Academic Advisor I

Position Classification:

Regular, full-time, salaried, exempt and benefit-eligible staff position. For more benefit information visit Why Work at UCO?

General Schedule:

Position typically works Monday-Friday from 8am-5pm in-office at UCO's main campus in Edmond, Oklahoma.

Job Description:

Provides direct service and support to students through comprehensive academic and career planning from the point of admission to graduation. Provides learning strategy support, graduation planning, and monitoring student progress toward degree. Specific responsibilities include the provision of guidance, mentoring, and coaching to optimize the student experience and, in turn, improve student retention and success. Provides services related to orientation, registration, assessment of learning, referral, and facilitates student engagement in academic and career planning activities and the life of the university.

Position Overview:

Advises students concerning an appropriate academic schedule, choice of major and/or minor, number of hours that may be taken, probation, and/or suspension. Guides students in matters related to academic goals, course load, and study habits.  Intermediate-level professional position, with actions that may have a significant impact on operations. Maintains a working knowledge of policies and procedures. Assists with campus events such as orientation, departmental promotions, and back-to-school events. Completes documents such as graduation forms, substitution forms, and study abroad degree evaluations. Evaluates and performs graduation checks, monitors student progress, and advises students on an appropriate plan of study. Develops and/or completes college/school documents such as classroom assignments, plans of study, curriculum guides, and study abroad documentation. May assist with the recruitment of prospective students. Performs work under minimal supervision. Handles complex issues and problems. Provides guidance and counseling to students in matters related to academic goals, choice of curriculum, course load, study habits, and course scheduling. Completes degree checks for individual students and student groups as needed

Essential Job Functions:

• Counsel students regarding academic endeavors.
• Performs other related duties as assigned. 
• Informs students on appropriate academic schedules, choice of major, number of hours available, probation, and suspension; suggests remedial or corrective actions. 
• Provides guidance to students in the selection of a major and/or minor.
• Evaluates student records and completes degree evaluations for individual students and student groups and articulates coursework, as needed.
• Assists in the development and implementation of student success and retention programs, initiatives, materials, and events.
• Articulates coursework as needed.
• Acts as a resource person for academic information and decision-making strategies. 
• Engages in proactive outreach in support of student persistence and success.
• Utilizes coaching strategies to help students reach their educational and personal goals.
• Acts as a liaison between the colleges and departments assigned, campus community, and prospective students. 
• Helps students find transformative co-curricular activities that provide opportunities for leadership; research, creative, and scholarly activities; service learning; global and cultural competencies, and health and wellness.
• Participates in training and evaluation sessions.

Qualifications/Experience Required:

Bachelor’s degree in job related field plus 1+ years of work experience in related field or 3+ years of equivalent work experience in a chosen field that provides knowledge of and exposure to fundamental theories, principles, and concepts.

Qualifications/Experience Preferred:

Masters degree in a related field. 3+ years of prior academic advising/counseling experience. Familiarity with admission and enrollment process in an institution of higher education setting and its undergraduate degree programs. Knowledge of Ellucian Banner and Microsoft Office products. Preference will be given to otherwise qualified internal candidates.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

 Knowledgeable in the higher education attainment process, particularly the requirements and general value of education. Demonstration of a warm and caring professional attitude and creative counseling techniques. Ability to communicate effectively with department chairpersons and/or deans regarding degree program requirements. Ability to work well under pressure. Understanding the University policies and procedures as they relate to academic advising. Ability to maintain databases. Attention to detail is a must. Technical proficiency; trust and credibility; dedication; self-awareness; Accepting ambiguity; team player; time management skills; independent; results oriented.

Physical Demands:

Reasonable accommodations (in accordance with ADA requirements) may be made, upon request, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.