Academic Advisor

University of Oklahoma

Oklahoma, OK

ID: 7127919 (Ref.No. ta230612)
Posted: March 13, 2023
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

Job Description

Job Description

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At the University of Oklahoma, academic advisors play a critical role in student success. Academic advisors oversee student degree planning by recommending course sequencing and monitoring progress towards degree completion. Academic advisors assist students in realizing their educational, professional, and personal goals by offering guidance that includes utilizing institutional resources that help students make the most of their college experience. Advisors communicate information regarding academic programs, policies, and procedures based on students' individual needs.

All academic advisors at the University of Oklahoma receive comprehensive training that is guided by the highest professional standards in the field and reflect the National Academic Advising Association's Core Competencies. Academic advisors are provided opportunities for professional development and career advancement that are self-directed and encompass the wide offerings of the profession.

University College (UC) academic advisors work primarily with first-year students as they transition into the university environment, until they successfully matriculate into their degree granting college. They advise students in all university degree programs until degree-granting college entrance requirements are met. UC academic advisors also work with transfer students, scholars students, and pre-health students. In addition to the duties mentioned previously, UC advisors assist students in selecting major(s) and/or minor(s), defining career goals, responding to student and parent inquiries, monitoring individual student progress, assessing student concerns, and assisting in developing recovery strategies. College responsibilities include participation in recruitment events, presenting, working with other academic departments, and meeting with prospective students and families.

The successful candidate will have 6-24 months of education experience and knowledge of college student development. Bachelor's degree required. Master's preferred. Candidate should also possess strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills; and will demonstrate a commitment to diversity and sensitivity to individuals from different ethnic, cultural, geographic, and experiential backgrounds. Primary work hours will be Mondays-Fridays 8am-5pm. After the academic advisor appropriately adjusts to their new position, there is the possibility of flexible hours and remote work with supervisor and college approval. There will be occasional evening/weekend work required with advanced notice.

 

Essential Duties:

  • Engage in and successfully graduate from the Academic Advisor Training Program. 
  • Demonstrate a working knowledge of state, university, college, and major policies and procedures.
  • Conduct individual academic advising appointments for a designated caseload that addresses short term scheduling and long-term degree planning.
  • Guide students in formulating meaningful and appropriate academic plans based on their interests and goals, while providing guidance on the general education curriculum, degree requirements, and academic opportunities.
  • Assess the holistic needs of students, provide support, and refer to appropriate campus partners.
  • Utilize sound equity and inclusion practices to develop a rapport of trust with assigned students.
  • Demonstrate timely responsiveness to communications via phone, Zoom, and email.
  • Manage administrative tasks associated with preparing and completing academic advising sessions.
  • Evaluate, update, and securely maintain student and advising records.
  • Process academic forms.
  • Review mid-term grade reports and proactively address academic challenges.
  • Meet with students on Academic Probation Reinstatement to develop their academic success plans.
  • Advise transfer students regarding transfer articulation, review course equivalencies, and assist with course planning and degree completion.
  • Conduct proactive outreach to encourage timely advising appointments, registration, and the completion of tasks that lead to degree progress.
  • Participate in institutional retention and completion initiatives
  • Meet with prospective students and assist with programming for college recruitment and orientation events.
  • Engage with the University College and academic advising community through regular meetings and professional development opportunities.
  • Develop and maintain professional relationships with individuals in other academic and administrative departments
  • Teaching opportunities are available based on experience
  • Other duties as assigned.
 

Job Requirements

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Required Education: Bachelor's degree.

Equivalency Substitution:  Will accept 48 months academic advising or student services experience in lieu of a Bachelor's degree.

Skills:

  • Effective verbal and written communication       
  • Computer skills, including proficiency in navigating and maintaining databases     
  • Detail oriented for accuracy of data and information       
  • Highly organized and ability to handle multiple projects and deadlines       
  • Ability to communicate well and build rapport quickly with students, faculty and staff       
  • Ability to read and interpret policy as well as State and Federal regulations

Certifications:

  •  None

Advertised Physical Requirements:

  • Sitting for long periods of time
  • Frequent talking
  • Occasionally stands and walks
  • Ability to engage in repetitive motion
  • Standard office environment.  
  • Frequent exposure to pressure caused by deadlines and busy periods
  • Ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies.  
  • Requires contact with other departments and university officials. 

Departmental Preferences:

Additional Department Duties and Departmental Preferences:

  • Master's degree preferred
  • Previous academic advising or student support experience

Supervision: None

Special Instructions: If you are selected as a final candidate for this position, you will be subject to The University of Oklahoma Norman Campus Tuberculosis Testing policy.  To view the policy, visit https://hr.ou.edu/Policies-Handbooks/TB-Testing.

Diversity Statement: The University of Oklahoma is committed to achieving a diverse, equitable, and inclusive university community by recognizing each person's unique contributions, background, and perspectives. The University of Oklahoma strives to cultivate a sense of belonging and emotional support for all, recognizing that fostering an inclusive environment for all is vital in the pursuit of academic and inclusive excellence in all aspects of our institutional mission.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The University of Oklahoma, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, and health care services that the University operates or provides.