COE Academic Advisor - #270028

Western Carolina University; Cullowhee (NC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC is seeking an Academic Advisor to support the College of Engineering (COE). The role focuses on guiding first-year and continuing students toward graduation success, advising on course selection, degree requirements, and academic planning within the COE.

The position is permanent full-time and exempt under EHRA. The advisor collaborates with faculty and staff to provide proactive academic guidance and ensure student achievement in a growing

Qualifications

• Masters degree in Education, Counseling, Psychology, Social Work or related field.
• Authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Guide students toward graduation success within the College of Engineering (COE).
• Advise on course selection, degree requirements and academic planning.
• Collaborate with faculty and staff to support student achievement in engineering programs.

Skills

Academic advising

Education

Masters degree in Education, Counseling, Psychology, Social Work or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Banner

Job description

Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call [phone] or email at [e-mail].

University Safety

The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.

Application materials must be submitted online. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire. Please include a cover letter, current resume, and a list of three professional references with complete contact information. For questions or additional information please contact Jessica Ottie at [e-mail].

Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes ‘Best Employers’ lists each year. Including:

• 2025 – Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes ‘America’s Best Employers by State’ list.
• 2024 – Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’ list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
• 2023 – Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’ list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
• 2022 – Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes ‘America’s Best Employers by State’ list.

Western Carolina University is the UNC system’s westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.

Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans – eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.

Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.

WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences – many of which are offered free of charge.

Position Summary

The primary location of this position is on-site in Cullowhee, NC. This position is designated as being exempt from the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act ( EHRA ).

The College of Engineering ( COE ) at Western Carolina University ( WCU ) is growing! The University has received substantial support from the North Carolina legislature to expand engineering to meet the rapidly growing needs of the region and state. Our construction management, engineering, and engineering technology programs feature project-based learning embedded throughout the curricula, preparing our students for professional practice and advanced study. Industry engagement is a hallmark of our programs, and we pride ourselves on having faculty with significant industry experience.

Our culture embraces faculty-student interaction through experiences such as undergraduate research. We are committed to changing the lives of our students and their families through a transformative experience at our rural main campus setting in the mountains of western North Carolina, and at sites in Asheville and across western NC. The college’s programs are instrumental to the economic vitality of the region and are advancing the university to be one of the nation’s premier regional comprehensive institutions. We are creating leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs with the foundation and skills needed for transformative careers in engineering and beyond.

An Academic Advisor plays a vital role in supporting the College of Engineering ( COE ) by guiding students towards graduation success. COE advisors serve as the primary points of contact for first-year students during enrollment, offer ongoing academic advising to all COE students, and collaborate with other staff and faculty within and outside of the college.

Minimum Qualifications

• Interested candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employment sponsorship or any immigration-related assistance.
• Masters Degree in Education, Counseling, Psychology, Social Work or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience as an academic advisor in an undergraduate setting
• Experience in the use of Microsoft Office and Banner

Position Type

Permanent Full-Time

Number of Hours Per Week

Number of Months Per Year

12

Open Date

10/23/2026

Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Background/E-Verify

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify . Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.

Required Documents

• Cover Letter/Letter of Application
• Resume
• List of references

Optional Documents

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).