Student Support Services (SSS) Academic Advisor

Avila University; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Avila University seeks an Academic Advisor to support the federally funded TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) program. The advisor will help with recruitment, advise first- and second-year students, and support persistence and success across enrolled participants.

Responsibilities include monitoring attendance, grades, and progress; coordinating workshops and Bridge tracks; maintaining records in BLUMEN; supervising the Peer Mentor Program; hiring tutors; co-teaching the First-Year Seminar; and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Higher Education Administration or related fields (Master’s preferred).
• Experience helping students from first-generation/low-income backgrounds.
• Experience planning workshops and activities for student needs.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Experience with retention issues in higher education.

Responsibilities

• Assist with recruitment efforts and student intake in collaboration with the Director.
• Advise first- and second-year students on registration, course planning, and engagement.
• Meet with participants regularly to monitor progress and implement improvement plans.
• Assess participant needs and refer to support services.
• Oversee the SSS Peer Mentor Program, including planning and training.
• Recruit and hire tutors and document student progress.
• Co-teach First-Year Seminar with the SSS Director.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Strong written and oral communication

Overcoming barriers / supporting under

Workshop planning

Retention in higher education

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Higher Education Administration or related field

Master’s degree (preferred)

Job description

The Academic Advisor supports a federally grant-funded Department of Education, TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) program. The SSS program serves 150 first-generation and limited income students at Avila University. The purpose of SSS is to improve the academic success, persistence, graduation, and postsecondary advancement of eligible students through comprehensive academic and student support services.

Responsibilities:

• Support SSS recruitment efforts by assisting with outreach events, interviewing prospective participants, and completing student intake and enrollment processes in collaboration with the Director
• Advise all first- and second-year students regarding registration and course development, goal setting, curricular and co-curricular engagement, academic progress, referral to services, and issues impacting persistence
• Meet with participants on a regular basis to ensure student success by monitoring students’ attendance, behavior, grades, test scores, and credits earned; implement improvement strategies and action plans as appropriate
• Assess participant needs; make appropriate referrals and linkages for support and prevention services
• Serve as an academic advisor for first- and second-year SSS students in alignment with Avila University advising standards by attending required advising meetings and trainings, following institutional advising policies and procedures, utilizing university advising systems, and implementing established advising practices
• Assist in the planning of SSS activities, workshops, career exploration programming, and summer programs, including courses and Bridge tracks based on student needs
• Maintain detailed academic progress records, student success plans, and eligibility updates in BLUMEN, adhering to FERPA regulations
• Represent the program to constituent groups at Avila University
• Oversee all aspects of the SSS Peer Mentor Program, including program planning, recruitment, selection, hiring, onboarding, training, supervision, scheduling, and evaluation of peer mentors
• Recruit and hire tutors, oversee their professional development, and ensure documentation of student support and academic progress
• Co-teach First-Year Seminar with the SSS Director
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree Higher Education Administration, Education, Student Affairs, Academic Advising, Psychology, Social Work or other related fields (Master’s preferred)
• Experience in overcoming barriers or working with individuals similar to those of the target population
• Experience in planning workshops and activities to address student needs
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Experience of retention issues in higher education