THE OPPORTUNITY:The College of Communication & Media Sciences seeks an incumbent for the position of College Academic Advisor to take all necessary actions to help improve student retention, increase graduation rate, achieve higher CGPA of students at risk, and obtain higher overall student satisfaction at ZU. To mentor students on issues related to their academic progress towards their degree completion and orient students about ZU institutional and community resources. To guide students in matters of their chosen academic path and assist them in all forms of academic advice to contribute in the overall growth of the retention rates.
THE RESPONSIBILITIES:
STUDENTS:• Be one point of contact for the students to support with their retention, graduation rate, academic success and overall satisfaction at the University.
• Assess the student's stage of development (academic, career, and personal) and promote student growth by identifying suitable developmental tasks; actively support student in establishing realistic and attainable academic and career goals.• Provide guidance in the student’s selection of courses, i.e. to be sure that degree requirements will be met, that selected courses represent a reasonable balance of work in different areas, and that curricular options are not prematurely foreclosed.
• Communicate and advise students about other support available to the student at the university, such as the Academic Success Center.
• Answer questions about the academic program and program requirements.
• Actively support students with their academic planning on the micro (course selection, course scheduling, etc.) level and make referrals to other faculty, departments and appropriate campus resources to assist them with macro-level academic planning (internships, career planning, research opportunities, etc.) so they can develop a cohesive academic plan.
• Proactively advise, refer and monitor students (e.g., to the Learning Commons) who are at-risk of leaving the university for academic reasons.
• Identify key resources and services as needed or desired by student. Track students progress with the support offered/advised.
• Customize study plans according to students needs to ensure completion of their degree requirements on time.
• Maintain student files and records; documents all related student information; updates the system regarding changes to student status.
• Communicate and explain college and university policies and procedures. Proactively guide students in line with the university policies.
• Participates in preparation of orientations and presents academic information to new students and parents during Orientation. Check various forms for accuracy such grade checks, overload requests, curriculum changes; assists students in their completion.
• Work closely with registrar office to advice new students.
• Support student success by helping them make knowledgeable decisions about their educational goals.
• Provide students with information about alternatives, limitations and possible consequences of academic decisions (e.g. adding, dropping and withdrawing from courses; change of program, and /or major)
.• Oversee sensitive situations and resolve complaints at an early stage to minimize conflict and prevent escalation.
• Support recruiting new students and bring back to ZU students who have left.
ACADEMIC DEPARTMENTS:
• Establish and maintain relationships with assigned Deans/ Department Chair/Program Directors to understand and clarify departmental expectations. Maintain current knowledge of all the degree and certificate programs.• Work with the other academic advisors and the deans/ Chairs/ Program directors/ and faculty in gathering information from students regarding class scheduling and other preferences that will aid the university’s student retention efforts.
• Coordinate with the deans / Chairs/ program Directors / faculty and academic support personnel regarding student needs.
• Work closely with the faculty toward students’ Academic progress.
OTHER DEPARTMENTS:
• All departments’ co-ordination of matters related to academic advising, retention and recruiting.• Liaison with the learning commons supervisors to ensure Students-at-risk are able to receive the support they need from Programs and Services offered by library and learning commons. Actively track their progress to ensure the services are helping the students.
• In coordination with the Dean’s Office, support the Human Capital department with dissipation of information to the College, as required.
• Work on new projects, initiatives and programs as required by the Supervisor.
PLANNING & EXECUTION FOR STUDENTS STUDY:
• Work closely with the colleges in order to provide accurate information on course offerings and degree preferences as per the university policies and procedures.• Evaluate student’s level of development and uphold students growth by assessing the key factors and make necessary reports as appropriate.
• Examine academic progress of students.
• Analyze progress reports from faculty/instructors.
• Determine eligibility and satisfactory progress towards degree completion.
• Identify current and potential needs or problem areas (i.e. study plan, curriculum and academic issues) and refer students to respective or designated person.
• Identify options for student to satisfy specific degree requirements.
• Evaluate and makes recommendations on petitions and adjustments to student's program of study, in consultation with the Dean of the College and the Registrar.
• Act as relevant mediator between Dean and Student issues.
• Gathering inputs through surveys, communications and meetings.
• Work towards students retention and graduation improvements. Design and launch new programs and initiatives to support students success and progress.
• Support in recruiting new students as time permits.
• Other duties as assigned by the College Dean.
DATA ANALYSIS AND REPORTING:
• Producing reports, spreadsheets, and presentations as required.
THE REQUIRMENTS:
Must possess a bachelor’s degree in a related field from an accredited institution and a minimum of 4 years directly related experience in advising students on academic issues or an equivalent combination of education and experience.Other essential requirements• Personal Counseling Skills
• Knowledge of the Academic Milieu including; course demands, faculty personalities, academic grading standards etc.
• A commitment to continuous professional growth.
• Proficiency in the use of computer applications Excellent IT skills in MS Word, excel and PowerPoint.
THE BENEFITS:
The University’s benefits package is highly attractive, with competitive salaries, housing, a furniture allowance, annual vacation airline tickets for the employee and immediate family, educational subsidies for children and healthcare is provided to the employee and sponsored family members.
TO APPLY:
In addition to completing the online application form, attach a cover letter, a current CV, and the names and contact details of three professional references. While we appreciate all applications, you will be contacted only if you are selected for an interview.
