"Academic Advisor I - Agriculture"

SUMMARY

JOB DESCRIPTION

This is a professional position responsible for advising undecided, prospective, and enrolled students in course selection and academic program planning consistent with each student’s interests and abilities. Responsible for assisting with recruitment and retention efforts; promoting student academic success and professional development; and coordinating and providing a variety of student services. Primarily supports one academic school, department, or assigned group of students. Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree is required.

Two years of related experience is required. Experience in student services or instruction is preferred. Academic advising experience is strongly preferred.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Supports college students by coordinating and providing a variety of student services.
2. Conducts individual academic advising sessions and small group sessions with prospective, new, and continuing students.
3. Assists students in confirming major selection and choosing minor or other academic programs to support their educational interests.
4. Maintains contact with students to monitor their academic progress and assist them toward degree completion.
5. Provides intrusive advising, monitoring, and referrals for students in academic difficulty.
6. Assists with on campus recruiting efforts by meeting and corresponding with prospective students, providing referrals to faculty, and assisting with special events.
7. Assists with college and campus-wide programs designed to improve student academic success and enhance student professional development.
8. Maintains accurate files and records of interactions with students.
9. Participates in advising-related professional organizations and continuing education activities and events.
10. Gathers data for the purpose of monitoring student success and preparing reports.

NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Serves on university committees as needed.
2. Participates in recruitment and retention activities as appropriate.
3. Adheres to NCAA, conference, and university rules and regulations when working with student athletes, as applicable.
4. Performs other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

1. Knowledge of, or ability to learn, university policies and procedures.
2. Knowledge of developmental academic advising, retention management, and/or instructional strategies effective for college-age students.
3. Skill in using computer applications including spreadsheet, database, and word processing software.
4. Ability to learn office and university-specific software.
5. Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.
6. Ability to set priorities and complete assignments on time.
7. Ability to establish and maintain a good rapport with university faculty and staff, students, and the general public.
8. Ability to work effectively and patiently with students.
9. Ability to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and recommend solutions.
10. Ability to provide support for student development with demonstrable concern for students.
11. Ability to engage students and to create and enhance their commitment to the institution and each other.
12. Ability to acquire and maintain knowledge of university curriculum and degree requirements and to interpret them in the context of individual student needs.
13. Ability to work evenings, nights, and weekends as needed.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANT

This position is located in the Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Stephen F. Austin State University recognizes the potential for accidents in performing job-related tasks. SFA promotes a safe working environment. Employees will be responsible for completing assigned tasks safely and efficiently. Employee evaluations will include safe job performance.

This is a security-sensitive position subject to criminal record check.

This is an IT-sensitive position subject to the Computer and Network Security policy.