and guests, and others such as government agencies, public school systems and private businesses.

The duties and characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The term "qualified individual with a disability" means an individual with a disability