Academic Success Advisor Level 2

The mission of The University of Bridgeport is to promote academic excellence, personal responsibility, and commitment to service. Distinctive curricula in an international, culturally diverse supportive learning environment prepare graduates for life and leadership in an increasingly interconnected world.

Position Description Summary/Purpose:
Reporting to the Director of Student Academic Success, this position serves as an academic advisor for degree-seeking undergraduate students with less than 60 credits and to students completing prerequisite coursework to apply to the Dental Hygiene and Nursing (ADN, BSN, ABSN) programs. The Academic Success Advisor serves as the primary guide to their advisees to help ensure they meet their educational goals and successfully stay on track to graduation by monitoring and promoting academic progress and success, advising students on university policies, procedures, program and degree requirements, and providing a high level of service to remove academic barriers.

Essential Job Functions/Primary Responsibilities:

(The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)

• Serves as the primary academic contact for their assigned advisees. Provides academic and developmental support and guidance for assigned caseload in individual and group settings in accordance with University academic policies and procedures
• Conducts needs assessments and coordinates the development and implementation of action and educational plans for each student. As well as monitors, evaluates, and reports on each student’s academic progress; intervening with appropriate support services when necessary and referring to appropriate on- and off-campus support services as needed
• Provides prescriptive and developmental advisement to students. Assists students in planning and registering for courses appropriate to their educational goals. This can occur in an accelerated timeline if working with a program with multiple modules over a traditional semester
• Assists students with major/career exploration, understanding degree requirements, and declaring/changing majors
• Guides students in developing skills and strategies for academic and personal success. Encourages students to utilize tutoring and other support services.
• Follows up on academic alerts, grade reports, and other indications of student concerns
• Assists with planning and facilitating workshops each semester for academic and personal development
• Maintains advising notes, documents pertinent student information, and maintains accuracy of files with clear and updated materials each semester
• Is familiar with campus resources and makes appropriate referrals according to student issues (Career Development, Health Services, Counseling Services, Student Accessibility Services, Housing and Residential Life, etc.)
• Collaborates with Program Directors and faculty to help with initiatives that support academic advising and student success
• Represents the Office of Student Academic Success by establishing and maintaining working relationships with University staff and faculty by serving on committees, providing workshops, participating in staff meetings and trainings
• Participates in Open Houses, Accepted Student Days, Orientation, and other special events. Engages with campus partners and prospective students and provides informational presentations
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Other Functions:

• Potential to supervise student workers and/or graduate interns for special projects
• Responsible for leading efforts in a specialty area/committee/special project such as first year programming, athletic liaison, data analysis, or other area of interest or departmental need.
• Knowledge, Ability and Skill:
• Demonstrated commitment to developing and fostering best practices and policies to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and build an environment in which all members of the University community are treated with respect and dignity
• Experience and knowledge of diagnostic and career assessment materials and knowledge of learning strategies and accommodations for diverse populations, including academically disadvantaged students is preferred
• Experience with non-traditional student populations (adult, transfer, etc.)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, interpersonal skills (particularly in working with a diverse student population, organizational and management skills are required
• Working knowledge of computer applications is required; previous experience working with college technologies including Colleague, Student Planning, and Microsoft Sharepoint preferred
• Teaching experience is preferred
• Some evening and weekend hours may be required (incumbents must be willing and able to be flexible with their working hours).