Academic Advisor Job Description

Education > Academic Advisor

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Short Description:

An Academic Advisor is responsible for supporting students in planning and achieving their educational goals by providing guidance on course selection, degree requirements, and academic policies. They meet with students to discuss progress, explore career and academic pathways, and identify resources that promote success. The role involves monitoring student performance, maintaining accurate records, and collaborating with faculty and campus departments to address academic concerns or barriers. Academic Advisors help foster student retention, encourage informed decision-making, and ensure students feel supported throughout their academic journey. Strong communication, interpersonal skills, and a student-centered approach are essential for success in this role.

Duties / Responsibilities:

Provide guidance to students on academic planning, course selection, degree requirements, and long-term educational goals.
Review student records and progress to ensure they remain on track for graduation or program completion.
Assist students with registration, scheduling, academic petitions, and navigating institutional policies.
Identify students who may be struggling academically and provide interventions, resources, or referrals to tutoring, counseling, or support services.
Conduct one-on-one advising appointments, group workshops, orientations, and informational sessions.
Maintain accurate documentation of student interactions, academic plans, and advising notes in university systems.
Collaborate with faculty, program coordinators, and departmental leadership to support student success initiatives.
Interpret academic policies, curriculum changes, and institutional guidelines for students and ensure compliance.
Support early alert systems and retention efforts by monitoring academic performance and providing follow-up outreach.
Participate in campus events, recruitment activities, and advising-related committees as needed.

Skills / Requirements / Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree required; a master’s degree in Education, Counseling, Student Affairs, or related field is often preferred.
Experience: 1–3 years of experience in academic advising, student services, higher education administration, or similar support roles.
Student Support Skills: Strong ability to coach, mentor, and guide students with empathy, clarity, and cultural competence.
Communication: Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills for advising, documentation, and presentations.
Organizational Skills: Ability to manage caseloads, maintain accurate records, and prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
Knowledge Base: Familiarity with academic policies, degree pathways, institutional systems, and FERPA guidelines.
Problem-Solving: Skilled at assessing student needs, identifying potential academic barriers, and recommending appropriate resources.
Technology: Proficiency with student information systems, advising software, and standard office applications (e.g., Excel, Outlook, Google Suite).

Job Zones

Title: Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Education: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Related Experience: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.
Job Training: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Job Zone Examples: Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others.
Specific Vocational Preparation in years: 2-4 years preparation (7.0 to < 8.0)

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