Academic Advisor I

About Us

Middle Georgia State University (MGA), a multi-campus, baccalaureate and graduate degree-granting public institution, is the most affordable public state university in Georgia. MGA has five campuses-Macon, Cochran, Dublin, Eastman, and Warner Robins, all located in central Georgia-and global outreach through its fully-online campus. Its enrollment of 8,400 students is largely comprised of students from most of Georgia's 159 counties. The University has six academic schools, including Georgia's flagship aviation program, that support its mission to educate and graduate inspired, lifelong learners whose scholarship and careers enhance the state.

Job Summary

The position performs integrated academic advisement that supports retention and graduation for prospective and current students by guiding the students through data informed decision processes. This is a continuous and consistent process, which is built upon the basis of accurate communication and consistent personal contact between the advisor and advisee.

Responsibilities

Advising -

• Assist and accurately guide students in defining and developing realistic educational career plans through academic schedule planning (mapping the curriculum) for each semester.
• Advise students about academic policies, selection of a major including processing major change requests, course requirements, pre-requisites, grades, and graduation requirements.
• Assist students in course selection and class registration.
• Serve as a resource specialist to students in the implementation of academic advising services and support.
• Assist with University enrollment events by providing advising services during open house, orientation, and call campaigns.
• Inform and refer students to other appropriate institutional resources such as Student Success Center, Academic Affairs, Student Affairs and Counseling Services.
• Monitor progress toward educational goals by meeting with students to discuss the proposed academic program, current grades, and other performance indicators.
• Adhere to University policies including student privacy regulations such as FERPA.

Data Collection -

• Assist with data collection and data entry.
• Use appropriate University systems to maintain appropriate student files, records, and advisor notes.

Communication and Professional Development -

• Assist with contacting students including scheduling appointments, notification of meetings and special events.
• Participate in on-going professional development.
• Participate with Advisor II and III on special projects or tasks as assigned/approved by supervisor.

Required Qualifications

Educational Requirements
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university

Other Required Qualifications
The academic advisor will be based on one MGA campus, with occasional required travel to other campuses. This position may occasionally require evening or weekend work.

Preferred Qualifications

Additional Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of admission, registration, and degree program requirements
• Knowledge of academic standards governing the student population
• Knowledge of student recruitment and retention principles

Preferred Experience
Experience in higher education, working knowledge of DegreeWorks

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of computer and job-related software programs
• Skill in decision-making and problem solving
• Skill in training and coordinating the work of related personnel
• Skills in interpersonal relations and in dealing with the public
• Skill in written and oral communication

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Institutional Values

Middle Georgia State University is committed to four core values in what we do and represent: CORE VALUES: Stewardship - Engagement - Adaptability - Learning

Equal Employment Opportunity

Middle Georgia State University is committed to ensuring a safe learning environment that supports the dignity of all members of the University community. Equal opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of the University System of Georgia (USG) and Middle Georgia State University. Pursuant to Board of Regents Policy Section 6.6, federal and state laws and regulations, and our vision, mission, and values, Middle Georgia State University prohibits discrimination on the basis of an individual's age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status ("protected status"). No individual shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation under, any USG program or activity because of the individual's protected status; nor shall any individual be given preferential treatment because of the individual's protected status, except that preferential treatment may be given on the basis of veteran status when appropriate under federal or state law.

Other Information

This is a non-exempt (hourly paid) position and includes a comprehensive benefits package. Benefits include:

• Health insurance
• Dental
• Vision
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Life Insurance
• Sick Leave
• Vacation Leave
• Parental Leave
• Retirement
• Employee discounts
• Tuition reimbursement

Background Check

Employment offer is contingent upon completing a background investigation, including a criminal background check demonstrating your employment eligibility with MGA, as determined by MGA in its sole discretion, confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application material, and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check.