What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lead Academic Success Advisor, Student-Athlete Focus position at Gardner Webb University?
The Academic Services for Student-Athletes role provides comprehensive support to ensure the holistic success and eligibility of Gardner-Webb University students. While this position serves as the primary point of contact for student-athlete academic services, it functions as a collaborative member of the Division of Student Success. As such, the individual will maintain a diverse advising portfolio that includes Traditional Undergraduate (TUG) and GWU Online students.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Athletic Academic Services
- Primary Advisor of Record: Serve as the lead advisor for assigned undeclared student-athletes and secondary success coach for all student-athletes.
- Performance Monitoring: Conduct weekly meetings with at-risk student-athletes to review grades, syllabi, task sheets, and academic "gameplans".
- Compliance & Certification: Monitor NCAA and GWU satisfactory progress requirements; assist the Registrar and Compliance Office with athletic certification and banner coding.
- Administrative Logistics: Collect travel schedules from coaches to develop faculty travel letters and manage course withdrawal documentation.
- Recruitment: Assist in the recruitment of prospective student-athletes by presenting academic support services.
Integrated University Advising (TUG & Online)
- Cross-Modal Advising: Serve as a designated academic advisor for Traditional Undergraduate (TUG) and GWU Online students, ensuring high-quality guidance regardless of the student’s delivery mode.
- Retention & Success: Utilize proactive advising strategies to support retention for both campus-based and distance learners.
- Resource Navigation: Communicate and recommend university resources (Noel Center, Financial Planning, International Student Office, etc.) to all student populations.
Programming & Development
- Holistic Growth: Enhance student wellness through mentorship, leadership training, and professional development workshops.
- Campus Integration: Develop plans to increase student-athlete involvement in the broader campus community.
- Committee Service: Attend departmental meetings and serve on campus committees to represent the interests of Student Success.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Graduate Assistants; Interns/Student Employees (as needed).
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
- Required: Bachelor’s Degree in education or a related field.
- Preferred: 2 years of related work or training. Experience as a student-athlete is a significant plus.
- Advising Versatility: Previous experience or a strong desire to work with diverse student populations, including online students and traditional campus students.
OTHER PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Technical Proficiency: Mastery of Microsoft Office Suite and campus-wide databases (e.g., Banner, Cornerstone).
- Mission Alignment: Willingness to contribute to Gardner-Webb University’s Christian mission and the Division of Student Success’ values: access, empowerment, inclusivity, partnership, and growth.
- Relational Excellence: Strong "customer-friendly" skills, a positive attitude, and the ability to handle confidential information (FERPA) with professional integrity.
Competitive Benefits:
- Retirement matching
- Tuition remission
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Short term/long term disability
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Paid sick leave
- 17 paid holidays
- Wellness opportunities
- On-campus health center
Gardner-Webb University is a Christian university committed to helping individuals become more in faith, learning, and service. Located in Boiling Springs, North Carolina, GWU offers the benefits of a close-knit community with easy access to Charlotte, Asheville, and the greater Greenville-Spartanburg region.
Founded in 1905 and rooted in the Baptist tradition, the University now serves approximately 3,000 students across more than 80 undergraduate and graduate programs. As a Carnegie Doctoral/Professional institution, Gardner-Webb is dedicated to academic excellence, leadership development, and meaningful service to others.
Our community reflects a shared commitment to One Webb, creating an environment where people support one another, pursue their purpose, and work together to make a lasting impact. GWU attracts students from across the nation and around the world and competes in NCAA Division I athletics with 22 teams and more than 500 student-athletes.