CLAS - Academic Advisor (Term-Funded)

About the position The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) Academic Advising Center seeks to hire a short term entry-level professional Academic Advisor. Short-term positions will be fully-benefitted; positions have a current end date of 6/30/2027, although the University hopes to move these to permanent status, pending budget approval. The Advisors will need to work collaboratively with CLAS faculty and other student success professionals across the university to support students. We are looking for individuals who will provide an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming advising environment that encourages students to thrive. Candidates should have strong communication and interpersonal skills, such as the ability to interact with others with respect, empathy, and cultural humility. Candidates should have a demonstrated commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all individuals in the context of this role. Candidates must be committed to fostering a student-centered environment, developing the breadth of knowledge associated with liberal education, and sustaining close working relationships among faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners. The Academic Advisor will work with students pursuing majors and/or minors in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, as well as students who are currently exploring programs of study offered in other colleges/schools at Grand Valley State University. The Academic Advisor will be expected to provide both in-person and virtual advising appointments. This position is Monday-Friday 8am-5pm with the option to have one remote work day after initial training period is complete, with supervisor approval. May occasionally require evening/weekend hours, with compensatory time provided.

Responsibilities

• Advising, Case Management and Outreach
• Provide accessible, accurate, timely, and consistent academic advising to students pursuing majors and/or minors offered by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
• Provide advising and support to students exploring potential programs of study across the university, making appropriate referrals and connections to advising partners
• Provide proactive, developmental, and appreciative advising and support to students, including those experiencing academic difficulty
• Interpret curriculum and graduation requirements, assist students with selection of appropriate major(s) and/or minor(s), and advise students regarding appropriate course selection including a blend of general education and program-specific requirements
• Provide appropriate referrals to academic departments, student support programs and other university resources as necessary to help students achieve their academic goals
• Provide academic advising at the freshman, transfer, and international student advising and registration sessions
• Serve as a liaison to specific academic and/or student support departments within and outside of CLAS to ensure consistent and accurate student advising
• Provide timely and intentional outreach to assigned students, especially as it pertains to first year student required advising prior to registration
• Proactively engage students in regular communication through in-person and electronic means
• Effectively utilize technology to monitor student academic progress, providing individual feedback to students, including but not limited to, outreach efforts for midterm/final grades and other specialty criteria Retention and Student Success
• Provide academic coaching based on a proactive, strengths-based, appreciative advisement model
• Cultivate and strengthen relationships with other colleges, departments and success partners across campus in an effort to support student persistence and retention
• Assist students in identifying appropriate academic and personal goals and set an achievable path towards success Policies and Resources
• Maintain a thorough understanding of university policies, procedures, requirements, processes, and systems, and be able to disseminate this information to students
• Provide students with clear and accurate information on GVSU policies and procedures as it pertains to degree completion
• Employ standardized reporting practices to document progress, interactions and referrals as defined by the Center director

Requirements

• Earned Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four-year university
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusion, equity, and access, including experience working with people from a variety of backgrounds and identities
• Strong understanding of and demonstrated desire for collaborative approaches to problem-solving
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to work autonomously as well as part of a collaborative team

Nice-to-haves

• Earned Master’s Degree in Academic Advising or advising-related field such as College Student Development, Adult and Higher Education, or Educational Leadership
• Student advising or mentoring experience
• Familiarity with current trends and best practices in advising
• Familiarity with computer information systems and web-based records and registration systems, especially Banner, Degree Works, and/or EAB Navigate

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, dental, life insurance, generous employer retirement contributions, wellness resources and tuition waiver effective on date of hire.

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