Academic Advisor - BTAM

The mission of Goodwin University is to educate a diverse student population in a dynamic environment that aligns education, commerce, and community. Our innovative programs of study prepare students for professional careers while promoting lifelong learning and civic responsibility. As a nurturing university community, we challenge students, faculty, staff, and administration to fully realize their highest academic, professional, and personal potential.

 

The Academic Advisor is responsible for working exclusively with new and non-traditional students in The School of Business, Technology, and Advanced Manufacturing (BTAM) to provide proactive, caring, student-centered support throughout their academic career.

Essential Job Functions/Primary Responsibilities for the Academic Advisor: 

(The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)

Under the supervision of the Dean of the School of BTAM, the successful candidate will provide academic advising primarily to undergraduate students. Advising duties include, but are not limited to:

• Establish cooperative and collaborative relationships with students, faculty, staff, supervisor and other internal customers
• Act as a liaison between students, faculty and staff departments to assist students with academic issues, financial aid concerns and hold resolutions to limit student frustration and ensure a speedy resolution
• Track student progress and outcomes to increase student retention and support.  Identify opportunities for retention through observation of student trends.
• Assist students with their academic documentations such as program changes, plans of studies, add/drop and withdrawal paperwork
• Have a strong understanding of academic and administrative policies, SAP, GPA and grad requirements in order to effectively communicate and support student needs.
• Educate students on the registration process and course selection empowering them to understand their academic path and graduation requirements.
• Help students understand best practices: effective communication with faculty and staff, completing course evaluations, seeking support, understanding how to appropriately self-advocate
• Ensure student records are complete and maintained. Conduct reviews of students’ academic records each semester. Including working with students to update contact information, transfer documentation and medical documentation.
• Work with students in various capacities while they strive to complete their coursework.
• Gather information to determine if students should be referred to sources of additional support. Communicate with students regarding available support services at Goodwin University
• Follow up with students and student services to ensure additional support is being sought out and provided.
• Review accuracy of student data in Ellucian and plans of study as well as ensure all student notes are documented.
• Produce Reports for advising, Program Director support and the Dean.
• Utilizes Excel reports on a daily basis to monitor retention and plan outreach communication.
• Work with all Program Directors to ensure retention plans are implemented and students are appropriately tracked.
• Engage in significant verbal and written correspondence such as phone call, mail, e-mail and in-person. Respond to student correspondence within 24 hours throughout the advising process.
• Utilize a weekly communication plan involving phone, email and face to face outreach in order to increase student persistence and connection to the University.
• Identify ways in which to enhance the advising process to increase the student experience through advising assessments to ensure student satisfaction.
• Assist with the documentation of advising best practices.
• Maintain a flexible schedule during peak times throughout each semester such as nights and weekends.
• Provide advising support to other programs as required.
• Participate in required staff functions such as meetings, training and ceremonies.
• Conducts all work in a safe manner and all work safety practices are followed.
• Provide logistics and oversight of special academic / training projects as contracted with clients; both on campus and off-site;
• Collaborate with BTAM administrative assistants concerning schedule of classes, movement of students;
• Must be willing and able to speak to all groups concerning careers and training opportunities at Goodwin.
• Bi-lingual is a plus.
• Works under the direction of the Dean of the School of Business, Technology and Advanced Manufacturing
• Performs similar or related work as required, directed or as situation dictates.
• Continues professional development and training; keeps current with trends.
• Assists other department staff as needed to promote a team effort.

Knowledge, Ability and Skill:

The successful candidate must have demonstrated ability to:

• Communication Skills
• Demonstrated organization skills
• Demonstrated computer competency - Microsoft Office – Word, Excel, etc. & Zoom/Teams
• Demonstrated customer service skills
• Experience in a post-secondary educational environment a plus

Qualifications

Education, Training & Experience:

The successful candidate must have:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree a plus
• 1-3 years’ professional work experience 

Special Requirements: 

• Valid Drivers License & Insured Vehicle

 

Physical and Mental Requirements: 

Work Environment  None        Under 1/3 1/3 to 2/3 Over 2/3 Outdoor Weather Conditions X       Work with fumes or airborne particles X       Work near moving mechanical parts X       Risk of electrical shock X       Vibration X      
Physical Activity  None        Under 1/3 1/3 to 2/3 Over 2/3 Standing                                                  X     Walking   X     Sitting       X Talking & Hearing       X Using hands/fingers to handle/feel       X Climbing or balancing X       Bending, pulling, pushing   X     Driving    X    
Lifting Requirements None       Under 1/3 1/3 to 2/3 Over 2/3 Up to 10 pounds                                      X     Up to 25 pounds     X   Up to 50 pounds X       Up to 75 pounds X       Up to 100 pounds X       Over 100 pounds X      

Vision Requirements:

X Close vision (i.e. clear vision at 20 inches or less)

_ Distance vision (i.e. clear vision at 20 feet or more)

_ Color vision (i.e. ability to identify and distinguish colors)

_ Peripheral vision (i.e. ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or

left and right while the eyes are fixed on a given point)

_ Depth perception (i.e. three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and

spatial relationships)

___ No special vision requirements

Full-Time Employee Benefits:

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• 401k employer match
• Employee & dependent life insurance
• Great tuition benefits for employee, spouse & dependents
• PTO program
• Flexible work schedules / work from home opportunities

(This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between Goodwin University and employee. It is used as a guide for personnel actions and is subject to change by the university as the needs of the university and requirements of the job change.)