Sr. Academic Advisor, College of Engineering

Job Summary

This position reports directly to the Associate Director of Student Success within the College of Engineering and serves as a key leader within the College. The position is an experienced academic advising role. The Academic Advisor Senior will function under the mentorship of college enrollment management, as a mentor to entry-level advisors. The Academic Advisor Senior is responsible for the advising, retention, and various student services, ensuring the welfare and academic success of the college's diverse student body. The primary responsibilities encompass knowledge of departmental curriculum, executing effective recruit-back initiatives, addressing high-risk student needs, and developing a valuable experience. The Academic Advisor Senior is a key contributor to the department's mission to support students from application to graduation and beyond, ultimately ensuring their holistic growth and achievement within the field of engineering. The Academic Advisor Senior plays a critical role in enhancing the academic and personal support services for engineering students. This position requires strong leadership, strategic planning, and the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders to ensure student success and program effectiveness.

Essential Job Functions

• Holistically assist students on their journey at Lamar University, with specific focus on each piece of the matriculation cycle to include:

• initial enrollment

• support during the term for successful completion of courses

• referrals to pertinent support offices

• empowering students to build success skills for progression, sound decision-making, goal setting, and degree completion

• 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

• 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.

• 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.

• Identify, create, or secure resources and services to enhance the academic and personal development of engineering students, ensuring access to necessary academic support, counseling, tutoring, etc., and collaborating with other departments, faculty, and staff for seamless coordination of support services. Additionally, develop, maintain, and regularly evaluate plans and initiatives to attract top-tier students and industry partners to the College of Engineering (COE) and the Engineering Institute for Energy and Petrochemical Industries (EPI).

• Assist students in developing an academic plan for each semester based on their exploration of various fields of study, evaluation of academic abilities and clarification of educational and career goals.

• 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.

• Execute and implement support programs for students facing academic, personal, or financial challenges, identifying and providing resources and interventions to ensure their success in their academic journey.

• Lead programs and initiatives to re-engage former students who wish to return to the engineering program.

• Collaborate with undergraduate and graduate advisors within the college and university to ensure that students receive comprehensive academic advising, including course selection, degree planning, and progress monitoring.

• Collaborate with department chairs to ensure comprehensive and accurate advising, course selection, degree planning, and progress monitoring.

• Work with leadership to design and implement programs that ease the transition for engineering students, ensuring they have the necessary support and resources for a successful first-year and retention into upperclassmen years.

• Ensure that university policies, state mandates, and ABET accreditation are carried out in advising and enrolling students

• 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.

• Conduct end of term processes such as checking grades and schedules and assist with probation, suspension, and reinstatement procedures.

Minimum and Desired Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 3 or more years of professional experience in university/college academic advising or related experience
• Knowledge of career counseling techniques, job trends, and career development skills.
• Official transcripts are required at the time of employment.

Desired Qualifications

• Full-time experience on a college/university student services staff is preferred
• An understanding of the principles of college student development and the policies and structure of a typical four-year, public university
• Proficiency and experience in utilizing a range of technologies, which may encompass, but are not limited to, systems like Navigate, Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems/Slate, etc.
• Proficiency in advanced technical and computer skills to support administrative functions, including but not limited to the MS Office Suite, with a strong focus on PowerPoint, Excel, and database management.
• Familiarity with electronic calendar management and various videoconferencing applications like Outlook, Zoom, MS Teams, MS Office, Slate, etc.

Supplemental Information

Key Competencies:

• Dependability, creativity, good judgment, professionalism, customer service, and dedication to sound principles of student development are paramount among necessary characteristics for this position.
• Detail-oriented.
• Timely completion of duties.
• Proficient in delivering highest quality of customer service when engaging with industry leaders, representatives, faculty, staff, and students.
• 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 college's commitment to a high level of student (customer) service.
• Promote diversity in all actions and exchanges as this role engages with many other cultures and backgrounds.
• Develop and perpetually expand academic advising strategies and in addition to learning the Lamar University, academic departments, college and UAC policies and procedures and assist students in navigating these when appropriate.
• Successful experience working with and building positive advising relationships with target students 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, included by not limited to; DegreeWorks, Navigate, Banner, Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems/Slate, etc.

Physical Requirements:

• Lifting and Carrying: The ability to lift and move reams/boxes of paper, tables, decorations, and other supplies, weighing up to 25lbs, as necessary for job tasks.
• Event Setup and Teardown: Must be capable of setting up and tearing down equipment and materials for events, which may involve bending, lifting, and carrying.

Job Conditions:8 am - 5 pm Monday - Friday, some early mornings, some evenings, some weekends. This is an on-campus, in-person position. This position may require participation and possibly attendance at some College of Engineering and Engineering Institute for Energy and Petrochemical Industries (EPI) events.