The Academic Advisor collaborates with staff and faculty to ensure student success by providing academic advisement and other student services. As a Christian University, Pepperdine is committed to service students with a holistic approach to address their individual needs in a supportive, student- centered environment. The Academic Advisor's primary responsibility is to promote a student-centered environment by engaging and supporting students throughout their academic careers at GSEP with care, compassion and professionalism.

Duties

• Student Support - Provide comprehensive guidance to students on all aspects of their academic program and available student services. Respond promptly to student inquiries, foster a welcoming and supportive environment, and encourage positive engagement throughout their academic journey.
• Student Support & Accessibility - Anticipate student needs and proactively problem-solve to resolve issues. Provide support across GSEP campuses as needed, while maintaining regular office hours with an open-door policy for drop-ins and unscheduled appointments.
• Academic Advising - Monitor student academic progress and reach out to those whose performance is unsatisfactory. Provide advisement on curriculum, course registration, and related academic matters, while fostering strong, supportive relationships with students.
• Academic Program Support - Assist with coordinating registration, student engagement initiatives, and orientation activities. Participate in staff training and maintain a thorough understanding of GSEP academic programs to effectively counsel students and resolve issues.
• Program Processes - Conduct degree audits and graduation checks, oversee the readmission process, and coordinate the dissertation process and comprehensive exams.
• Records & Compliance - Ensure that student records are complete, accurate, and compliant with University policies. Maintain updated policy manuals to support consistency and compliance.
• Community Engagement - Participate in GSEP graduation ceremonies and serve on committees as needed. Perform additional duties as assigned in support of departmental and institutional goals.
• Mission Alignment -Uphold the University’s mission through all work performed.

The above information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Skills and Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in higher education or a customer service-related field.
• Ability to demonstrate care and compassion in a student-centered environment and establish positive relationships with students, faculty, and staff in support of students and the University mission.
• Ability to sustain productivity while managing multiple projects.
• Flexibility to travel to graduate campuses and work some evenings and weekends to support students.
• Proficient in the use of relevant technology, software, and systems necessary to perform the responsibilities of the position effectively.

Preferred

• Master's degree.
• Three or more years of experience working with students in a higher education environment.
• Ability to demonstrate strong interpersonal and counseling skills in working with a diverse student population and to advocate for students.
• Ability to maintain a professional manner and confidentiality when dealing with sensitive student information and situations.
• Ability to interpret and apply University policies in a manner that supports students and complies with University policies.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to communicate diplomatically.
• Willingness to learn all aspects of student services to assist students.

This is a Regular, Nonexempt, 40 hour per week position.

Expected Pay Range: $25.14 - $27.94 per hour

The above pay range reflects what Pepperdine University reasonably expects to pay for this position at time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on relevant factors such as work experience, market conditions, education/training, and skill level. In addition to base pay, Pepperdine offers a robust and highly competitive benefits package.

Pepperdine is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Qualified individuals should be able to show respect for workplace differences, and have the ability to work effectively with individuals from different backgrounds.

Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal, education, and employment screening. The University conducts such screenings in compliance with applicable laws and with the objectives of evaluating risk and supporting a safe environment for students, faculty, staff, and guests; safeguarding key University assets including people, property, information, and the University’s reputation; and providing comprehensive job-related information to University leaders to enable them to make prudent hiring decisions. Individuals will be required to disclose any criminal convictions on a designated form after receiving a conditional offer of employment; failure to disclose accurate information may result in withdrawal of the offer or termination of employment. Qualified individuals with criminal histories will be considered for employment in compliance with applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance.