Academic Advisor

Founded in 1917, Providence College (PC) is a premier Catholic liberal arts institution steadfastly committed to academic excellence through a dynamic core curriculum, a distinctive Development of Western Civilization Program, and abundant experiential learning opportunities. The only U.S. higher education institution administered by the Dominican Friars, PC is committed to providing a variety of opportunities for intellectual, social, moral, and spiritual growth in a supportive environment. Providence College believes that cultural and intellectual pluralism is essential to the excellence of its academic programs, and strives to foster an academic culture and campus community reflecting the global environment in which we live and work.

The approximately 105-acre campus is situated in Rhode Island’s capital city and is close to the many cultural and educational offerings of Rhode Island’s “renaissance city.” Additionally, Providence is located an hour from Boston and just a few hours from New York City.

For years, Providence College has been recognized in the U.S. News & World Report “Regional Universities – North Category” and has been commended by several other ranking publications.

Conducted under the auspices of the Dominican Friars, Providence College is a Catholic, Dominican, liberal arts institution of higher education and a community committed to academic excellence in pursuit of the truth, growth in virtue, and service of God and neighbor. We seek candidates who can affirm and contribute to our mission.

Providence College is also an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering a Beloved Community — an environment that reflects the rich diversity of the human family and is marked by justice, charity and the promotion of the common good and flourishing of all. We invite applications from qualified individuals who possess the experience, knowledge and commitment to develop the diverse learning environment envisioned as part of the Beloved Community. Women and minority candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. The College’s Non-Discrimination policy can be found Notice of Non-Discrimination (PDF document).

Overview

Provide hands-on academic advising support to ensure successful completion of all academic requirements and progression towards educational goals. In addition to course selection, particular attention will be given to advising and support for signature academic programs and experience such as study abroad, directed research, and other experiential learning opportunities.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Provide direct, individual, and group academic advising to an assigned caseload of students. Serve as a staff academic advisor to the assigned student caseload and conduct one-on-one and group advising meetings each semester. Meet with assigned advisees upon request to address emerging questions and concerns. Design and conduct individual or group advising sessions to address common needs, interests, and concerns. Check midterm/final grades and schedule meetings to discuss concerns as necessary. Assist with the development and implementation of retention plans for students who are on academic warning, academic probation, or may be subject to dismissal with potential impact to financial aid in coordination with the Student Success Center. (70%)
2. Develop, plan, and manage opportunities for students to obtain and participate in meaningful internships, directed research, study abroad, and academic credit granting field experiences. Confer with students to discuss a prospective internship or experiential learning opportunities and ascertain whether it is applicable to the academic objectives of their degree program and career aspirations. Refer students to applicable resources. Ensure the student submits all necessary documentation to participate. Provide logistical support to students if a placement-related complication or concern should arise. Assess outcome of the experience in collaboration with faculty colleagues. (20%)
3. Coordinate academic advising and record keeping among a team of advisors including faculty, professionals in the Student Success Center, and the health professions advisor. Maintain an accurate and updated academic advising record for each student. (10%)

MARGINAL DUTIES:

1. Perform all other duties as may be required.

Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in education, counseling, college student personnel, or a related field from an accredited institution required.
• Two to three years of relevant experience in academic advising, preferably in a higher education environment, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience designing and delivering programs/workshops that foster academic and professional success in and outside of the classroom. This includes experience collaborating with community partners and other skilled professionals.
• Experience working with faculty to enhance advising effectiveness and support students’ academic and personal well-being.
• Strong knowledge of best practices in advising students from a variety of racial, ethnic, socio-economic, and education backgrounds.
• Knowledge of student development theory, especially as it pertains to academic advising and student success.
• Knowledge of advising assessment methods and reporting practices.
• Experience working with under-represented groups, including, but not limited to, BIPOC, first generation, and low-income students.
• Strong knowledge of best practices in advising college students from a variety of racial, ethnic, socio-economic, and educational backgrounds.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Some evening/weekend work required.
• Occasional travel.

Supplemental Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Sitting in a normal seated position for extended periods of time
• Reaching by extending hand(s) or arm(s) in any direction
• Finger dexterity required to manipulate objects with fingers rather than with whole hand(s) or arm(s), for example, using a keyboard
• Communication skills using the spoken word
• Ability to see within normal parameters
• Ability to hear within normal range
• Ability to move about

DISCLAIMER:

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required.