Academic Advisor

Academic Advisor - 202871

Western Carolina University

Department: Office, Dean, Health & Human Sci

About WCU:

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 Americas Best Employers by State list.
2024 - Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes Americas 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 Americas 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 Americas Best Employers by State list.
Western Carolina University is the UNC systems 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 Health and Human Sciences is seeking applicants for a permanent, full-time Academic Advisor position. The Student Services Center serves as a central hub for undergraduate advising within the College, supporting students across two departments - the Department of Integrated & Environmental Health Sciences and the Department of Therapeutic & Clinical Healthcare - from new student orientation through graduation.

Programs include Emergency Medical Care, Environmental Health, Integrated Health Sciences, Nutrition & Dietetics, Recreational Therapy, and the graduate-level Master of Science in Athletic Training and Master of Health Sciences. The College also houses Communication Sciences and Disorders, Nursing, Physical Therapy, and Social Work.

Advisors help students navigate course selection, degree requirements, university policies, and career pathways while connecting them to campus resources. The Academic Advisor will also provide pre-professional advising to students pursuing health-related graduate programs such as athletic training, medicine, occupational therapy, pharmacy, physical therapy, and physician assistant studies.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide academic advising to undergraduate students across assigned departments, from admission through graduation, including participation in new student orientation and course scheduling.
• Advise students on degree requirements, academic policies, and university procedures; identify and coordinate appropriate academic resources.
• Maintain accurate, confidential advising records and utilize technology to support advising functions.
• Participate in assessment of advising practices, including data collection and evaluation to inform continuous improvement.
• Assist with the development and revision of advising processes, forms, and publications as needed.
• Represent the College at recruitment events and support enrollment efforts by engaging with prospective students.
• Work cooperatively with faculty and staff across the institution in support of student success and the Colleges mission.
• Maintain current knowledge of institutional policies, procedures, and available resources.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Student Services, Department Heads, or the Dean.
• Occasional evening and weekend hours required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required for this position:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Interested candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employment sponsorship or any other immigration-related assistance.
• Masters degree in higher education, student affairs, education, communication, counseling, psychology, social work, or a related health sciences field from a regionally accredited institution.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with students in a higher education setting.
• Experience in undergraduate academic advising, higher education student personnel administration, and/or counseling in a higher education setting.
• Knowledge of NAAHP and/or NACADA best practices.
• Strong technical proficiency in electronic document management systems, student information systems, i.e. Banner and MS Office Suite.

Position Type: Permanent Full-Time