Academic Advisor

Academic Advisor

Job no: 495021

Work type: Administrative (Full Time)

Location: Cincinnati, OH, Cleveland, OH, Dayton, OH, Fort Wayne, IN, Greenwood, IN, Indianapolis, IN, Kokomo, IN, Louisville, KY, Marion, IN, Merrillville, IN, Hybrid (2 Office / 3 Remote)

Categories: Academic Advising/Academic Support

Job Title: Academic Advisor

Reporting Relationship: Director of Advising, Department of Learner Success

Unit: National & Global

Department: Dept of Learner Success

Campus Location: May work two days from any of our regional IWU Education Centers (Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky) and three days remote in a hybrid work environment.

Summary of Position: Provides Academic Advising and other student support services for online and onsite National & Global students as they pursue various degree and certificate programs. Services provided include: academic advising, planning and scheduling out courses to degree completion, acting as a student advocate; assisting students with all academic needs related to completing their degree, and developing means of communication and support to students.

Duties and Responsibilities

Provide a high level of individual and general student care

Engage students by individual and group contacts via various methods: in-person, phone, email, video conferencing, instant chat, classroom visits, blogs, and other means

Problem-solve as needed when students encounter issues and problems that present roadblocks in their academic pursuits

Collaborate with other divisions of the university such as financial aid and accounting when needed to resolve issues

Advocate for students when appropriate

Notice common student needs and develop appropriate supports and activities to proactively assist students

Refer students to supportive services such as tutoring services, career development, pastoral care, personal counseling, etc.

Assist students in developing an academic plan for completion of their desired degree or certificate

Maintain generalist knowledge of all aspects of National & Global programs to help students with questions and issues regarding facilitators, curriculum, attendance, financial aid, accounting, and fulfillment of academic requirements

Be proficient in the use of various databases found in the university student information system in order to access needed student information

Work with each student to develop a written degree completion plan

Assist bachelor students in scheduling out core and elective classes to degree completion in order to meet Department of Education guidelines for financial aid and to maximize their aid

Actively work to retain students

Work individually with students admitted or placed on probation or who are suspended

Assist students who are at-risk

Counsel students prior to their withdrawal from classes or core programs to discuss options for continuing education and to help the university increase retention of students

Contribute to the work of various committees and task forces as assigned

Work cooperatively with other personnel within the assigned Education Center to provide cohesive services to students attending classes at the center

Maintain appropriate records

Document contacts with students

Maintain accurate records in university student information system of student's plans for degree completion to be used by Financial Aid and Accounting to determine financial aid eligibility

Attend and assist at graduations on the Marion campus

Demonstrate a Christian worldview and uphold the university's Christ-centered mission while interacting with students

Qualifications: According to Indiana Wesleyan University employment policy all employees must possess a strong Christian commitment and adhere to the standards outlined in the IWU Community Lifestyle Statement.

Education

Bachelor's degree required

Experience

Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse communities and cultures

Previous experience in higher education preferred

Required Skills

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Commitment to a Christ-centered educational climate

Ability to problem-solve student academic issues in a timely manner

Ability to work accurately and be detail oriented

Ability to work independently and be self-motivated

Empathetic and caring attitude toward adult students and their needs

Computer skills

Analytical thinking skills

Ability to adhere to strict confidentiality requirements

Ability to multi-task

Ability to be flexible in an ever-changing Higher Education environment

IWU Kingdom Diversity Statement

IWU, in covenant with God's reconciling work and in accordance with the Biblical principles of our historic Wesleyan tradition, commits to build a community that reflects Kingdom diversity. We will foster an intentional environment for living, teaching and learning, which exhibits honor, respect, and dignity. Acknowledging visible or invisible differences, our community authentically values each member's earthly and eternal worth. We refute ignorance and isolation and embrace deliberate and courageous engagement that exhibits Christ's commandment to love all humankind.

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER

As a religious educational institution operating under the auspices of The Wesleyan Church, Indiana Wesleyan University is permitted and reserves the right to prefer employees on the basis of religion (42 U.S.C., Sections 2000e-1 and 2000e-2).

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws.