Academic Advisor and Associate Academic Advisor
    University of Wisconsin - Parkside

 

Position Location:	Southeastern, WI
Reporting Relationship:	Director of the Academic Advising and Career Center

The University of Wisconsin-Parkside currently has two (2) positions open for an Academic Advisor (an Associate Advisor which requires a Bachelor’s degree and an Advisor which requires  a Master’s degree) to provide quality academic advising to active UW-Parkside students, transfer students, and prospective students. The Academic Advisor will assist students in transitioning to the University, assessing academic skills, and exploring academic and career options.  This position will monitor student progress and provide support throughout the students’ academic career at UW-P.  Academic Advisors act as liaisons and partner with campus departments in their efforts to develop and implement programs and services that foster an inclusive and engaged campus community which supports academic excellence and student success. 

Essential Job Functions

• Guide students in making informed decisions regarding educational and career goals.  Meet with students to create an academic plan and select other experiences in service of their goals.  Engage students in continuing self-assessment and communicate with them as needed by phone, email, etc.
• Assist students in transitioning to the academic environment and advocate for their success.  Monitor academic progress of students and develop intervention strategies to assist students in their academic development.  Make referrals as warranted.
• Provide timely and accurate information and interpret academic requirements as well as University policies and procedures to assigned advisees and general University community.  Record data on student interactions using appropriate technology.  Collaborate with other advisors and faculty/staff regularly.
• Participate in University student development and retention programs; serve as a resource for faculty/staff.  Develop advising materials and presentation to support individual and group student sessions.
• Participate in unit planning, professional development activities and campus committees as appropriate. 
• Provide back-up for the student service when needed.
• Represent advising and career advising on university committees and the institution in state and national professional organizations.
• Provide standard reports as required
• Perform other duties and functions as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to effectively interact and communicate with students diverse in ability, background and academic interest.
• Demonstrated understanding of current trends in Academic and Career Advising and higher education
• Knowledge of advising techniques and theory
• Possess advising, communication, and public relations skills required to interact continually with students, advisors, and department administrators.
• Ability to monitor academic progress, analyze/track degree completion status, evaluates and process executive actions, and interprets and explains university policies and procedures.
• Thorough knowledge of diversity and multicultural issues, traditional, non-traditional, and transfer student concerns, access, and engagement issues.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal; excellent conflict resolution skills; and the ability to train and motivate others
• Comprehensive understanding of and adherence to University policies and guidelines as they relate to academic records and graduation requirements
• Considerable project management skills including: ability to organize, prioritize, manage large amounts of data, anticipate situations, communicate effectively and generate momentum with others.
• Considerable experience with MS Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint), PeopleSoft, DARS, TIS, and Image Now. 
• Working knowledge of FERPA rules and regulations and ability to ensure compliance.
• Ability to troubleshoot and solve difficult problems, think systemically to create effective processes and procedures that effect the university and analyze situations in order to apply logical solutions in a complex environment
• Ability to train others on academic requirements, policies, processes/procedures as well as technical software applications
• Ability to use a computer for extended periods of time, to bend for filing and lift boxes of forms and files.
• Thorough knowledge of diversity and multicultural issues, traditional, non-traditional, and transfer student concerns, access, and engagement issues.
• Comprehensive experience in advising strategies of first year experience, adult students, and underrepresented students.

Required

• Bachelor’s degree (for Associate Advisor)
• Master’s degree (for Advisor)
• Two or more years of work experience in a higher education setting
• Experience advising undecided students and knowledge of retention programming
• Experience with a student information and/or student tracking systems
• Demonstrated effective written and verbal communication, interpersonal, time and as well as problem solving skills

Preferred

• Masters’ degree in academic advising, counseling, higher education/college personnel or related area
• Experience in higher education in an office such as Advising, Admission, or Residence Life 
• Familiarity with college advising centers, student success centers or first year programs
• Experience with a student information system(s) (e.g. PeopleSoft Student Administration software experience)
• Experience with an automated degree audit system and degree evaluation
• Documented program planning experience
• Additional preference will be given to applicants with more overall experience for the Advisor position

Salary:  Commensurate with qualifications and experience.  The University of Wisconsin System provides a liberal benefits package, including participation in a state pension plan.

Review of Applications:  Applications received by Monday, November 28th are ensured full consideration. The position is open until filled.

To Apply:  Email a cover letter, resume, and names and contact information of three references to:             Judith.Muhlenbeck@uwp.edu

About the University:
UW-Parkside currently enrolls 5,300 students, many of whom are first-generation and nontraditional. UW-Parkside is the most ethnically diverse campus in the University of Wisconsin System with more than 20% students of color and 26% faculty of color. UW-Parkside benefits from the cultural diversity of the communities it serves in southeast Wisconsin.
The University of Wisconsin-Parkside is an AA/EEO employer