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Position Description
The Academic Advisor supports undergraduate students with all aspects of academic planning by promoting and encouraging self-authorship and resource utilization in support of academic success, as well as timely and informed pursuit of an academic major. This is accomplished through a one on one student-centered, individualized, technology-enhanced advising appointments, classroom instruction of EXPL 101, and the establishment of a relationship based on mutual trust with a diverse student population. Students meet with their academic advisor in a one-on-one and a classroom setting to explore their interests, discuss course options, consider majors, plan for the future, and address any academic concerns.
Successful candidates will love:
• Working with undergraduate students in both one-on-one and in group settings in person and online assisting in identifying goals, understanding campus systems and planning for success
• Serving as a referral agent to campus resources
• Helping students find their place and their people
• Employing current and evolving technology
• Serving as a problem solver and resource to students and colleagues alike
• Exhibiting initiative and sharing ideas
• Embracing and employing established departmental values (Team Spirit, Accountability, Humility, Communication, Appreciation, Inclusion)
• Being a part of a team dedicated mutual respect and collegiality
• Enjoy working in a dynamic, fast paced season-based advising (distinct Fall, Spring, Summer) setting
• Working independently as well in work teams
• Collaborating with colleagues inside and outside the department to drive the vision and mission of the department through programming and committee work
• Participating in ongoing professional development opportunities with a dedication to continuous improvement
Skills required for success in the position:
• Demonstrated understanding of student development at a liberal arts & sciences college or university.
• Well-versed in the basic principles and theories of advising and college student development in higher education
• Able to facilitate one-on-one and group advising conversations
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated effective communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills
• Able to establish and maintain effective relationships with administrators, faculty, staff, students, and parents
• Exhibit initiative and tolerance for ambiguity in an ever-changing environment
• Affirm and contribute to a positive workplace culture
Duties
Provide quality, accurate cross-curricular academic advising and interpersonal guidance, either in-person or virtually, to first-year, transfer, and undecided students, including special populations (academically at-risk, provisional, academic warning or probation or conditionally readmitted, Summer First students and students with physical or learning disabilities), following a developmental philosophy of advising as defined by NACADA and CAS standards, providing information and assistance in identifying, developing and implementing strategies supportive of individual students’ academic and career goals. Maintain appropriate records. Work with students to develop an academic plan by exploring interests, discussing majors and course options, setting realistic goals and addressing academic concerns. Refer advisees to other campus resources as appropriate. Work with departmental and campus leadership to champion effective academic advising pedagogy, implement changes based on best practices in support of a comprehensive advising curriculum. Instruct students through in-person or virtual individual, small group and workshop settings on technology-driven planning tools and resources, general education requirements, institutional policies and procedures, and the connection between majors, careers and transferrable skills. This may include travel across campus for preparation meetings and content delivery in various campus buildings and settings. Teach one or more sections of the EXPL 101 Pathways to College and Career Success courses each fall and spring using established student learning outcomes. This course focuses on exploring strengths, values, skills and personality and analyzes components of the academic major and career decision making processes through personal experiences, research, and self-assessments. Follow established curriculum and teaching guidelines. Maintain course materials and up-to-date gradebook in College of Charleston’s Learning Management system and meet all mid-term and final grade submissions. Students enrolled in the course will be an assigned advisee. Employees with a conferred Masters degree can teach this course. Employees with a Bachelors degree must be certified through alternative qualifications before they are eligible to teach the course. Engage in the College community by developing and cultivating relationships with campus partners particularly in ways strategic to the Academic Advising and Planning Center’s focus on student success. Plan and implement co-curricular and collaborative programs as necessary to meet the mission of College of Charleston, including but not limited to New Student Orientation, the Majors and Minors Fair or Admissions events. This includes regular travel across campus for preparation meetings and content delivery in various campus buildings and settings. Actively seek and provide professional development opportunities by identifying and participating in occasions to maintain and improve expertise in advising, teaching and specialty areas. Apply knowledge to personal practice, as well as share with colleagues in the department. Share content across campus to improve the quality of advising practices campus wide. Actively participate and help execute advising assessment related initiatives.
Application Process
Applicants must submit a formal targeted cover letter, resume and three professional references, including at least one direct supervisor. Applicants must also submit a well-developed and thoughtful Philosophy of Advising Statement. Applicants that fail to submit all application materials will not be considered as a candidate for the position. Please complete the application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume will not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position. *Salary is commensurate with education/experience which exceeds the minimum requirements. Offers of employment are contingent upon a successful background check. All applications must be submitted online https://jobs.cofc.edu.
Institution Information
The College of Charleston is a nationally recognized public liberal arts and sciences university located in the heart of historic Charleston, South Carolina. Founded in 1770, the College is among the nation’s top universities for quality education, student life and affordability. The College offers a distinctive combination of a beautiful and historic campus, modern facilities, cutting-edge programs, and was named America’s Most Beautiful College Campus by Travel + Leisure in 2017. Students from all 50 states and some 71 countries choose the College of Charleston for its small-college feel blended with the advantages and diversity of an urban, mid-sized university. The College provides a creative and intellectually stimulating environment where students are challenged by a committed and caring faculty of 500 distinguished teacher-scholars, all in an incomparable setting. The city of Charleston - world-renowned for its history, culture, architecture and coastal environment - serves approximately 10,000 undergraduates and 1,500 graduate students as a living and learning laboratory for experiences in business, science, teaching, the humanities, languages and the arts. At the same time, students and faculty are engaged with the community in partnerships to improve education, enhance the business community and enrich the overall quality of life in the region. At the College of Charleston, students learn how to succeed and grow, both inside and outside the classroom. This comes from a rigorous exposure to the arts, sciences and humanities, and from dedication to achievement in education, business and other professional careers. It comes from exceptional opportunities to pursue knowledge and conduct research at the undergraduate and graduate level. It comes from a vibrant and enriching campus life that provides meaningful opportunities to become engaged and involved, to make a difference and to become a leader. While they live and work in one of the greatest cities in the world, our students share many of the same hopes and dreams. They want to discover themselves, find out what they can achieve and create their own future. At the College of Charleston, they learn how to make that happen. In the great liberal arts tradition, a College of Charleston education focuses on discovery and personal growth, as well as preparing for life, work and service in our society. At the College of Charleston, students learn about themselves, their own lives and the lives of others. They learn how to shape their future and prepare themselves for today’s world. When they graduate, our students are ready for a world in which they can create change and opportunity.
Additional Information
May be required to work outside the College’s normal operating hours (8:30am-5:00pm, Monday through Friday) during New Student Orientation and other special events. May be required to offer individual, group appointments or classroom instruction virtually. Opportunity for telecommuting one day a week after the first 12 months of employment. Physical demands include sitting, walking within the office and around campus; navigating to, from and between buildings, classroom environments and stairways, particularly during New Student Orientation. Applicants with mobility issues are welcome to apply.
Contact Information
Sherri Shannon, Office of Human Resources, 843-953-1455, [email protected]
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