Sr. Academic Advisor

About Virginia Commonwealth University

VCU is a top 50 public research university with a genuine commitment to student success and community service. One of just a handful of universities to receive both a "Very High Research Activity" status and a "Community Engaged" designation from the Carnegie Foundation, VCU also hosts the region's top-rated medical center. The medical campus is home to top-ranked programs in Pharmacy, Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry, Public Health, and Health Professions, as well as the Center for Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Care, the Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research, the Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Pauley Heart Center, the Stravitz-Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease and Metabolic Health, among many other institutes and centers.

About the School of Pharmacy

The School of Pharmacy (SOP) has a 127-year tradition beginning with the Medical College of Virginia and continuing to the present. Ranked in the Top 20 of Schools of Pharmacy nationwide, the SOP is dedicated to graduating outstanding future scientists and pharmacists who will develop new medicines and therapies, improve human health, foster exemplary research, and provide sustaining contributions to interprofessional patient care.

Unit: School Of Pharmacy MBU

Department: School of Pharmacy Dean's Office

Duties Responsibilities:

The School of Pharmacy invites applications for the position of Senior Academic Advisor. The Sr Academic Advisor will provide specialized academic advising services to our Bachelor of Science Pharmaceutical Sciences students, PharmD students, and Graduate students and collaborates with University colleagues and public stakeholders, such as students, family members, and prospective students. By integrating interpersonal and communication skills with advanced knowledge of curricula, policies (departmental, college, and University), resources, and student development, the advisor helps students identify and set academic and developmental goals and make progress toward those goals. The advisor assists in the development of advising programs and initiatives that facilitate student engagement, success, and retention, provides advising data and collaborates with academic and other University operational units on matters that impact student recruitment, success, and retention.

Key Responsibilities:

• Advise students regarding departmental, college, and University policies and procedures; programs of study; and the development of appropriate academic plans
• Maintain accurate and confidential records on students using Navigate advising platform to establish targeted student populations on caseload for holistic advising
• Document all advising interactions with students in Navigate
• Use DegreeWorks to determine a student's progress in completing degree requirements
• Write letters of recommendation and letters of support for student appeals
• Assist students in identifying their interests, abilities, and academic goals and in making decisions regarding their academic career
• Introduce students to opportunities that will enrich their academic experience, facilitate their academic and personal development, and support their educational success
• Teach students how to manage the college experience, navigate the University, make informed decisions, and assume responsibility for their academic success
• Identify and assist struggling or at-risk students
• Make appropriate referrals to other university resources
• Review and approve graduation applications, and assist students in removing barriers to graduation
• Coordinate and process academic appeals submitted by students for submission to the Academic Regulations Appeals Committee and Academic Performance Committee.
• Collaborate with departmental and university partners on matters that impact student recruitment, retention, and graduation rates
• Collaborate with school and university partners to create, implement, and evaluate programming to support student success
• Coordinate and complete academic advising administrative duties in a timely manner
• Contribute to School-wide initiatives that support student success across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs
• Participate in the planning and execution of School of Pharmacy events as necessary

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration, College Student Personnel, or related area or equivalent combination of education and years of experience that equates to a master’s degree.
• A minimum of three years professional advising experience in a college or university setting.
• Knowledgeable of theory and application of effective advising techniques.
• Ability to learn and understand curriculum requirements of assigned and other departments.
• Ability to think critically and troubleshoot/problem-solve complex academic issues to bring to a swift resolution.
• Organized and a self-starter who can prioritize work responsibilities.
• Excellent written, interpersonal and oral communication skills.
• Experience using Navigate, Degree Works, Banner, eServices, Google suite, and Microsoft Office suite to implement inclusive and intentional advising strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Two years of advising experience at VCU.
• Demonstrated experience creating, implementing, and assessing programming and/or high impact practices in higher education.Demonstrated experience working with at-risk student populations.
• Demonstrated experience in collaborative work, including service on committees related to student engagement, student success, departmental service or academic advising.

Salary Range: $57,000-$67,000

Benefits : All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt

Hours per Week: 40

Restricted Position: No

ORP Eligible: Yes

Flexible Work Arrangement: Hybrid