First Year Advisor - First Year Center

At Utah Valley University, this advising role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in students' academic and personal success across every stage of their university journey. Advisors work closely with new, prospective, transfer, and continuing students to guide academic planning, major exploration, and overall student development. By building trusted relationships and providing clear guidance on policies, placement, and academic expectations, this position supports students in navigating complex decisions with confidence and clarity. This role is well suited for individuals who value proactive, data-informed, and holistic student support. Advisors manage a caseload using predictive analytics and intentional outreach to promote persistence and retention, while collaborating with faculty and campus partners to address academic challenges and connect students to resources. At UVU, advisors are valued as student advocates, problem solvers, and partners in student success, contributing to a welcoming, inclusive environment focused on access, progress, and achievement.

New Students:

Onboard and guide new students through enrollment, registration, major selection, university processes, and new student success strategies. Provide guidance related to placement testing and transfer credit. Counsel students in the development of meaningful educational planning, major selection, co-curricular opportunities, relevant academic information, and applicable campus resources.

Caseload Management:

Manage and support a student caseload using holistic advising approaches, proactive outreach, and data-informed strategy. Maintain student advisement records. Assess potential roadblocks, take early action to mitigate them, and advocate on behalf of students. Advise students regarding major fit and potential parallel plans for success. Provides information assistance and referrals to support services to support students in successful management of their college experience. Track student progress toward key performance indicators, referral follow-through, and student enrollment patterns.

Technology:

Manage and adapt to new technology, such as predictive analytics, student communication tools, advising record management, and degree progress. Monitor student risk trends over time, track student performance and progress toward graduation, and proactively reach out to students in need of intervention.

Professional development:

Achieve initial UVU advisor certification within one year of employment and achieve continued UVU advisor certification status as required. Engage in professional development and remain current in first-year and advising best practices and research. Adapt and apply research and professional development related knowledge to advising practice and associated work activities. Remain current on major curriculum, university policy, and campus resources.

Additional duties:

Participate in department, division, and institutional goals and activities. Assist in the planning and delivery of academic advising programs/services and creates or promotes new initiatives in academic advising. Complete other duties as assigned. Graduation from an accredited institution with a master's degree in a related field and at least two years of experience related to the summary of duties Summary of Duties.

Preferred Qualifications:

Graduation from an accredited institution with a master's degree in a related field and more than two years of experience related to the summary of duties. Demonstrated proficiency in a language other than English, such as American Sign Language or Spanish.

Licenses/Certifications:

Achieves initial UVU advisor certification within one year of employment and maintains continued UVU advisor certification status as required. Knowledge Knowledge of and commitment to UVU's mission and strategic directions. Knowledge of academic advising theory, services, activities, practices, and operations. Knowledge of student development theory, first-year specific theory, and effective student success, retention, and completion strategies. Knowledge of personal interest inventory assessment, counseling, coaching strategies, effective communication, and related technology. Knowledge of how to support students of all diverse identities, backgrounds, cultures, and ethnicities. Knowledge of student confidentiality practices including FERPA. Skills Demonstrated skill in effective interpersonal communication, collaboration, and professionalism. Demonstrated skill in verbal and written communication. Demonstrated skill in critical thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, and acting successfully under pressure. Demonstrated skill in counseling, career guidance, college readiness, retention, and graduation strategies. Abilities Ability to gather, interpret, and apply data and information to improve student success. Ability to apply current advising best practices to advising practice. Ability to work on and navigate the UVU Orem campus. Ability to work evening and weekend hours as required. Ability to work effectively in a team environment, and successfully adapt to change. Ability to plan, coordinate, prioritize, and effectively execute multiple initiatives. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.