Lead Academic Success Advisor, Student-Athlete Focus

The Academic Services for Student-Athletes role provides comprehensive support to ensure the holistic success and eligibility of Gardner-Webb University students. While this position serves as the primary point of contact for student-athlete academic services, it functions as a collaborative member of the Division of Student Success. As such, the individual will maintain a diverse advising portfolio that includes Traditional Undergraduate (TUG) and GWU Online students.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Athletic Academic Services

• Primary Advisor of Record: Serve as the lead advisor for assigned undeclared student-athletes and secondary success coach for all student-athletes.
• Performance Monitoring: Conduct weekly meetings with at-risk student-athletes to review grades, syllabi, task sheets, and academic "gameplans".
• Compliance & Certification: Monitor NCAA and GWU satisfactory progress requirements; assist the Registrar and Compliance Office with athletic certification and banner coding.
• Administrative Logistics: Collect travel schedules from coaches to develop faculty travel letters and manage course withdrawal documentation.
• Recruitment: Assist in the recruitment of prospective student-athletes by presenting academic support services.

Integrated University Advising (TUG & Online)

• Cross-Modal Advising: Serve as a designated academic advisor for Traditional Undergraduate (TUG) and GWU Online students, ensuring high-quality guidance regardless of the student’s delivery mode.
• Retention & Success: Utilize proactive advising strategies to support retention for both campus-based and distance learners.
• Resource Navigation: Communicate and recommend university resources (Noel Center, Financial Planning, International Student Office, etc.) to all student populations.

Programming & Development

• Holistic Growth: Enhance student wellness through mentorship, leadership training, and professional development workshops.
• Campus Integration: Develop plans to increase student-athlete involvement in the broader campus community.
• Committee Service: Attend departmental meetings and serve on campus committees to represent the interests of Student Success.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Graduate Assistants; Interns/Student Employees (as needed).

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Required: Bachelor’s Degree in education or a related field.
• Preferred: 2 years of related work or training. Experience as a student-athlete is a significant plus.
• Advising Versatility: Previous experience or a strong desire to work with diverse student populations, including online students and traditional campus students.

OTHER PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Technical Proficiency: Mastery of Microsoft Office Suite and campus-wide databases (e.g., Banner, Cornerstone).
• Mission Alignment: Willingness to contribute to Gardner-Webb University’s Christian mission and the Division of Student Success’ values: access, empowerment, inclusivity, partnership, and growth.
• Relational Excellence: Strong "customer-friendly" skills, a positive attitude, and the ability to handle confidential information (FERPA) with professional integrity.

Competitive Benefits

• Retirement matching
• Tuition remission
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Short term/long term disability
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Paid sick leave
• 17 paid holidays
• Wellness opportunities
• On-campus health center