Academic Advisor at Roger Williams University – Bristol, Rhode Island

Company Description:

At Roger Williams University, students are prepared to be thinkers and doers ready to solve challenging problems with innovative solutions. RWU offers 50 majors and robust offerings of graduate and professional programs across eight schools of study including Rhode Island's only law school, with campuses on the coast of Bristol and in the heart of Providence, R.I. With small classrooms and a focus on undergraduate and graduate research and community engagement, a Roger Williams education blends the strength of liberal arts and professional studies, providing all students with the depth and breadth of interdisciplinary thinking and well-rounded knowledge necessary to succeed in our interconnected, global world. RWU is committed to strengthening society through engaged scholarship so that students graduate with the ability to think critically and apply the practical skills that today's employers demand.

Roger Williams University seeks to recruit and support a broadly diverse community of faculty and staff. We value all races, genders, identities, and abilities. RWU is committed to creating a thriving community that encourages lifelong learning, professional development, and academic innovation.

Job Description:

Reporting to the Assistant Director, Advising & Peer Mentorship, the Academic Advisor provides educational guidance and assistance to first-year students, utilizing their extensive knowledge about academic programs, policies, procedures, and student support services while maintaining confidentiality. The Academic Advisor interprets student needs and provides individualized service and assistance to each student, while identifying students who are experiencing academic and transition to college difficulties to develop a strategy for success in partnership with the student.

Essential Functions / Characteristics

• Participate in New Student Orientation activities as they relate to academic advising and registration.
• Serve as the primary advisor for a defined group of first-year students.
• Advise students on major related and general education course selections, academic policies, procedures, and academic resources.
• Provide holistic and developmental advising to first-year students.
• Assist students in identifying short and long-term goals as they relate to academic endeavors.
• Assist students in exploring majors, minors, and other academic opportunities such as double majors and individualized programs.
• Inform advisees of important dates on the academic calendar.
• Monitor advisees' academic progress and provide guidance on academic related issues.
• Track and intervene with advisees who receive an academic referral.
• Coach and support advisees experiencing transitional issues related to attending college for the first time.
• Help students develop self-efficacy and independence skills.
• Serve as an Academic Skills Enrichment Program Advisor.
• Develop collaborative relationships with Faculty, academic and student support staff, academic Deans, the Registrar's Office, Enrollment Management, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and Student Life.
• Maintain advising records in the Trac Cloud system.
• Knowledgeable of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and how it relates to University policies.
• Utilize Colleague, CIVITAS, and other Roger William University's systems for advising purposes.
• Develop, organize, and implement first-year student workshops, events, and experiences that support student success (ex. major exploration, academic skills enrichment workshops).
• In partnership with the Assistant Director, establish a path for professional development, keeping updated on the current best practices of academic advising.

Additional Functions

• Complete the Office's matriculation processes, including withdrawals and reinstatements.
• Serve as a member of the Student Success Team, with a particular focus on providing immediate services to students who need academic support.
• Responsible for overseeing the web presence of the Advising and Peer Mentorship Office, utilizing technology tools and platforms to increase engagement, visibility, and strategic initiatives.
• Work collaboratively with faculty advisors to improve the quality of student advising and ensure a seamless transition to the student's major.
• Participate in Center for Student Academic Success (CSAS) outreach efforts.
• Serve on University committees, as directed by the Assistant Director.
• Represent the Office and University at Enrollment and other events.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in College Student Personnel, Counseling, Education or a related field.
• Experience in a program or position that involves advising students (ex. Graduate Assistant, Resident Assistant, Pre-College Advising).
• Demonstrated ability to engage and develop students.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of constituents including students, parents, faculty, and staff.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Experience in a field requiring a strong customer service focus.
• Ability to set priorities and multi-task efficiently.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office software, student information systems, and ability to learn new software as needed.
• Ability to competently handle sensitive, complex, and time critical information.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree College Student Personnel, Counseling, Education or a related field
• Experience in higher education, academic advising, academic counseling.
• Proficiency using 0365 software and student learning management systems, i.e. Ellucian Colleague, and web-based appointment scheduling systems, i.e. TracCloud.
• Comprehensive knowledge and experience in student development theory, application of academic advising models, and associated resources.
• Knowledge and experience with a broad range of major and minor undergraduate and graduate curricula.
• Successful record of working in a fast paced, student focused, team-based work environment.

At the University's discretion, the education and experience prerequisites may be accepted where the candidate can demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the University, an equivalent combination of education and experience specifically preparing the candidate for success in the position.

Additional Information:

Roger Williams University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and committed to a diverse workforce. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other basis protected by applicable state and federal law. For information on our Non-discrimination policy, visit here.

RWU prohibits all forms of discrimination on the basis of sex in its education programs and activities and is required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX) and its implementing regulations not to discriminate in such a manner. Complaints of Title IX sexual harassment should be reported to the Title IX Coordinator at the contact information listed below. Details regarding the formal complaint process can be found here: Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy and Procedures. All complaints of sexual harassment will be taken seriously and responded to promptly. TITLE IX COORDINATOR: Dr. Jen Stanley, 1 Old Ferry Road, Bristol, RI 02809 / Phone Number: (401) 254-3123 /Email Address: jstanley@rwu.edu

Application Instructions:

Please attach a resume, cover letter, and list of three (3) professional references.