Academic Advisor I

BASIC FUNCTION:

Provide academic advising to a diverse population of students. Reports to designated supervisor.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Duties/essential functions may include, but not be limited to, the following: 
Advise current and prospective students regarding interpretation of placement assessment, curricular requirements related to academic objectives, career options and registration procedures.

Work with students to request a variety of academic actions.

Assist in the implementation of intervention, referral, and retention programs for students.

Assist with probation, dismissal, and reinstatement procedures; provide feedback on specific cases.

Review student academic progress and advise students on specific actions regarding academic and career goals.

Review/discuss evaluated transcripts for applicability of transfer credit to Kent State.

Assist with workshops on academic skills, study skills, and expectations for students.

Assist students in resolution of difficulties regarding their degree progress.

May assist and/or coordinate lessons for student orientation course.

May represent unit at programs and functions.

Stay current on applicable laws, policies and procedures (e.g. FERPA).

Maintain and update student files, records and data in accordance with federal, state and university regulations.

May serve on various college/school/campus committees and share information with unit.

Assist in academic advising and recruiting programs and activities (e.g. student events, outreach programs and activities, etc.).

Attend and successfully complete university-provided training and professional development

May conduct athletic eligibility audits to ensure NCAA regulatory compliance (Kent Campus only).

Perform related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field is required. Ability to learn and/or develop core advising competencies including, but not limited to – policies/procedures/curriculum associated with assigned area (university, regional campus, college, school); technology/systems proficiency; KSU organizational knowledge; student development theory; etc. is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

Post baccalaureate coursework and experience working with students.

Knowledge Of:

Desktop software (i.e. Microsoft Office Suite); web-based systems; ability to learn KSU student systems *
Higher education learning models/programs, schools/colleges; organizational structure *
Curriculum/college/department/campus/school; ability to learn and understand the complexity of curriculum in assigned area(s); including understanding degree requirements and knowledge of assigned area(s) majors *

Skill In:

Demonstrated excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills / public relations skills – including group presentation skills *
Communication/conflict management *
Organizing information and projects; ability to assist in delivery of projects/programs *
Well-developed problem solving skills with basic ability to identify and mitigate complex problem(s) and use the full array of organizational resources appropriately *
Adhering to deadlines
Working effectively both independently and in collaborative groups

Ability To:

Learn and/or develop core advising competencies, including: policies/procedures/curriculum associated with assigned area (university, regional campus, college, school); technology/systems proficiency; higher education organizational knowledge including basic working knowledge of higher education referral network and resources; student development theory; leadership styles and theories *
Learn/apply basic student recruitment / outreach / retention functions *
Work with diverse populations of students to identify basic student needs for referrals using appropriate academic and career resources *
Work collaboratively with university departments and academic units; ability to build basic awareness of resources and initiate relationship building process *
Organize and prioritize work with a high degree of initiative and independence *
Analyze and perform basic research on a variety of academic program issues *
Work independently and as part of a team
Possess considerable attention to detail, a high level of quality control, and maintain a high customer-focus with contacts *
Assimilate and maintain confidential data *
Manage multiple projects, assignments, and responsibilities *
Attend and successfully complete university-provided training and professional development *
Learn and apply confidentiality/FERPA *
Learn and understand the full array of career advising services and ability to apply based on individual student needs *
Adhere to deadlines
Learn probation, dismissal and reinstatement procedures *
Learn and understand the complexity of curriculum in assigned area(s); including understanding degree requirements *

Assessments:

Asterisk (*) indicates knowledge, skills, abilities which may require assessments. Assessments could take the form of interview questions, a request to provide work samples or a written or practical test to assess job related competencies.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

None

Value Statement

Kent State University is committed to the creation and nurturing of a diverse community of individuals through inclusive excellence. Diversity involves recognizing the value of differences and the inclusion of all members of the community. This is a core value of the organization as we strive for a culturally diverse student body, faculty and staff that reflect the multicultural nature of Ohio, the nation, and our world.