Department: CHS Deans Office

Summary and Overview

The Office of Student Services in the VCU College of Humanities and Sciences (CHS) is recruiting for an advising position at the Academic Advisor 3 or Senior Academic Advisor level for the African American Studies, Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies, and Philosophy departments.The Academic Advisor 3/Senior Academic Advisor will sustain an environment of effective academic advising for undergraduate students in the College in order to support VCU being a leader among national research universities in providing all students with high-quality learning/living experiences focused on inquiry, discovery and innovation in a global environment. More specifically, the Academic Advisor will provide professional advising for the programs in the departments of African American Studies; Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies; and Philosophy, answer general questions, provide guidance to upper-level CHS majors who are exploring the option of changing to another major, and assist programs with larger student to advisor ratios that may change over time. Meeting these needs will improve student engagement through effective academic advising, while supporting the identified metrics of graduation rates and retention.

The VCU job series for this position is Academic Advisor 3/Senior Academic Advisor in the Academic and Faculty Affairs job family.  For more information, please see the VCU Human Resources’ Job Family and Salary Ranges site here.

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Job-Specific Duties

This position requires a high degree of confidentiality. The main purpose is to sustain an environment of effective academic advising for undergraduate students in the respective program. The person must exercise professional judgment in the following ways:
1. Provide correct up-to-date information about all College and program-specific academic program requirements.
2. Provide correct interpretations of University and College rules and regulations.
3. Be comfortable and accurate in answering pointed questions from parents and students about graduation issues.
4. Be able to tell students they lack requirements for graduation and offer suggestions for completion of the needed requirements (including possible substitutions or waivers of degree requirements).
5. Follow appropriate protocol for situations involving Title IX or FERPA.

1. Provide academic advising services to assigned students:
• Advise students regarding: departmental, College, and University policies and procedures; programs of study; and the development of appropriate academic plans.
• Write letters of recommendation and letters of support for student appeals.
• Assist students in identifying their interests, abilities, skills and academic goals and in making decisions regarding their academic career.
• Introduce students to opportunities that will enrich their academic experience, facilitate their academic and personal development, and support their educational success.
• Teach students how to manage the college experience, navigate the University, make informed decisions, and assume responsibility for their academic success.
• Identify and assist struggling or at-risk students.
• Make appropriate referrals to other university resources.
• Assist students in the online graduation checkout.
• Participate in and provide feedback on training and professional development activities.

2. Collaborate with university partners on matters that impact student recruitment, success, and retention:
• Participate as needed in recruitment activities, programs, and initiatives (e.g., Open House, Preview Day).
• Provide advising to incoming students in coordination with New Student Orientation.
• Support departmental and University retention initiatives.
• Contact continuing students who do not register for classes.

3. Maintain accurate and confidential records of student information, including advising interactions:
• Document all advising interactions with students.
• Maintain training on policies including Title IX and FERPA.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records on students.

4. Monitor student progression in degree program and establish advising checkpoints:
• Use the Navigate advising platform to establish targeted student populations for more intensive advising.
• Use DegreeWorks to determine a student's progress in completing degree requirements.
• Outreach to all assigned advisees at least once a semester and meet with advisees on a regular basis

* Monitor student degree progression and update graduation plans at least once per semester  

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum hiring standards for the Academic Advisor 3 position:
•Master’s degree from an accredited institution or equivalent combination of education and experience 
•A minimum of one year of professional experience in a college or university setting
•A minimum two years of relevant advising experience or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
•Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism, and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a member of VCU
•Excellent written, interpersonal and oral communication skills
•Ability to ask searching questions and practice active listening
•Ability to foster a welcoming and supportive environment for students

Minimum hiring standards for the Senior Academic Advisor positions:
•Master’s degree from an accredited institution or equivalent combination of education and experience 
•3-5 years of relevant advising experience or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
•Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment and commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU
•Demonstrated experience providing academic, career, or individualized counseling in higher education
•Understand curricula information (including program of study and general education requirements) for areas of advising specialization
•Excellent written, interpersonal and oral communication skills
•Ability to ask searching questions and practice active listening
•Ability to foster a welcoming and supportive environment for students

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred hiring standards for the Academic Advisor 3 position:
•Educational Background in African American Studies; Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies; Philosophy; Counseling; Social Work; Psychology; or related field
•Demonstrated experience providing academic, career, or individualized counseling in higher education
•Demonstrated experience working with Banner, DegreeWorks, or Navigate or similar student management systems

Preferred hiring standards for the Senior Academic Advisor positions: 
•A minimum of 3 years professional advising experience or equivalent experience in a related career field
•Completion of coursework or training related to diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as topics related to leadership such as conflict resolution, coaching/mentoring, communication styles, or navigating change
•Demonstrated experience working with student subpopulations needing additional support, such as students on academic warning or probation and transfer students
•Demonstrated experience working with multiple academic departments
•Demonstrated experience managing administrative tasks for a caseload, such as graduation applications and substitution/waiver submissions

Salary Range: $58,000 to $65,000

Benefits: All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt

Hours per Week: 

Restricted Position: No

ORP Eligible: Yes

Flexible Work Arrangement: Hybrid

University Job Title: 91021 - Open

Contact Information:
Contact Name:  Rigby Bendele
Contact Email:  rlbendele@vcu.edu