Academic Advisor

Job title: Academic Advisor

About the Role ACU's Academic Advisor helps students define and develop realistic educational plans and maintains up-to-date schedules through graduation. The role emphasizes proactive student engagement, collaboration with faculty, and guiding students through institutional policies to support academic success and well-being.

What You'll Do

• Help students define and develop realistic educational plans through schedule planning for each semester and summer school, with an up-to-date schedule through graduation.
• Proactively contact and be available for students; maintain clear office hours and plan for extended hours during peak advising seasons.
• Consult with Faculty to stay current on curriculum and degree plans; ensure information provided to students is accurate and aligns with academic policies.
• Connect with incoming students during orientation and summer to assist their initial adjustment; schedule special sessions during the first academic year.
• Meet at least once each semester with students to plan the upcoming semester, review and revise long-range academic programs, assess alignment with abilities and interests, and discuss grades, milestones, wellbeing.
• Initiate the process for designated educational transactions (pre-registration/registration, drops/adds, withdrawals, change of major, waivers, graduation requirements, etc.).
• Follow up with students on reports of potential barriers to success (holds, poor grades, attendance, incomplete grades, etc.), with special attention to at-risk students.
• Maintain an up-to-date advising portfolio with a summary of performance (grade reports, transcripts, completed requirements, advising agreements).
• Connect students to other institutional resources as needed (faculty, tutoring, Career Development Office, Counseling Center, Wildcat Central, etc.).
• Demonstrate developmental advising rather than simply course scheduling; engage in proactive advising and ongoing professional development.
• Demonstrate a caring attitude toward advisees, effective interpersonal and communication skills, frequent contact, proactive support, and thorough knowledge of institutional regulations and policies; monitor progress and refer to resources when necessary.
• Use appropriate information resources and collaborate with colleagues to support student success.

What We're Looking For

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of three years of experience in higher education is preferred for candidates without a Master’s degree.
• High initiative, dependable, and focused.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Goal-oriented, high professionalism.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a student-facing role.
• Physical demands include a strong voice for communication and the ability to endure periods of sitting, standing, and walking; ability to travel as needed.
• This role requires that each advisor have their own cell phone.

Nice to Have

• Optional/preferred qualifications (only if mentioned)

Compensation & Benefits

• Not disclosed