Program Liaison/Academic Advisor

Job Summary

The Program Liaison Academic Advisor serves as a bridge between University College, academic departments, and first-year and sophomore students, providing comprehensive academic advising while facilitating communication and coordination across institutional divisions. This position combines direct student advising responsibilities with liaison and coordination functions that strengthen connections between University College programming and major-specific academic departments. The Program Liaison Academic Advisor reports to the Director of University College and plays a critical role in supporting student transitions, removing barriers to academic success, and ensuring seamless pathways from first-year programming into major-specific academic communities.

Job Duties & Responsibilities

Direct Academic Advising

• Provides comprehensive academic advising to assigned cohort of first-year and sophomore students, including undecided majors and students requiring intensive support. Advises students on degree requirements, course selection, academic planning and major exploration.

• Teaches University 101 and 102 courses that facilitate student transition from high school and community into collegiate academic life. Develops comprehensive weekly lesson plans that address academic success skills, major exploration, time management, study strategies, and campus resource navigation. Creates engaging, collaborative learning environments that foster critical thinking, peer interaction, and sense of belonging. Incorporates active learning strategies and high-impact practices that help students develop essential skills for college success. Assesses student learning through formative and summative evaluation methods. Maintains current course materials and continuously updates content based on emerging student needs and institutional priorities.

• Meets regularly with academic deans, department heads, and major-specific advisors to ensure coordinated student support and smooth transitions from first-year advising to major-specific advising. Works collaboratively with Admissions and Recruitment, Student Support Services, Counseling, and other campus departments to coordinate comprehensive student support. Meets regularly with academic deans and department heads to monitor and coordinate the dual advisement process, ensuring smooth transitions of students from University College advising to major-specific advising.

• Manages data related to advising activities, student outcomes, and retention metrics, preparing reports for review by Director of University College and institutional leadership. Tracks advising effectiveness through student satisfaction, retention, and academic performance data, informing continuous program improvements. Facilitates communication between University College and academic departments regarding student progress, concerns, and advising protocols. Collaborates with Admissions and Recruitment on orientation planning, pre-enrollment advising, and early registration initiatives. Works with institutional research and assessment offices to track first-year student outcomes and inform program improvements. Serves as representative of University College on campus committees and at institutional functions. Coordinates with academic support services to ensure comprehensive student support improvements. Maintains organized advising records, files, and documentation systems.

• Directs professional development initiatives for University College personnel, including adjunct instructors, academic advisors, and peer mentors. Designs and delivers training on best practices in first-year experience instruction, academic advising, student counseling, and use of advising technologies. Organizes workshops, seminars, and professional learning communities that support faculty and staff effectiveness. Provides mentoring and support to new University College staff members. Evaluates effectiveness of professional development offerings through participant feedback and outcomes assessments.

Qualifications

Minimum:

• A Master’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Must have three to five years of experience in Higher Education.
• The candidate should have experience working with various departments in Higher Education.
• Technology skills are a must.

Supplemental Information

Applications without the following will not be considered complete.

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Transcript(s) if applicable
• Curriculum Vitae if applicable

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