Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The Academic Advisor (AA) is responsible for advising and retaining current and potential Laredo College students.  The AA is responsible for providing information regarding admission, testing, financial aid, registration, academic and workforce programs and majors, institutional and state policies and student support services.  The AA is also responsible for providing course and graduation planning as well as transfer guidance services. 

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities

1. Educate students regarding a variety of programs (e. g. academic, workforce and health science), college majors, Texas Core Curriculum and state and institutional policies impacting their academic journey (e. g. Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy, Six-Drop Rule, catalog year, etc.).
2. Educate students regarding the Texas Success Initiative (e. g. exemptions, TSI Assessment) and the importance of beginning their academic journey with the correct course placement (college-level vs. developmental).
3. Access, review and interpret assessment scores and/or other criteria as listed in the TSI policy to determine students college readiness and course placement (college-level vs. developmental).
4. Perform degree evaluations to determine students degree progress; discuss, in detail, all course and non-course requirements that have been satisfied and those that are still pending completion.
5. Create customized degree plans based on students degree evaluations, college major, future transfer institution (if applicable) and other individual needs.
6. Develop graduation plans to help students organize a tangible course sequence they should follow to determine their prospective graduation date and transfer semester (if applicable).
7. Recommend students for graduation based on degree evaluations and degree plans and discuss graduation application process and deadlines.
8. Review and update the Banner system to ensure that student records include current and correct academic information and that online registration can occur (e. g. enter test scores, clear advising hold, waive course pre-requisites when necessary).
9. Document advising session on both the Banner system and Degree Works to maintain history of students service transactions, course recommendations, and any other information critical to students program progression at the institution.   
10. Provide academic coaching to ensure students are familiar with institutional processes, time management skills, test-taking strategies, and student services as well as campus-wide events and activities.
11. Provide academic interventions to at-risk students who are placed on academic warning and suspension or who self-identify as academically deficient (e. g. explain SAP Policy, create and review GPA Calculator, strategize course sequence, discuss ways to improve academic performance and connect with support services).
12. Educate students on different career pathways and occupations by utilizing online and on campus resources.
13. Participate in career-related activities and events that are sponsored by institutional partners.
14. Educate students regarding general transfer process and timeline, stressing differences between applying for general admission to an institution and applying for admission to an individual program within that institution.
15. Access and discuss individual transfer degree guides as well as admission criteria for a variety of institutions and programs.
16. Create individualized transfer timelines based on students transfer institution and program of study, especially if program requires a separate application process and criteria.
17. Create customized transfer plans when students do not meet general admission criteria to an institution and/or do not meet admission criteria to a specific program within that institution. 
18. Review students academic progress to ensure they meet transfer admission requirements (e. g. GPA, coursework, deadlines, etc.). 
19. Connect students with transfer institutions to begin the process of transferring and advocating for their academic needs and professional goals.
20. Promote and assist with transfer-related activities and events that are organized by the Advising Center. 
21. Facilitate advising services in a variety of modalities, including in-person, phone and virtual sessions. 
22. Conduct presentations regarding departmental services to prospective and current students. 
23. Promote and refer students to campus support services as well as community resources.
24. Participate in activities aimed to support recruitment efforts of prospective students.
25. Participate in activities aimed to support retention efforts of continuing students. 
26. Complete, organize, store and manage student records in accordance with professional standards and departmental protocols.
27. Assist the Office of the Registrar by reporting student record discrepancies that are identified on the Banner system and Degree Works.
28. Engage in professional development activities to expand scope of knowledge in the areas of academic advising, retention and transfer guidance and support.
29. Work weekends and evenings as needed and/or required by the institution. 
30. Perform any other duties not listed above as assigned by the Director and/or required by the institution.

NOTICE:  Required Documents

To be considered for this position, you are required to upload your resume and unofficial transcript(s).  In addition, if a license or certificate is required for this position, upload proof of your current license/certificate.

Required:

• Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university.

• Valid Texas Drivers License

Preferred:

• Experience in the areas of human relations, social services, counseling and/or education.  

1.  Apply excellent interpersonal skills
2.  Manage heavy work loads
3.  Excel in fast-paced/dynamic work environment
4.  Exercise excellent presentation skills 
5.  Travel between College campuses or to off-campus sites when needed
6.  Communicate in English and Spanish (preferred, not required)
7.  Possess strong computer skills and knowledge of current software and technology
8.  Work extended hours such as nights and/or weekends

Supervision Exercised   

Supervision Received

Physical Requirements  

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit.  

The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, or crouch.  

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move items weighing up to 50 pounds.   

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment 

Work is performed in a standard office environment.    

Work inside a well-lighted and air-conditioned area most of the time.  

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.

Safety  

Required to work safely and follow safety rules.    

Report unsafe working conditions and behavior.  

Take reasonable and prudent actions to prevent others from engaging in unsafe practices.

Special Conditions 

Immediate supervisor may assign other duties.  

May be required to work outside regular working hours, as needed.  

May be required to work at a different college work site or campus as needed.

EEO Statement 

In compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Laredo College is open to all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, marital status, disability, or national origin who are otherwise eligible for admission as students. Furthermore, Laredo College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and no applicant or employee will be discriminated against because of race, color, religion, sex, age, marital status, disability or national origin. This institution will not enter knowingly into any contractual agreement for services or supplies with any firm failing to follow fair employment practices. 

Foreign Degrees 

Foreign degrees require an evaluation for United States equivalency from an approved stated education agency or having membership with the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). Transcripts issued outside the United States of America require a course-by-course analysis with an equivalency statement from a certified transcript evaluation service verifying the degree equivalency to that of an accredited institution within the USA. This report must be attached to your online application at the time of applying. For your convenience, we have provided the following links to assist you in complying with this requirement. However, you may use any other certified transcript evaluation service. http://tea.texas.gov/Texas_Educators/Certification/Out-of-state_Certification/Foreign_Credential_Evaluation_Services/ http://www.naces.org/members.htm

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