Graduate Academic Advisor I

The Graduate Academic Advisor I advises new and continuing graduate students on academic matters such as course selection and degree plans. Monitor students' academic progress. Maintains and updates degree plans. Communicates university policies and procedures to graduate students.

• Develops individualized program of study based on student's admission to chosen graduate program. Creates official degree plans for all admitted graduate students.
• Provides academic advising to all new and returning graduate students in advisor's assigned concentration(s) from the student's time of admission thru graduation. Determines student's appropriate course sequencing to ensure on-time graduation.
• Maintains continuous verbal and written communication with students. Runs communication campaigns in EAB to contact and reach out to students as needed.
• Conducts degree audits and notifies students of missing enrollment, course withdrawals, and prerequisite course issues, etc. Performs specialized advising projects throughout the semester/academic year. Supports other retention and timely graduation efforts for Graduate students.
• Prepares course sequence templates for prospective graduate students.
• Serves as student advocate making appropriate referrals for scholarships, financial aid, Student Business Services, Learning support, counseling services, and other campus services.
• Maintains database of all new admits and current students. Assists with collecting and uploading signed LOIs (Letter of Intent) for admitted students.

• Actively participates in weekly Graduate Studies Team meetings with faculty liaison, Graduate Studies Director(s), Academic Deans, advisors and MBA graduate studies coordinators by providing weekly updates for advising related matters. Shares information of matters related to advising and/or admissions for each admission cycle for graduate studies programs.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Direct Reports:

• None

Delegation of Work:

• N/A

Supervision Given:

• N/A

Required Education:

• Bachelor's degree

Required Experience:

• Minimum of one (1) year of related job experience
• Experience and commitment to serving a representative and diverse faculty, administrative staff, and student body

License/Certification:

• None Required

• Graduate Advising experience

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of trends, issues, and accepted practices relevant to the position
• Excellent computer proficiency (MS Office Word, Excel, and Outlook).

Skills:

• Candidate exhibits strong interpersonal skills, and experience working with students, parents, faculty, and staff
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Abilities:

• Ability to effectively communicate with internal and external constituents
• Strong ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines, while maintaining a positive attitude and providing exemplary student service.
• Ability to work with higher education software systems, analyze data, produce reports, and implement systems to monitor and manage staff productivity.

Primary Work Location:

• Works in an office environment.

Physical Demands:

• Work is performed in a typical interior work environment which does not subject the employee to any unpleasant elements; individual has discretion in relation to walking, standing etc., and has minimal exposure to physical risks.

Commitment to Excellence - UHD

• Demonstrates a commitment to competently perform his/her job duties and responsibilities within established time frames.
• Continuously strives to improve work performance.
• Accepts responsibility for his/her commitments to the university.
• Contributes to the success of the university by consistently providing quality results in the performance of his/her job duties and responsibilities.

Respect and Cooperation

• Treats others with courtesy, respect, and dignity in the workplace.
• Promotes cooperation through open and honest communications and consideration of others ideas, thoughts, and opinions.

Integrity

• Demonstrates high ethical standards of conduct in the performance of his/her job duties and responsibilities.
• Accepts responsibility for his/her actions.
• Respects and complies with department and university policies, procedures, and work rules.

Dependability

• Takes responsibility to accomplish job assignments within reasonable deadlines.
• Willing to accept new projects and/or commitments.
• Does due diligence to complete projects within specified timeframes and/or fulfill commitments.
• Arrives to work on time prepared and ready to contribute.

Flexibility

• Willingly adjusts to changing work assignments or conditions.
• Open to changes in operational procedures, technology, and/or organizational structure.
• Views changes as opportunities for learning and professional development.
• Displays a positive attitude to encourage others.
• Promptly responds to changes in work priorities and/or unexpected circumstances or situations.

Proficiency

• Possesses required job skills and knowledge.
• Demonstrates the ability to apply those skills and knowledge to competently perform his/her job duties and assignments.

Student Advising/Assistance

• Demonstrates the ability to advise and assist university students and/or prospective students with academic plans and course selection, financial options, career plans, and/or student opportunities.
• Shares relevant knowledge and insight to apprise students of the university's programs and services.
• Provides encouragement and guidance to foster student success.
• Listens and responds to student requests and concerns with patience and understanding.
• Treats students with respect.

Problem Solving

• Formulates plans and strategies to proactively resolve anticipated problems.
• Prudently responds to unforeseen problems through careful consideration and analysis of problem and relevant information and circumstances.
• Recognizes and apprises appropriate university administrator when resolution requires senior management input and/or approval.

Building External Relationships

• Demonstrates the ability to build rapport and develop relationships with external constituents.
• Displays a genuine interest in constituents' ideas and concerns, and pursues mutual interests and aspirations between the university and external constituents.
• Builds trust and forms alliances through shared respect and cooperation.

Computer/Automated System Proficiency

• Proficient in the use of university applications or automated systems to perform job duties.
• Complies with related policies, procedures, and work rules to maintain system security and data integrity.

Student Success Indirect Support

• Contributes to student success by assisting students with anything that supports their student experience, whether directly or indirectly.
• Helps students navigate their way through the different offices, programs, and services at the university and/or connects students with the appropriate party(ies).
• Connects students with services or resources that can help them with career exploration, goal selection, and ongoing academic assistance.
• Helps students build peer support networks.
• Encourages student participation in out-of-class activities.
• Provides encouragement and guidance to foster student success.
• Treats students with respect
• Maintains the learning environment to ensure quality and/or sound pedagogy.