PAY GRADE:30E

CONTEXT OF THE JOB:

Under limited direction of the Senior Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Services, the Senior Academic Advisor’s principal emphasis is on managing student-centered services and events for the College of Engineering undergraduate student body that promote an environment supporting student retention, academic success, recognition, and the College’s commitment to diversity. The Senior Academic Advisor advises all Engineering Undeclared students and a cohort of students in each major by working cooperatively with members of the department advising staff. The Senior Academic Advisor provides expert service to their students by providing information on academic requirements of specific programs or majors, and on procedures as they pertain to the University, the College, or a Department. The Senior Academic Advisor manages College-level processes for Transfer Credit Evaluation, Changes of Major, and Student Success/Retention communiques.  The Senior Academic Advisor participates in Undergraduate student recruitment efforts through event attendance (as needed), meeting with prospective and admitted Engineering Undeclared students, and assisting in creating academic recruitment and advisement publications. They manage the College of Engineering (EGGG) Schedule of Classes. A high level of independent judgment, initiative, communication, and problem-solving skills are required.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Advises all Engineering Undeclared students (80-120) through the point in time they change their major.
• Advises a limited cohort of students (approximately 5 per major) in each College of Engineering major through graduation or change of major out of the College.
• Advises students from Delaware State University (DSU) that come to UD through articulated agreements with the College of Engineering. Work with advising staff from DSU prior to the students arrival at UD to assist with the transition and integration of the DSU students into the UD community.  
• Coordinate and/or perform student outreach in response to student success and retention efforts involving mid-term grades, registration holds, active but not enrolled students, pre-requisite enrollment checking (PERC), credit limit checking, incomplete grades, “N” grades, term GPA messaging, and recognition messaging.
• Review and approve Transfer Credit Evaluation forms. Evaluate transcripts from other academic institutions for course equivalencies and application to degree programs.
• Manage the Restricted Major Change of Major process twice per year.
• Works collaboratively with the Departmental Academic Advisors to remain current on curricula and coordinate informational events for Engineering Undeclared students.
• Meet regularly with assigned students to assess their stage of academic, career, and personal development, and promote student growth by determining suitable developmental tasks resulting in students establishing realistic and attainable academic and career goals.
• Maintain paper and electronic student files and records by documenting all pertinent student information in Blue Hen Success.
• Monitor academic progress of students through analyzing transcripts, degree audits and progress reports from instructors, the Blue Hen Success platform notes and correspondence, and other University entities; identify current and potential needs or problem areas (e.g., academic skills, tutoring) and refer students to appropriate campus resources for assistance; communicate findings to coaches and administrators.
• Register incoming first-year EGU and cohort students for classes during New Student Orientation and provide guidance in future course selection in keeping with the student’s interests, values, abilities, and curriculum requirements.
• Interpret and explain University and College policies and procedures.
• Utilizes CourseLeaf Section Scheduler (CLSS) to schedule all EGGG courses in the College.
• Gather and/or calculate academic information and enrollment statistics; prepare various reports as requested in support of retention and success efforts.
• Manage all undergraduate services aspects of various College-level events and activities that focus on academic and student recognition including, but not limited to, Convocation, Honors Day (RAHA), National Engineers Week, Distinguished Scholars Weekend, and other College student activities.
• Compiles College and department level curricular and program changes to assist the College of Engineering Office of Communications and Marketing to produce College and department level recruitment and advisement print and web media.
• Participate in College of Engineering Convocation and Commencement activities and other undergraduate events, as needed.
• Gather/compile/analyze data and information to support the college and departments ABET accreditation processes. Assist in the planning and coordination of accreditation site-visits.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree and four years of job-related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience. Master’s degree preferred.
• Ability to grasp, retain, and disseminate an extensive and varied body of information; the ability to exercise sound judgment and employ decision-making skills.
• Ability to evaluate student transcripts and records.
• Knowledge of academic policies governing student probation, suspension, and/or expulsion and student recruitment and retention issues.
• Ability to communicate course prerequisites, certification, and/or curriculum/graduation requirements to students.
• Advanced working knowledge of academic recruitment and advisement policies, procedures, systems, regulations, and standards at the university level.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills and the ability to analyze, summarize, and effectively present data.
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite programs, especially with database and spreadsheets.
• Strong leadership, organizational, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to present effectively to groups and to work productively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Knowledge of University policy and practices.
• UDSIS (the University’s student records system), Blue Hen Success platform, SLATE platform, and the University accounting system is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of College of Engineering majors, minors, and concentrations.
• Demonstrates an understanding and consideration of the differing needs and concerns of individuals with varying identities, cultures and backgrounds.
• Committed to fostering a workplace culture of belonging, where diversity is celebrated and equity is a core value.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• May be required to work some evenings and weekends.