Position Title: Academic Advisor and Licensure Officer

Department: Education

Advertised Pay: Mid $40,000's

Campus Location: Washburn University

The screening committee will review all eligible applications submitted by October 29, 2024

Position Summary: Washburn University is a student-centered public institution with a diverse population. Washburn is a 2024 best college to work for, according to the Great Colleges to Work For® program. Located in the heart of Topeka, we are proud to be a cornerstone of the community. Our mission is to provide opportunities for our students to realize their full potential; we can’t do it without our dedicated faculty and staff. Join us at Washburn, and you will be part of a long tradition of excellence.

Washburn employs more than one thousand faculty and staff on our campuses throughout Topeka. We strive to offer competitive wages, an excellent benefits program, a supportive culture and a healthy work/life balance. Washburn seeks to create an environment that reflects our core values for creating positive IMPACT: inclusion, modernization, partnership, achievement, community and transformation.

The Academic Advisor and Licensure Officer for the Washburn University Department of Education is responsible for helping students achieve their educational goals by working closely with them to select appropriate courses, identify their strengths, choose a major, and act as a resource until the student graduates; and for all licensing requirements for undergraduate and graduate students in the Department of Education.

Essential Functions:
• The Academic Advising responsibilities include but are not limited to meeting with current, prospective, transfer, or returning students and parents/guardians to provide academic advising relative to academic program requirements, student development, course scheduling, etc.
• Advise students from admissions through graduation, keeping accurate and detailed records of these interactions. Use appropriate university software programs to manage student caseload, proactively reach out and follow up on performance concerns, and refer students to appropriate resources for assistance.
• Declare all PreK-6 education majors.
• Recommend course enrollment for students based on individual progression through programs and available courses to assist with timely progress toward degree completion.
• Develop degree plans for students as required for federal financial aid or veteran compliance. Assist with training new SAS faculty and staff on advising procedures.
• Work with appropriate staff to keep abreast of changes in programs of study, advising protocols, the Education Department Website, and the Washburn University Catalog.
• Serve as the academic liaison between the College of Art and Sciences (CAS) education programs and the Department of Education.
• Review and evaluate transcripts for admission to the program, admission to student teaching, graduation, and licensure. Request and record substitutions and waived course information on Degree Audit of new and transfer students.
• In collaboration with the Washburn University Admissions Office, plan and organize potential student visits, recruitment events, New Student Orientations, Junior/Senior Days, and Transfer Days.
• Plan and organize advising events for education majors before beginning registration each semester. Keep incentives and current program information available for student visits.
• Work with appropriate university and department staff to assist with recruitment efforts using various media platforms for the department.
• Maintain admissions applications and approvals for undergraduate and graduate programs. Guide students and faculty on program admissions requirements and programs of study.
• Develops and delivers advising presentations to students, faculty, and staff to educate and inform them about various programs, policies, and related advising issues.
• Serves as a liaison between the Department of Education and the future Washburn University Literacy Center.
• As the Licensure Officer, stay current on all Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) licensure requirements and changes. Provide guidance and support for faculty, staff, and students on licensure issues.
• Maintain necessary documentation on all students pursuing licensure, including state and department-required assessment scores, and report completion of licensure requirements to KSDE. Respond to inquiries about student completion to out-of-state schools and districts.
• Provide leadership and guidance for all faculty/staff in advising students in programs of study leading to licensure.
• Provide updated licensure information to the proper staff to ensure the university catalog and websites contain accurate descriptions. Be an active participant in department faculty/staff meetings.
• Perform additional job-related duties as assigned or as appropriate.

Required Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree.
• Experience working directly with secondary or post-secondary students in an advising or counseling capacity; or experience working with licensure policies, procedures and regulations.
• Demonstrated effective interpersonal, communication and organizational skills.
• Proven abilities to build and maintain professional–collaborative relationships with all individuals who may possess a broad range of academic skills and goals.
• Demonstrated effective experience following detailed, complex procedures and protocols with the ability to explain the procedures practically to others.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Demonstrated experience in training others in advising and recruitment procedures.
• Previous work in college admissions, advising, or licensure.
• Previous work experience in education.
• Master’s Degree in Education.

Full-time, Exempt    
Background Check Required