The Academic Advisor is responsible for providing comprehensive, proactive retention services for the School of Professional Studies (SPS). The Academic Advisor-SPS reports to the Dean of the School of Professional Studies and liaises between Trinity students and the University’s academic programs. This role also advises Trinity students so that they are receiving the attention they require with regard to academic planning and administrative policies/procedures. The Academic Advisor works with traditional and non-traditional students and is responsible for managing a caseload of at least 250 students.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s Degree required

LEVEL & TYPE OF EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of 1-2 years of progressive academic advising experience at a college or university setting
• Experience working with adult learners preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Extensive insight on various advising methodologies/theories
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills
• Knowledge of advising methodologies for adult students
• Transcript evaluation experience
• Experience understanding and applying admissions procedures
• Ability to explain program and general university policies
• Well developed academic counseling techniques
• Strong record management skills
• High degree of organization and ability to follow through

SPECIAL LICENSES, REGISTRATION OR CERTIFICATION: N/A

SCHEDULE:

• Minimum of 40 hours per week required
• Some Saturdays and evening work schedule may be required

 PART III: DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES AND TASKS:

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES (Functions and Tasks):

• Provide academic advising services to SPS students
• Implement initiatives such as (a) retention efforts that ensure students remain contiguously enrolled; (b) strategic plans to ensure that students are registered in an efficient and timely manner; (c) semester and annual plans to ensure student academic success through holistic advising methods
• Conduct or assist with orientation sessions for new students
• Perform the review of transfer credits
• Assist with student-led organizations and representatives
• Provide article contributions to the SPS newsletter
• Participate on various committees, work groups, or professional organizational networks as needed
• Facilitate responses and resolutions to student concerns
• Collaborate with the Dean, SPS staff and other departments within the Trinity community to provide learning support and career services for SPS students

NONESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES (Functions & Tasks):

• Any and all other duties of similar nature and character to those mentioned above

CAMPUS COMMUNITY EVENTS PARTICIPATION:

• It is expected that all staff will want to participate and contribute to the success of official events, including, but not limited to, Commencement and Convocation.

ERGONOMIC REQUIREMENT:

• The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential tasks of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.  While performing duties for this job, the employee is regularly required to use hand to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear.  The employee is frequently required to sit.  Employee is required to stand and walk.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to ten pounds. 
• Specific vision abilities requires by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. 
• Position requires clear speaking voice for telephone work.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• The work environment for advisors is typically an office environment that is often fast-paced.
• Advisors must be able to work efficiently with many interruptions from walk-ins, telephone inquiries and other student requests.
• The noise level in an advisor’s work environment is usually quiet.  Advisors usually advise students in private offices.