"Graduate Program Part-time Academic Advisor"

Job Details

Advertising Summary: The Graduate Academic Advisor provides direct advising and support to graduate students across Wilder School programs. The position guides students through academic planning, degree requirements, and university policies while delivering individualized assistance that strengthens retention and timely graduation. The advisor conducts proactive outreach, helps students navigate academic processes, supports engagement and success programming, and contributes to recruitment and orientation activities. The Graduate Academic Advisor provides direct advising and support to graduate students across Wilder School programs. The position guides students through academic planning, degree requirements, and university policies while delivering individualized assistance that strengthens retention and timely graduation. The advisor conducts proactive outreach, helps students navigate academic processes, supports engagement and success programming, and contributes to recruitment and orientation activities. The role requires strong organization, problem-solving, and consistent collaboration with faculty, staff, and campus partners to ensure students receive accurate, timely, and supportive guidance throughout their academic journey.

Unit: L D Wilder Sch of Govt & Pub Affrs

Department: L D Wilder Sch of Govt & Pub Affrs

Department Summary: The Academic Advising and Student Services unit at the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs provides comprehensive advising that supports undergraduate and graduate students in meeting their educational, professional, and personal goals. The unit delivers high-quality, student-centered guidance that promotes timely degree completion, strengthens retention and graduation rates, and encourages active engagement in the Wilder School community. Advisors within the unit work closely with faculty, staff, and campus partners to ensure students receive accurate information, proactive outreach, and targeted support that address academic progress, career development, and overall well-being.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Academic Advising and Student Support – 45 %

• Advise graduate students on program requirements, academic planning, policies, and expectations.
• Hold scheduled in-person and virtual appointments and respond to student emails within 48 hours.
• Help students assess interests, strengths, and goals so they make informed academic decisions.
• Provide guidance on course sequencing, enrollment, registration issues, and academic planning needs.
• Connect students to campus resources that support academic progress, well-being, and professional development.
• Maintain detailed advising notes and update student records in compliance with FERPA.
• Refer students to university offices when specialized support is required.

Retention, Outreach, and Student Engagement – 20%

• Monitor student progress, identify early signs of disengagement or academic difficulty, and conduct timely outreach to support students.
• Contact continuing students who have not registered and assist them in resolving any barriers to enrollment.
• Support school and program retention goals, contributing to strategies that improve persistence.
• Guide students in developing academic performance plans to enhance their academic standing.
• Encourage participation in learning opportunities, workshops, and engagement activities.

Graduation, Appeals, and Academic Processes – 20%

• Complete degree progress reviews using DegreeWorks and internal auditing tools.
• Ensure students remain in compliance with enrollment and program policies.
• Submit required forms and updates to maintain accurate and current student records.
• Prepare final degree audits before conferral.
• Advise students about academic policies, petitions, and appeal processes to ensure they understand requirements and timelines.

Programming, Events, and Recruitment Support – 10%

• Support graduate program events such as orientation, workshops, and student development sessions.
• Participate in recruitment activities by sharing program information with prospective students.
• Assist with planning, communication, and logistics for student-centered programming.
• Help deliver information sessions and respond to initial inquiries from prospective students.

Other Duties as Assigned – 5%

• Perform additional duties as assigned to support Student Services and Academic Advising, the mission of the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs, and more broadly, Virginia Commonwealth University.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in counseling, student personnel, higher education administration, or related field.
• Professional experience in a college or university setting.
• Demonstrated ability to problem-solve.
• Understanding of student development theory.
• Experience in making personal contact with students via phone and the use of various technology platforms to establish relationships and encourage students to utilize services.
• Experience working in a high-volume office that offers exceptional customer service while maintaining positive interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience advising graduate students.
• Demonstrated experience using Degree Works, Banner, and Navigate.
• Demonstrated ability to manage academic processes within and across academic units.
• Demonstrated experience recruiting graduate students.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a large volume of administrative work.

Salary Range: $20- $25 Per Hour

Benefits : All VCU employee types are eligible for a wide array of benefits to support you during your employment at VCU. Consult the benefits website for information on benefits eligibility according to employee type.

FLSA Exemption Status: Non-Exempt

Hours per Week: 28

Flexible Work Arrangement: Hybrid

Contact Name: Bridget Lyons (Search Chair)

Contact Email: belyons@vcu.edu