Student Service Advisor - Academic

Description

OUR UNIVERSITY

Ottawa University (established in 1865), one of the oldest private liberal arts universities in the United States, is a multi-campus system serving approximately 4000 students through its campuses in Kansas (Ottawa, Kansas- Residential Campus and Overland Park, Kansas- Adult Programs); Arizona (Surprise Residential Campus and OUAZ Adult Programs); Wisconsin (Brookfield Adult Programs); and our OU ONLINE PROGRAM based out of Overland Park, Kansas.

Ottawa University is a regionally accredited, church-related, private university that strives to integrate faith, learning, and life in the academic experiences of students.

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JOB SUMMARY

Responsible for providing academic leadership and instruction within the University through student counseling, academic advising, and guiding students toward successful degree completion.  The Academic Advisor: Counsels the student from the point of entry into Ottawa University through to graduation. Monitors the student’s enrollment and persistence, curriculum, degree planning activities, financial aid, student account, and is an ombudsman for the individual student throughout the degree-seeking relationship. Solicits support from internal and external resources according to students’ needs and fosters students’ academic and professional development through connections with remedial, mentoring, career development, and internship services, as well as other resources offered through the University. Serves as the primary contact between the student and the University in all aspects of the student’s life and experience with Ottawa University.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB (provide list of items which are essential to effective outcomes in this role):

• Receives student from the Enrollment Advisor (EA) once enrolled into the University system. Facilitates the online new student orientation course for degree-seeking students and works with other advisors to coordinate delivery of new student orientations at each campus.  Conducts initial risk assessment and appropriate follow-up assessments with the student to determine needed or valuable programming and services appropriate for the student. Develops student remedial and tutoring plan as appropriate and necessary. Works with students to create (or update) and maintain a current Graduation Plan. Leads the student toward effectively scheduling and enrolling in courses as guided by the Graduation Plan.  Tracks the student’s progress and maintains regular contact encouraging consecutive term enrollment and continued academic progress.
• Advises the student related to concerns, questions, and problems as they arise and provides a connection for the learner with appropriate university services.  Serves as a coach and fosters a productive University support system for the student.  Serves as central communicator with the student regarding updates and changes to university policies, procedures, and operational processes.
• Implement established procedures toward providing timely eligibility and funding information to students to guide their financial planning.  Assure that all required documents are complete and audits are facilitated as required.  Understand and continuously expand knowledge of Title IV financial aid regulations.
• Meets with the student as needed to update progress and assess needs for tutoring, mentoring, career counseling, internship, service learning, etc.  Connects student with appropriate faculty members for further mentoring as needed.  Convenes and is an advocate for the use of additional academic and professional resources for the student when appropriate.
• Conducts exit interview with student at time of graduation or upon leaving the University system.
• Other duties as assigned

STANDARD UNIVERSITY EXPECTATIONS:

• Model and encourage collaboration among University departments assuring effective communication and operations.
• Understand the University’s policies and, procedures, and exercise good judgment accordingly. Assure that University and student information is managed in a confidential and ethical manner in accordance with the University’s Code of Conduct and Ethics.
• Provide leadership through conduct, attitude, and professionalism. Represent the University to students, external groups, faculty, and staff in a way that reflects positively on the University.
• Be mindful and supportive of the overall Mission of Ottawa University.
• Exercise Inclusivity in your daily actions accruing alignment within expectations of the University’s Diversity Statement.

NOTE

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.

Ottawa University is committed to equal employment opportunity and does not unlawfully discriminate in recruitment or employment on the basis of race, age, sex, color, religion, disability, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Qualifications

REQUIRED EDUCATION: (education based on essential job duties and requirements consistent with business necessity):
Master’s degree in Adult Education, Counseling, Student Services or a related field required.
 

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE: (experience based on requirements in role and are consistent with business necessity)
Three (3) years of experience in higher education; prior experience as an advisor in higher education. Preferred experience in undergraduate and graduate counseling or social services degree programs.
 

ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: List required and/or preferred certification, industry specific requirements, required or preferred use of equipment, and all necessary job skills, abilities, and knowledge competencies) Provide a list of items below:

• Highly effective interpersonal and life coaching skills
• Competent working in and knowledgeable of academic and curricular issues
• Skilled in the use of assessment tools and the application of assessment data
• Sensitive to and aware of the needs of adult learners
• Highly effective telephone and communication skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Has academic credentials to easily gain the respect of his/her assigned advisee population
• Understands that advising is a form of teaching and mentoring
• Effective computer skills to manage and utilize a database driven client record system 

WORKING CONDITIONS (Physical attributes required to perform job duties with or without reasonable accommodation - examples: sitting, lifting #, bending, driving, environmental factors or elements, noise level, stairs in a building, or other factors that will affect working conditions). Provide a list of items below:

• Prolonged periods of sitting.
• Must be able to lift 5-15 pounds at a time.
• May require evening/weekend schedule.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: No - Travel Required

• If YES, list type and approximate percentage: None
• Responsible for driving students and University vehicles as part of job duties (YES/NO): No