Academic Advisor II, Associate in Arts Program, Wilmington

Pay Grade: 29E

Context of the Job:

Under the general direction of the Assistant Dean of the Associate in Arts Program (AAP), the Academic Advisor II is responsible for the academic advisement of current AAP students, as well as providing support to those who have transitioned to a bachelor degree program at UD, assisting them in developing their degree program and major best suited to their interests and abilities. The Academic Advisor II will work cooperatively with other members of the AAP faculty and staff and maintain regular contact with other academic units at the University in order to provide accurate information to students interested in continuing toward a bachelor’s degree.

The Academic Advisor II is also responsible for assisting in the degree audit process and assisting with certification of degree requirements for students completing the Associate degree. The Academic Advisor II assists with programs and events for prospective students, and with programs and advisement for entering freshmen and transfer students; also works as part of the team of Associate in Arts Advisors to identify, train, and supervise student leaders who assist with recruitment and programming. The Academic Advisor II also serves as an instructor for at least one section of First Year Seminar.

Major Responsibilities:

• Provide advisement services to Associate in Arts (AA) undergraduates, guiding them to formulate educational goals and to make appropriate educational decisions to reach their goals. Assist students in transition between AA and bachelor’s degree programs and expedite the process whenever possible.
• Monitor the progress of all AAP students on the assigned campuses, especially those in special academic circumstances, to improve graduation and retention rates. Maintain regular contact with other academic units for the purpose of sharing academic information, coordinate academic advisement with other campus units and refer students to appropriate academic departments and support services.
• Interpret policy, explain GPA and academic standing, review transfer credits, and provide guidance on majors, minors, and other related academic matters. Audit degree program requirements for individual students and assist with degree certification. Disseminate accurate and up-to-date academic information and policies to students, faculty, and others.
• Work with faculty to explain and interpret academic policies. Train new advisors on curriculum and policy.
• Assist with seminars designed to support faculty on academic issues, including instructional technology, advising, and UDSIS.
• Provide information and referrals to students seeking assistance due to academic concerns.
• Provide support and referral services to students, working with offices such as the Office of the Dean of Students, the Office of Student Conduct, the Center for Counseling and Student Development, Career Services, Admissions, and Residence Life & Housing.
• Participate in and support recruitment and pre-admission activities.
• Participate in the team of First Year Experience instructors, and teach seminars and skills classes.
• Assist in the development and coordination of a variety of programs and workshops for students, families, and faculty.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and three years academic advising experience. Master’s degree preferred. Degree in student personnel, college counseling or related field preferred.
• Experience in serving and advising large, diverse groups of student populations in a wide array of programs preferred.
• Effective leadership, organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Ability to evaluate student transcripts and/or records.
• Ability to present effectively to small and large groups.
• Ability to work productively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Ability to grasp, retain, and disseminate an extensive and varied body of information.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and employ decision making skills.
• Knowledge of academic standards governing student probation, suspension, and/or expulsion and student recruitment and retention issues.
• Ability to communicate with students about their course prerequisites, certification, and/or curriculum/graduation requirements.
• Advanced working knowledge of advisement policies, procedures, systems, regulations, and standards at the university level.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills and ability to analyze, summarize, and effectively present data.
• Proficient computer skills including use of presentation software and Excel. Experience with PeopleSoft (and/or UD’s system, UDSIS) and retention or student success software, such as EAB Navigate (and/or UD’s system, Blue Hen Success) preferred.
• Demonstrates an understanding and consideration of the differing needs and concerns of individuals with varying identities, cultures and backgrounds.
• Committed to fostering a workplace culture of belonging, where diversity is celebrated and equity is a core value.

Special Requirements:

• Position requires some evening and weekend hours.