Student Support Services Advisor

The Student Support Services Advisor is responsible for assisting with the development, coordination, and implementation of Student Support Services and activities to increase recruitment, retention, and course completion rates. The advisor engages in a variety of activities designed to support students in setting and achieving academic and career goals. The position reports to the Director of Student Support Services.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

TEAMWORK AND STUDENT ENGAGEMENT:

• Works collaboratively as a member of the Student Support team by sharing information, coordinating support for students, and contributing to a culture of mutual respect and shared responsibility.
• Participates in team meetings, planning, and professional development; shares effective practices with colleagues and welcomes feedback.
• Supports colleagues during peak periods (e.g. new student orientation, registration) and is flexible in helping the team meet student needs.
• Fosters a welcoming, encouraging, and hospitable environment in which every student feels known, valued, and supported, in keeping with the University’s Catholic mission and respect for the dignity of each person.
• Encourages student engagement by inviting students into advising, mentoring, and campus programs, and by following up with those who may be hesitant to seek help.
• Helps plan and participate in community-building events and programming that connect students with one another, with faculty, and with university resources.
• Maintains an approachable, positive, and professional presence, and builds trust through consistent follow-through and appropriate confidentiality.

ACADEMIC AND CAREER ADVISING:

• Advises students on establishing academic and career goals; identifies the educational and career options appropriate for each student; and assists with the analysis of each option, including possible outcomes and their implications. Establishes an action plan for students to explore alternative careers and related majors.
• Develops expertise in the requirements and policies as stated in the University Catalog, including, but not limited to, information on academic programs, degree requirements, and academic policies and procedures.
• Assists students through the process of vocational discernment by discussing their strengths, values, and interests and encouraging vocational exploration.
• Assists students in confirming major/minor selection in support of their educational and professional interests and goals.
• Identifies options for students to satisfy degree requirements; evaluates and makes recommendations on petitions and amendments to students' program of study; assists students in successful completion of degree/program requirements.
• Assists students in career planning through a strong understanding of the possible career paths generally associated with specific majors as well as the skills, knowledge and experiences recommended for entry-level success in those fields.
• Proactively communicates information to students that is relevant to their academic and career success.
• Reviews academic transcripts, placement exams, and student files in preparation for student appointments and new student orientation.
• Reviews job search materials (i.e. resume, cover letter) and provide constructive feedback.
• Conducts academic, personal, and career advising sessions with new and continuing students to encourage them to become knowledgeable about, and comfortable with, the online registration process.

UNIVERSITY PARTNERSHIPS:

• Establishes and maintains relationships with assigned department chairs to understand and clarify departmental expectations to assist in maintaining current knowledge of assigned degree programs and related career paths.
• Collaborates with Academic Affairs to review academic materials for accuracy (e.g. degree audits, academic catalog, online resources) and provide feedback regarding course offerings.
• Collaborates with the faculty and other university departments (registrar, financial aid, student affairs, athletics, residence life, etc.) to help facilitate student success in attaining academic and career goals.

EDUCATION:

Bachelor’s degree from four-year college is required.

EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Experience overcoming barriers similar to those faced by the target population.
• Must be self-directed with the ability to work independently within changing deadlines.
• Financial aid knowledge a plus.
• Ability to analyze and address the educational and personal needs of students.
• Knowledge of the career development process and of available career development resources.
• Demonstrated experience with computers and database-related software.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be detail-oriented.
• Requires the ability to interact with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students, and parents.
• Experience in advising traditional-aged students, dual-enrolled students, and adults in a higher education setting.

PHYSICAL SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Requires ordinary ambulatory skills sufficient to move around campus, to include the ability to stand, walk and manipulate (lift, carry, move) light to medium weights of 10 - 20 pounds. Requires good hand-eye coordination, arm, hand and finger dexterity, including ability to grasp, type and perform data entry, visual acuity to use a keyboard, operate equipment and read technical information, ability to hear in order to answer telephones and to communicate verbally, and the ability to sit for extended periods of time.