Academic Support Specialist/Advisor (Grant Funded) Position Available In Sumter, Alabama

Academic Support Specialist/Advisor (Grant Funded)

University of West Alabama:

Student Affairs and Enrollment Management:

Student Support Services/CARES
Location
University of West Alabama
Open Date
May 30, 2025
Description
Advise, monitor, track, and provide academic support to students as assigned.
Assist students in understanding and adjusting to the demands and culture of higher education.
Assist students in assessing their skills, interests, and aptitudes, as well as identifying realistic career goals and developing individual educational plans.
Provide information and assist students in areas such as academic standing, university policies, campus resources, admission to selective programs, major and course selection, financial aid information, and graduation requirements.
Provide support and appropriate referrals for students who may be experiencing academic difficulty as determined by evaluations, deficiency reports, early alert reports, class withdrawals, or university withdrawal.
Assist students with issues that arise related to progress towards academic goals, persistence, attendance, and graduation.
Conduct workshops and classroom presentations as well as coordinate other events that support student academic and personal success.
Consult regularly with faculty colleagues to stay up to date with department and college information.
Consult regularly with student-facing departments to stay up to date with information.
Proactively contact and maintain availability for student advisees on a regular basis.
Maintain detailed and timely records of student advising sessions using institutional advising software.
Attend/complete all department and institutional trainings as required.
Assist with orientation.
Assist CARES team with developing and implementing retention programs.
Assist CARES team with developing events, workshops, trips, and other learning opportunities that support students in reaching their academic and career goals.
Assist in updating and/or developing academic success and advising resources, including, but not limited to, online and print resources.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of the Center for Achievement, Retention, and Enrichment Services or other appropriate administrators.

Salary:

$30,000-$40,000; includes excellent medical and retirement benefits. This is a grant-funded position through August 31, 2026. No guarantee or commitment is made for future or continued employment beyond the award of the grant or the terms of the contract. Qualifications
Essential
Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution
Desired
One or more years of experience working as an academic advisor, academic coach, or similar role in higher education.
One or more years of experience developing and presenting workshops, lessons, and training sessions.
One or more years of experience in guiding people in career exploration and career development.
One or more years of experience working with diverse student populations.
Experience developing and implementing retention-related programs for college students.
Experience with degree audit and student information systems for reviewing student records, registration, and academic issues.
Experience using early alert reporting systems, student databases, and/or advising software for tracking.
Experience using Self-Service, Blackboard, Colleague, and/or Slate.
Experience contributing to assessment or data-informed decision-making in student support programs.
Master’s Degree from an accredited institution.
Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation, including information obtained from social media and other internet sources. Application Instructions

To Apply:

When you select “,” you will be prompted to provide the following: Cover Letter.
A current resume or CV.
Transcripts of all college work. Unofficial transcripts will suffice for application. Official transcripts must be submitted immediately upon employment.
Email and phone number of three professional references. Reference letters may be requested later. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The University of West Alabama does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, hearing status, personal appearance, color, sex, pregnancy, political affiliation, creed, ethnicity, national origin (including ancestry), citizenship status, physical or mental disability (including perceived disability), age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran or military status, predisposing genetic characteristics, domestic violence victim status, or any other protected category under applicable local, state, or federal law, including protections for those opposing discrimination or participating in any grievance process on campus, with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or other human rights agencies.
AA/EO Employer.
Minority applications encouraged.