Academic Advisor

Job Description:

About This Role:

Lamar University’s department of Digital Learning advises online

undergraduate and graduate students. This Academic Advisor position reports directly to the Team Lead, Associate Director of Advising, and ultimately to the Senior Director of Advising. This position offers a flexible work schedule with several days of remote work per week and a required weekly on campus presence. This position is responsible for providing comprehensive academic advising and student success support to an assigned cohort of graduate and undergraduate students. The position focuses heavily on enrollment, re-enrollments, and departmental and academic requirements as well as collaboration with departments, faculty and staff, Records and the graduation office.

What You’ll Do – Position Responsibilities:

• Holistically assist students on their journey at Lamar University, with specific focus on each
  piece of the matriculation cycle to include:
  o initial enrollment
  o support during the term for successful completion of courses
  o referrals to pertinent support offices
  o empowering students to build success skills for progression
  o reenrollment each term through graduation.
• Assess each student individually and provide a “one student at a time” approach in the academic
  advising and student (customer) service strategies.
• Lead students through the process of sound decision-making, goal setting and the steps to
  execute a plan to fruition.
• Advise students regarding educational opportunities, departmental requirements, and academic policies and procedures.
• Ensure that university policies and state mandates are carried out in advising and enrolling
  students.
• Advise students on appropriate course selection and placement.
• Verify, compile, interpret, and record a wide variety of data and student information. Track
  student interactions, input notes, and monitor student success data to influence successful
  outcomes and provide follow up with students as needed. Responsible to consistently report
  pertinent data to direct supervisor.
• Utilize degree audit reports to advise students on appropriate course selections and evaluate
  student’s degree progress. Assist students in interpreting degree audit and requesting any
  exemptions or course substitutions from the academic departments that may be needed.
• Use predictive analytic software for targeted advising and monitoring of student academic
  progress. Provide guidance on possible courses of action and refer students to appropriate
  campus resources. Assist students in developing an academic success plan and provide follow-
  up guidance and support.
• Utilize advising systems and technologies (e.g. Banner, Navigate, DegreeWorks) to support
  delivery of advising services and keep accurate records of student advising contacts and progress.
  toward degree completion. Maintain and update student files and records in accordance with
  federal, state and university regulations.
• Participate on committees, working groups, or special projects as needed.
• Assist in the on-going assessment activities of the department and division.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Key Competencies:

• Ability to maintain a high level of dependability, professionalism & customer service.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills including active listening and ability to present information clearly and professionally to a range of audiences.
• Effective decision-making and problem-solving skills. Ability to use sound judgment, discretion and diplomacy when working on sensitive issues with students.
• Contribute to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of professional skills among a team all working toward the goal of elevating students, their success, and the department’s commitment to a high level of student (customer) service.
• Develop and perpetually expand academic advising strategies and in addition to learning the Lamar University, academic department, and college policies and procedures and assist students in navigating these when appropriate.
• Successful experience working with and building positive advising relationships with target student populations in higher education.
• Work well as part of a team and establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with various constituencies to include students, colleagues, faculty and administrators.
• Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports. Knowledge of basic computer operating system, word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs.

Physical Requirements:

Sedentary, exerting up to 10 lbs. occasionally or negligible weights frequently; sitting most of the time. Essential functions or requirements listed above may not be performed in every position with this title, and these essential functions may not include all related duties that might be requested and/or performed.

Who We Are:

Lamar University is an accessible global university for life-long learners with a passion for broad-based community engagement. As a vital contributor to the socioeconomic wellbeing and resilience of the Gulf Coast region, our expertise is recognized locally and beyond. Lamar University is home to more than 17,000 students and is among the fastest growing Texas colleges and universities. LU is a member of The Texas State University System, which is the first higher education system of Texas and maintains the lowest average tuition and fees of any university system in Texas. With more than 100-degree options and a community that cares, Lamar students are always proud to be Cardinals.

Lamar University is committed to fostering a culture where students, faculty and staff of all backgrounds can learn, work, and serve.

Benefits:

• Health, dental & vision insurance
• Life insurance
• State of Texas Retirement plans
• Tuition covered at 100% for employees, spouses and/or eligible dependents.
• Paid time off – vacation, sick, and holidays.

To see more information about the available benefits, please visit: Insurance – Lamar University 

Lamar University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants receive equal consideration in the selection process.