Academic Advisor, College of Health Sciences

Academic Advisor, College of Health Sciences

Description

• The Academic Advisor provides proactive, developmental academic advising and case management for students within assigned academic units, fostering student engagement, well-being, academic achievement, retention, and graduation. Work collaboratively with faculty and staff across the institution to support recruitment, admissions, orientation, matriculation, retention, and other student success initiatives.

• Job Duties

• Provide proactive, developmental academic advising and case management to students, supporting academic planning, engagement, persistence, and timely degree completion.

• Advise students regarding degree requirements, course selection, majors and minors, academic policies, registration, academic standing, and graduation requirements.

• Monitor student academic progress and engagement through advising technologies, institutional data, and faculty referrals; conduct timely outreach and interventions for students experiencing academic or personal challenges.

• Interpret and communicate university academic policies, procedures, and curriculum requirements, helping students make informed decisions and navigate institutional processes.

• Evaluate student needs and connect students with appropriate campus resources, including tutoring, academic support, career development, counseling services, disability accommodations, wellness resources, and other support services.

• Maintain accurate advising records and documentation through university systems, including Degree Works, Navigate 360, and other institutional technologies, ensuring timely and comprehensive case notes,

• Collaborate with faculty, academic departments, and campus partners to support student success initiatives and provide coordinated student support.

• Assist with orientation, onboarding, matriculation, transition, and retention efforts designed to promote student success and engagement.

• Coordinate with the Office of the Registrar and other campus offices to ensure the accuracy of student records, degree audits, and graduation certifications.

• Participate in recruitment and enrollment activities, including Preview Days, open houses, admitted student events, and other university-sponsored programs; occasional evening, weekend, and travel commitments may be required.

• Maintain accessibility and regular communication with assigned students through individual appointments, group advising, workshops, correspondence, office hours, and other outreach methods.

• Participate in university-wide advising training, assessment, and collaborative initiatives to promote advising excellence and consistency across campus.

• Engage in ongoing professional development through conferences, workshops, professional organizations, and continuing education opportunities related to academic advising and student success.

• Contribute to the development, implementation, and assessment of initiatives that support student retention, progression, and graduation.

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Dean, Director, or other designated administrators.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.

• Demonstrated commitment to student success and the principles of developmental academic advising.

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage effectively with students, faculty, staff, and families.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong organizational, time-management, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, student-centered environment.

• Demonstrated emotional intelligence, sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism.

• Ability to analyze information, exercise independent judgment, and maintain confidentiality in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and university policies.

• Knowledge of student development, student success, retention, and academic support practices.

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

• Proficiency with computer applications and the ability to learn and effectively utilize student information systems, advising technologies, and related software.

• Commitment to and support of Samford University's Christian mission and values.

• Regular attendance and the ability to maintain a consistent work schedule as assigned by supervisor.

• Ability to remain seated or work at a computer for extended periods.

• Ability to occasionally move or transport materials weighing up to 20 pounds.

• Possession of a valid driver's license and the ability to travel locally and occasionally out of town as needed.

• Availability to work occasional evenings and weekends in support of orientation, recruitment, advising, retention, commencement, and other university events.

• Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Higher Education, Counseling, Student Affairs, Education, or a related field.

• Experience in academic advising, student success, case management, higher education administration, enrollment management, or a related student-support role.

• Experience using advising and student success technologies such as Degree Works, Navigate 360, Banner, or similar platforms.

• Experience interpreting academic policies, degree requirements, and curriculum standards.

• We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

• To learn more details, visit our benefits page.