STEM Academic Advisor II

The Academic Advising Coordinator works closely with the Dean’s Office of the College of Arts and Sciences and the Director of Student Advising Services (SAS) in planning, developing, maintaining and evaluating a program designed to help La Sierra students become successful graduates or completers. The coordinator advises students at all levels of preparation and coordinates with other Advising Coordinators in regular work sessions. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

·        Assists students with advising and registration, resolving holds and technology issues, identifying documents for admission and completion, tracking student records including attendance and satisfactory Academic Progress, evaluating transcripts, creating student schedules, and troubleshooting any problems that might arise with service departments.

·        Interacts regularly with students to review degree progress, field student issues, create a positive learning environment, resolve conflicts, and support student retention and wellness.

·        Meets with academic faculty, program directors, and service departments (considered a regular member in both academic and service departments) and serves as a communication link between departments.

·        Oversees academic progress for all students under their advisement and monitors academic progress throughout the quarter, maintaining up-to-date records for students through DegreeWorks (or other), recording actions, agreements, and program variations for each student, and ensuring that students are ready for program completion or graduation.

·        Lead weekly UNST 101 sessions to orient freshmen to college life, covering essential topics such as study skills, time management, and campus resources. Foster a supportive and engaging environment, encouraging active participation and addressing student concerns.

·        Meet with students on Academic Probation or Critical Academic Probation to create individualized recovery plans, set realistic goals, and schedule regular check-ins to review progress and adjust plans as necessary.

·        Manages internal student tracking system and outbound communication to students, including informational and course evaluation.

·        Creates quarterly enrollment spreadsheets and various reports for the CAS dean’s office and the director of Student Advising Services.

·        Provides class support to faculty and students, including assistance with Blackboard, DUO authentication, portal issues, etc.

·        Has access to Banner as designated by supervisor.

·        Helps organize outreach programs and events; periodically attends and recruits at fairs, info sessions, mixers, and other networking events (virtually or in-person) to represent the College of Arts & Sciences at La Sierra University.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Qualifications

Ability to engage with people. Must be a team player, problem-solver, and self-starter; must have a positive attitude, and demonstrate professionalism and attention to detail. Must have strong written and oral communication skills. Must be able to communicate comfortably with people from a variety of backgrounds and conduct themselves appropriately in a variety of settings. Must be trustworthy, consistent, reliable, and efficient, and have a high level of integrity. Must be able to maintain confidentiality. Helpful to have web development experience and be well-versed in Blackboard and social media. FERPA training will be required.

Education/Experience

Bachelor's degree (B.A.) required from a four-year college or university (graduate degree beneficial); and at least two years related experience.  

Language Ability

Communication, analytical, and organizational skills generally acquired through the completion of a bachelor’s degree program. Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with faculty members, staff members, current and prospective students, alums, and members of the business community.

Math Ability

Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to solve problems and deal with a variety of variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Problems are highly varied, complex and often non-recurring, novel and require creative approaches to resolutions. New concepts and approaches may have to be developed. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Computer Skills

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, SPSS, and Blackboard Learn Online program.

Certificates and Licenses

None

Supervisory Responsibilities

Supervise student employees

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to work near moving mechanical parts and risk of electrical shock.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, walk, climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

Confidentiality:   Works with confidential and sensitive matters.

Wage Range: $19.51 to $22.50 per hour plus generous benefits

• Comprehensive health coverage available

• Tuition Assistance

• 10 Paid Holidays

• FSA, Pet Insurance, Legal Services, Identity Protection Services, and more!