Academic Advisor & Retention Specialist, College of Humanities

Academic advisors have the authority to approve students' academic degree programs, including evaluating transfer credit and making exceptions to program requirements under the auspices of their respective faculty and/or the Director of Academic Advising and Student Services. In addition, this advisor will play a vital role in maximizing undergraduate retention. Serve as the Academic Advising Center advisor for first-year, transfer and continuing students with a focus on retention initiatives. Develop and deliver programs for College of Humanities (COH) student populations aimed at retention. Work collaboratively with Student Data and Retention Analyst to retrieve and interpret data, leading to proactive advising approaches and program development. Work closely with COH Departments and faculty to implement an intervention model that promptly identifies students in need of academic or social support and proactively connects them to campus resources needed to ensure academic persistence, retention, and goals. Provide guided, multi-term degree plans for each student through the course selection process. Maintain plans of study and track progress to degree completion via UAccess. Maintain and update student records efficiently and punctually. Utilize student records, university data, and programming to promote student success. Assist students with negotiation University, College and program-level policies, processes and procedures, including letters and petitions, schedule changes, academic eligibility, services related to special needs, etc. Collaborate in the planning, implementation, and teaching of the first-year success course for Humanities majors. Help oversee the COH Peer Mentors program. Evaluate and apply transfer credit from other academic institutions. Assess students' academic preparation and promote academic growth by determining suitable developmental tasks to assist students in attaining academic and career goals. Participate in special projects and professional development to remain up to date on advising practices. Maintain knowledge of curriculum, curriculum prerequisites, critical courses, level of difficulty and content. Additional duties may be assigned. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Excellent interpersonal communication, relationship building skills. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Working knowledge of job-related functions and relevant industry best practices, techniques, and standards. Ability to exercise considerable latitude in determining objectives and approaches to assignments. Ability to work effectively in a team environment. Ability to handle confidential information with discretion. Ability to quickly learn and master new software and online reporting tools. Knowledge of academic advising principles, theories, and concepts, and the ability to apply them in practice. Knowledge of student development theory and student success practices, including the ability to provide outreach and connect students to appropriate resources and services.