Academic Advisor

Summary of Position

Provides academic advisement for undergraduate students. Ensures the daily function of operations and services related to any assigned program, initiative, or objective. Works under general supervision and may make some work procedural decisions which do not contravene policies; generally, determines work sequences (which task comes first) within any department/divisional guidelines.

Position Information

Essential Functions and Responsibilities: College-specific duties will be incorporated into this role as designated by the academic unit and may vary based on programmatic and operational requirements.

Advises and supports students by interpreting placement assessments, helping them clarify academic and career goals, creating individualized academic plans, outlining program requirements tied to those goals, and guiding them through course selection, scheduling, and registration.

Assists in the resolution of individual academic issues and issues affecting degree progress and attainment of academic and career objectives.

Advises students on academic program changes and academic progress toward degree completion; monitors and responds to early alerts in CRM Advise, engages in proactive outreach to students, and provides appropriate referrals to related services.

Reviews and discusses evaluated transcripts to determine the applicability of transfer credit to YSU and initiates the credit evaluation process when appropriate.

Interprets and communicates university and college policies and procedures, including those related to withdrawal, probation, suspension, dismissal, and reinstatement. Maintains up-to-date knowledge of relevant regulations and policies (e.g., Family, Educational Right and Privacy Act (FERPA)) and consults with colleagues to ensure consistent interpretation.

Maintains student files, records, and data in accordance with federal, state, and university regulations.

Collaborates within the unit and across other colleges and divisions to support academic advising, orientation, recruiting, career service, and retention programs and activities.

Attends and successfully completes university-provided training and participates in appropriate external professional development activities.

Serves on various campus committees and/or represents the advising unit at various functions.

Possesses comprehensive awareness of Penguin Pass functions relevant to advising and student academic planning. Conducts graduation evaluations and completes final degree audits to verify that students have met all institutional and program requirements for degree completion.

Other Functions and Responsibilities: Trains new hires.

Performs other duties as assigned and/or required that are within the level of responsibility for this classification at the discretion of the supervisor.

Equipment Operated: Computer and all other standard office equipment.

Work Schedule: Typically, Monday through Friday.

Supervision Exercised: May exercise supervision over student employees.

Primary Location: Youngstown

Reports to: Departmental Leadership

Qualifications and Competencies

Required Certifications, Training, and/or Licensures: None

Sponsorship and/or Work Authorization Status: This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of: university policies and procedures*; office practices and procedures; department/division goals and objectives*; department/division policies and procedures*; workplace safety practices and procedures*; English grammar and spelling; records management; office management; project management.

Skill in: use of office equipment; typing, data entry; computer operation; use of computer software and other programs applicable to the assigned department/division*.

Ability to: Resolve problems involving multiple variables within a familiar context; define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Determine material and equipment needs; interpret a variety of written and/or verbal communications; prepare accurate documentation; and maintain records according to established procedures. Interact effectively with staff and the public to address routine questions; prioritize and transition among multiple tasks to meet operational demands; work both independently and collaboratively; and develop and maintain effective working relationships.

(*) Developed after employment.

Minimum Qualifications: At least a bachelor’s degree; and one year of experience in academic advising or a related position.

Preferred Qualifications: Master’s degree. Knowledge of advising best practices. Excellent written and oral communication skills, especially listening skills. Knowledge of related university academic policies and procedures.

Physical Requirements: In accordance with the U.S. Department of Labor physical demands strength ratings, this position will perform sedentary work.

Sedentary: work involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs may be defined as Sedentary when walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other Sedentary criteria are met.