The Academic Advisor at MCC engages students in discussions regarding career and academic interests toward developing a plan to realize their educational, career and life goals. The Advisor facilitates student understanding of degree and certificate requirements for academic transfer, vocational, and technical programs. The incumbent is responsible for understanding and interpreting College policies, providing accurate information throughout the advising process and for helping to facilitate student success.

ESSENTIAL POSITION FUNCTIONS:

1. Engages students in the educational planning process: course sequencing, logic of the curriculum, course selection, time allocation and transferability.
2. Guides students how career and educational goals align.
3. Fosters and promotes student independence and decision making regarding academic and career options.
4. Builds rapport and relationships with students.
5. Facilitates student career exploration.
6. Assists students in the monitoring and evaluation of their educational progress.
7. Refers students to appropriate resources to facilitate student success.
8. Facilitates student self-advocacy and provides information about alternatives, limitations and possible consequences of academic decisions.
9. Interprets policies, procedures and curriculum for students, faculty and staff.
10. Manages sensitive situations and resolves complaints at an early stage to minimize conflict and prevent escalation.
11. Teaches technology use that enables and promotes education and career planning.
12. Promotes student learning, development, personal growth, and self-reliance.
13. Guides students toward attainment of goals.
14. Applies student development theory and models to inform advising practice at MCC.
15. Assists students in navigating various systems such as: graduation application, substitution petitions and appeals, transfer, etc.
16. Proactively develops strategies to reduce barriers to success.
17. Interprets testing results and other measures relevant to placement decisions.
18. Provides initial assessment of transcripts from other institutions.
19. Maintains student files and records; documents all pertinent student information; updates computerized information system regarding changes to student status.
20. Promotes and represents academic advising within the MCC community.
21. Leads group advising sessions.
22. Develops and delivers presentations to groups of 20 or more.
23. Participates in the training and mentoring of new Academic Advisors.
24. Serves on College committees, task forces, and other groups.
25. Consistently and dependably attends work, activities, and functions as scheduled or assigned.
26. Manages individual online calendar and schedule.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES:

Conceptual Component

• Theory relevant to academic advising.
• Academic advising approaches and strategies.
• Expected outcomes of academic advising.
• How equitable and inclusive environments are created and maintained.
• NACADAs Core Values of Academic Advising.

Informational Component

• Curriculum, degree programs, and other academic requirements and options.
• Institution specific policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
• Legal guidelines of advising practice, including privacy regulations and confidentiality, to include

FERPA.

• The characteristics, needs, and experiences of major and emerging student populations.
• Campus and community resources that support student success.
• Information technology applicable to relevant advising roles.
• Institution specific history, mission, vision, values, and culture.

Relational Component

• Create rapport and build academic advising relationships.
• Communicate in an inclusive and respectful manner.
• Plan and conduct successful advising interactions.
• Promote student understanding of the logic and purpose of the curriculum.
• Facilitate problem solving, decision-making, meaning-making, planning, and goal setting.
• Engage in on-going assessment and development of self and the advising practice.
• Articulate a personal philosophy of academic advising.

Other

• Knowledge of articulation agreements with various colleges and universities.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks.

The specific statements shown in each section of this description are not intended to be all inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria considered necessary to perform the job successfully. Metropolitan Community College recognizes that an individual with a disability may require an accommodation to enable the candidate to successfully perform a job function. Consideration will be given to reasonable accommodations.

Bachelors Degree plus two (2) years of related experience in education. Part-time related experience may be used in the calculation of the two-year requirement. 4,160 documented part-time hours will be equal to two years of full-time work experience.Related experience may include, but is not limited to, academic advising, teaching, counseling, social/youth work, career counseling, relevant work at a college or university, or other such experience. Military teaching and leadership experience may be considered.

Masters degree preferred.

Recent experience in higher education is preferred.

Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

 

Required Documents Optional Documents