Graduate Student Academic Advisor

About Sacred Heart University:

As the second-largest independent Catholic university in New England, and one of the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers nearly 90 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs. More than 10,000 students attend the University's nine colleges and schools: Arts & Sciences; Communication, Media & the Arts; Social Work; Computer Science & Engineering; Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology; the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing; and St. Vincent's College. Sacred Heart stands out from other Catholic institutions as it was established and led by laity. The contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts, and at the same time cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change-in their own lives, professions and in their communities. The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 388 Colleges-2023 Edition, and Best Business Schools-2022 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliated radio station, WSHU, a Division I athletics program and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance and theatre. www.sacredheart.edu

View SHU's Faculty Experts Here

Job Description:

The Graduate Student Academic Advisor is responsible for serving currently enrolled graduate students including advisement to facilitate registration, retention, graduation, and monitoring academic standing. The Graduate Student Academic Advisor partners with their assigned advisees to promote student success and development.

Responsibilities Include:

• Serve as the primary academic contact for their assigned graduate student advisees
• Advise students on academic and career issues; assists students with identifying educational and career options appropriate for each student and assists with the analysis of each option
• Monitor the academic progress of advisees, offer appropriate support, and intervene when and as appropriate
• Meet at least twice per semester with advisees both group and/or individual sessions at key points during the semester
• Maintain student files and records: document all pertinent student information; updates computerized information
• Assists their advisees in developing the skills and habits needed to meet the academic expectations of the College. Encourages students to use tutors/CLAs and meet regularly with professors
• Coordinate graduate student advising and registration efforts with Department Chairs and Program Directors
• Create and manage resources to ensure students understand academic processes
• Develop, coordinate, and execute graduate international student programming and assist with special programs such as program orientations, Unwind Your Mind, and International Education Week as needed
• Communicate with students, faculty, and other University units to provide students with support and appropriate resources
• Represent CHP on campus committees or task forces and at college functions as appropriate
• Assist with team tasks, including email account management and email communication; regularly reviewing and updating website; developing orientation content; and identifying and implementing solutions to improve office processes
• Participate in campus-wide retention and persistence outreach and activities.
• Collaborate with campus partners to actively implement and achieve departmental goals and objectives
• Develop and lead workshops for faculty on international graduate student advising, including both curricular and developmental issues
• Assume additional responsibilities as required

Requirements:

Statement of Personal & Organizational Responsibility for Diversity and Inclusion

Actively promote a collegial environment and consciously apply our mission and values to create a culture of inclusion and belonging; a safe space where all may thrive and succeed. Participate in developmental activities to increase understanding and awareness of issues related to diversity, equity and inclusion; apply that understanding to guide your approach to all aspects of your job and the community as a whole. Demonstrate that we are "Stronger Together" as described in the Office for Diversity & Inclusion's Mission and Vision statements.

Knowledge and Skills Needed:

• Bachelor's degree required, Master's degree preferred
• Experience in higher education academic advising with a focus on international student services preferred
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with people from different cultural backgrounds.
• Demonstrated interest, ability, and experience working with diverse populations
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks in a busy service-oriented environment
• Ability to envision and propose new methods to perform tasks that support the student population
• Ability to anticipate and embrace change
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively within an organizational team
• Attention to detail, flexibility, ability to prioritize and problem solve
• Must have strong technology skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) and social media
• Experience with student information systems such as Ellucian Colleague and Colleague Self-Service preferred

Additional Information:

Evening and weekend hours may be necessary

Application Instructions:

Please apply online, faxes and emails will not be accepted. A cover letter is appreciated.

Sacred Heart University is a space that respects and embraces differences, recognizes the unique contributions that individuals can make, and creates a community that maximizes the potential of all faculty and staff. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage applications from qualified candidates who reflect the wider world in which we live.