Academic Advisor #443457, #443461

The Undergraduate Advising Center is inviting applications for the position of Academic Advisor I. This department provides year-round academic advising and support for Lamar freshmen and sophomores and all Pre-Nursing students. UAC advisors help students navigate the university environment and connect them to departments and faculty to ensure access to campus resources, as well as student success and retention.

The goal in the UAC is to help students get the most from their experience at Lamar University. UAC helps incoming students make the tough transition from high school to college, and helps continuing or transfer students get connected here. Besides ensuring that students get the right classes to graduate on time, they also help students utilize resources, get involved, and connect with faculty and departments. UAC advisors provide consistent, dependable support. 

This position is responsible for providing comprehensive academic advising and student success support to an assigned cohort of students. An Academic Advisor I advises freshman and sophomore undergraduate students concerning their enrollment, reenrollment, departmental and academic requirements; focuses on student success and provides information on and refers students to University resources that can assist in meeting their needs. The position is an entry-level advising role that fits within the organizational structure of the Undergraduate Advising Center. The Academic Advisor I functions under the guidance of senior academic advisors and directly reports to an Assistant Director of the Undergraduate Advising Center under the leadership of the Director of the Undergraduate Advising Center.

• Holistically assist students on their journey at Lamar University, with specific focus on each piece of the matriculation cycle to include:

o initial enrollment

o support during the term for successful completion of courses

o referrals to pertinent support offices

o empowering students to build success skills for progression

o reenrollment each term through graduation

• Assess each student individually and provide a ’’one student at a time" approach in the academic

advising and student (customer) service strategies.

• Lead students through the process of sound decision making, goal setting and the steps to execute a plan to fruition.

• Contribute to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of professional skills among a team all working toward the goal of elevating students, their success, and the department’s commitment to a high level of student (customer) service.

• Promote diversity in all actions and exchanges as this role engages with many other cultures and backgrounds.

• Develop and perpetually expand academic advising strategies and in addition to learning the Lamar University, academic department, college and UAC policies and procedures and assist students in navigating these when appropriate.

• Help students transition to college and acquire relevant information on services focused on meeting their academic needs and developing learning strategies and skills to be successful in college. Advise students on new student and retention initiatives and the courses required for their participation.

• Coordinate with all Enrollment Management offices to provide students with the resources and knowledge needed to make matriculation and reenrollment decisions.

• Verify, compile, interpret, and record a wide variety of data and student information. Track student interactions, input notes, and monitor student success data to influence successful outcomes and provide follow up with students as needed. Responsible to consistently report pertinent data to direct supervisor.

• Review degree plans, processes for add/drops, Q drops, withdrawals, and change of curricula with students.

• Provide input for development and revision of Informational materials, handbooks, and newsletters for students and departments.

• Advise students on appropriate course selection and placement. For students who are TSI restricted, explain their placement into developmental courses, complete a TSI Success plan and monitor their TSI progress updating plans as needed.

• Advise students regarding educational opportunities, academic core and departmental requirements, and academic policies and procedures. Ensure that university policies and state mandates are carried out in advising and enrolling students.

• Assist students in developing an academic plan for each semester based on their exploration of various fields of study, evaluation of academic abilities and clarification of educational and career goals.

• Utilize degree audit reports to advise students on appropriate course selections and evaluate student’s degree progress. Assist students in interpreting degree audit and requesting any exemptions or course substitutions from the academic departments that may be needed.

• Use predictive analytic software for targeted advising and monitoring of student academic progress. Provide guidance on possible courses of action and refer students to appropriate campus resources. Assist students in developing an academic success plan and provide follow-up guidance and support.

• Conduct end of term processes such as checking grades and schedules and assist with probation, suspension and reinstatement procedures.

• Utilize advising systems and technologies (e.g. Banner, SSC Campus, DegreeWorks) to support delivery of advising services and keep accurate records of student advising contacts and progress toward degree completion. Maintain and update student files and records in accordance with federal, state and university regulations.

• Participate on committees, working groups, or special projects as needed. Assist in academic advising outreach at university and recruitment events.

• Assist in the on-going assessment activities of the department and division.

• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Lamar University is a diverse and accessible global university for life-long learners with a passion for broad-based community engagement. As a vital contributor to the socioeconomic wellbeing and resilience of the Gulf Coast region, our expertise is recognized locally and beyond. Lamar University is home to more than 17,000 students and is among the fastest growing Texas colleges and universities. LU is a member of The Texas State University System, which is the first higher education system of Texas and maintains the lowest average tuition and fees of any university system in Texas. With more than 100 degree options and a community that cares, Lamar students are always proud to be Cardinals.

Lamar University is committed to fostering a culture of diversity where students, faculty and staff of all backgrounds can learn, work, and serve.

A comprehensive benefits package is offered that includes: 

· Health, dental & vision insurance 

· Life insurance

· State of Texas Retirement plans

· Tuition reimbursement for employees, spouses and/or eligible dependent

· Paid time off – vacation, sick, and holidays.  

• Bachelor’s degree required.

• At least 1 year of experience in academic advising or directly related experience.

• Ability to maintain a high level of dependability, professionalism & customer service.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills including active listening and ability to present information clearly and professionally to a range of audiences.

• Effective decision-making and problem-solving skills. Ability to use sound judgment, discretion and diplomacy when working on sensitive issues with students.

• Successful experience working with and building positive advising relationships with target student populations in higher education.

• Work well as part of a team and establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with various constituencies to include students, colleagues, faculty and administrators. Ability to work in a diverse environment and be sensitive to issues of diversity and inclusion.

• Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports. Knowledge of basic computer operating system, word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs.

Lamar University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Lamar University is proud to provide employment preference to veteran applicants in accordance with Texas SB 805, Section 657.003.

Preferred Qualifications

 

• Master’s degree; preferably in counseling, student affairs or related field.

• 1-3 years of experience in academic advising in a university or college setting.

• Knowledge of literature and best practices related to undergraduate advising and student retention initiatives.

• Familiarity with advising tools such as Banner, Degree Works, and SSC Campus.

Individuals in this position may be asked to work extended hours with a varying schedule, which may include evenings and weekends. Occasional travel to professional meetings and conferences.

This position is security-sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of the Texas Education Code §51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information.

Salary: $35,568

Job Posting Link to Apply: Lamar University | Academic Advisor #443457