POSITION IDENTIFICATION
TITLE Academic Advisor, WP
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 1147
GRADE 42
CLASSIFICATION Exempt
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR Coordinator of Academic Advisement
MAJOR ADMINISTRATOR Dean of Academic Affairs
GENERAL FUNCTION
The Academic Advisor assists assigned students in the development of academic schedules appropriate for their stated educational goals, guides pre-majors in the selection of academic majors, and directs students to resources within the University that provide assistance in making career/academic major choices, as appropriate.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A Bachelor's degree is required.
Experience: At least one year of academic advising experience is required, where knowledge of federal, state, and higher education policies and procedures has been gained, or one year of university employment in which a thorough knowledge of academic programs was required. Teaching experience is preferred.
Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, interpersonal skills (particularly in working with a diverse student population), organizational and management skills are required. The ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds is required. A working knowledge of various computer applications is required; experience with database applications is preferred.
Other: The scope of the position occasionally requires work in the evenings and on weekends, especially during the summer STAR sessions.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Provides an essential student service of academic advisement by being knowledgeable of academic policies and procedures, unique to Missouri State University-West Plains, that facilitate the advisement process and assist assigned students in the development of academic schedules appropriate for the stated educational goals of students; guiding students in decision-making and learning how to accept responsibility for their decisions; assisting all students (not just advisees) seeking academic information; assisting pre-majors in the selection of academic majors; and, directing students to resources within the University that provide assistance in making career and academic major choices.
2. Ensures the effectiveness of the advising process by maintaining advisee files for all assigned advisees, regularly updating advisee academic reports, and validating the information contained in the advisee files with the student database.
3. Helps ensure the success of the Student Advising and Registration (STAR) Program by complying with the decisions of the STAR Committee regarding orientation and registration activities and providing STAR participants with instructions and pertinent information related to the orientation and matriculation of all new students.
4. May assist freshman students in the transition to university life by teaching or participating in appropriate courses or the student success course, IDS 110 (The University in the Global Community) which includes topics such as time management, study skills, available campus resources, career exploration, and other topics/issues affecting freshman students or other appropriate courses.
5. Contributes to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.
6. Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses required by the supervisor.
7. Contributes to the overall success of academic affairs by performing all other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
SUPERVISION
The Academic Advisor is supervised by the Coordinator of Academic Advisement and generally exercises no supervision of others.
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
REVISED MARCH 2014
