What are the responsibilities and job description for the Academic Advisor II - Student Success & Retention position at Inside Higher Ed?
Job Title: Academic Advisor II - Student Success & Retention
Location: Valdosta State University
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Job ID: 298458
About Us
As a comprehensive institution of the University System of Georgia, Valdosta State University (VSU) is a welcoming, aware, and vibrant community founded on and dedicated to serving our communities' rich and diverse heritages. Through excellence in teaching, basic and applied research, and service, VSU provides rigorous programs and opportunities that enrich our students, our university, and our region. As such, the VSU mission consists of three interrelated parts that includes a student mission, university mission and regional mission. The university is equally dedicated to the core values of community, including a commitment to practice civility, integrity and citizenship. As members of this community and proud Blazers we strive to uphold these core values for the advancement of the University, as stated in the Blazer Creed and reflected in our commitment to the University System of Georgia's Core Values.
Blazer Creed
Valdosta State University is a learning environment based on trust and mutual respect in which open dialogue, vigorous debate, and the free exchange of ideas are welcome. The University is equally dedicated to the core values of community, including a commitment to practice civility, integrity, and citizenship. As members of this community, and proud Blazers, we will strive to uphold these core values for the advancement of the University.
Civility - A Blazer shows courtesy and compassion as well as respect for the dignity of every human being.
Integrity - Each Blazer is responsible for his or her own actions, and our community is stronger when we contemplate the context of our decisions and uphold the principles of trust and honesty.
Citizenship - Every Blazer has an interest in the well-being of the community, and, therefore, a duty to stay informed, to make positive contributions, and to offer support to those who need help.
As a Blazer, we pledge to uphold the core principles of Civility, Integrity, and Citizenship.
Job Summary
Coordinates and participates in special academic advising programs and services.
Based on the recent Proclamation: Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers (H-1B), VSU will not be sponsoring any new H-1B visa petitions until further notice.
Responsibilities
Typical Allocation of Duties:
Coordinate special programs and services - 15%
Coordinate and participate in special academic advising programs and services.
Develop and implement programs and materials - 15%
Develop and implement academic advising polices, programs, and materials.
Advising - 35%
Advise students with regards to their educational, career, personal and social development needs. Refer students to academic and personal resources as appropriate. Assist students in selecting courses.
Interpret polices - 10%
Clarify and interpret academic policies and degree requirements.
Student files - 10%
Maintain and update student files and records. Ensure compliance with FERPA regulations.
Monitor student progress - 15%
Monitor student academic progress and provide developmental programming focused on student academic needs. Advise, monitor, and work closely with students on academic probation and those returning from academic suspension.
Supervisor Expectations
Early Intervention
Proactively monitor, review, and respond to submitted early alerts in accordance with established intervention timelines, operational expectations, and departmental protocols.
Conduct outreach and intervention efforts for students identified through the early alert process to address concerns impacting academic performance and engagement.
Demonstrate proactive engagement in identifying student barriers, concerns, and support needs before they develop into larger academic or retention challenges and contribute to solution-oriented intervention efforts.
Coordinate referrals and connect students to appropriate campus resources and support services based on concerns identified through the early alert process.
Collaborate with faculty, advisors, and campus partners to coordinate intervention strategies and support student success efforts related to early alert referrals.
Maintain accurate, timely, and professional documentation of alert activity, outreach attempts, intervention actions, student communication, and resolution outcomes within SLATE and other designated systems.
May be required to teach sections of INQR courses designed to integrate students into the university in support of institutional retention, progression, and student success efforts. Academic Recovery Intervention & Support
Support and reinforce academic recovery initiatives through participation in and co-leading of the academic recovery course under the direction of the Success Manager.
Facilitate structured 1:1 meetings for academically at-risk students through proactive outreach, coaching, action-oriented planning, and progress monitoring designed to support academic recovery, persistence, engagement, and progression toward good academic standing.
Connect students with appropriate campus resources and support services based on identified academic, personal, financial, or transitional barriers impacting student success.
Utilize coaching strategies such as active listening, goal setting, problem solving, motivational support, and accountability planning to assist students in navigating academic and personal challenges impacting success.
Maintain complete, accurate, timely, and professional documentation of coaching meetings, academic recovery plans, outreach efforts, referrals, follow-up actions, and student progress within SLATE and other designated systems. Workshops, Outreach & Student Success Education
Develop and deliver workshops, presentations, and student success training sessions focused on topics such as study strategies, exam preparation, time management, academic recovery, and student success skills.
Engage students through outreach and educational programming designed to improve academic preparedness, self-management, persistence, and overall student success. Professionalism & Collaboration
Communicate professionally and effectively with students, faculty, staff, and campus partners while maintaining responsiveness, professionalism, and student-centered support.
Adhere to university policies, ethical standards, confidentiality expectations, and professional conduct requirements in all student and staff interactions.
Participate in meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities related to student success, coaching, intervention practices, and retention efforts.
This position may require occasional evening and weekend work to support student success programming, outreach, intervention efforts, and other departmental initiatives.
Required Qualifications
Required Experience
Master's degree and one (1) year of related work experience. Selected candidate must meet all minimum requirements prior to the position start date.
Proposed Salary
$44,806
USG Core Values
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.
Conditions Of Employment Applicants Are Required To Provide
ask candidates who will serve in Positions of Trust to disclose criminal record history during the initial screening process and prior to a conditional offer of employment,
view social media outlets, and
remove job postings without additional notification.
Employment Is Contingent Upon
successful completion of a background check investigation, including a criminal background check
reference checksEmployment may also be contingent upon the job-based requirements if applicable for your position:
Required
satisfactory credit check
successful completion of a Motor Vehicle Report (MVR)
pre-employment drug testing
confirmation of credentials After initial hiring, employees will be required to successfully complete all of the following training:
New employee orientation
VSU's Annual Compliance Training:USG Ethics Policy
Conflict of Interest/Outside Activities Policy
Drug Free Workplace
Sexual Misconduct and Title IX
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
Motor Vehicle Policy
Workers Compensation (new hires)
Georgia Open Records Act (new hires)
USG Cybersecurity Training (required twice yearly)Job-specific training such as: FMLA and Worker's Compensation, Budget Manager training, Purchasing Training (ePro & PCard), and Defensive DrivingEqual Employment Opportunity Valdosta State University is an equal opportunity educational institution. It is not the intent of the institution to discriminate against any applicant for admission or any student or employee of the institution based on the age, sex, race, religion, color, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation of the individual.
Background Check
If you are a qualified individual with a disability, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings, apply for a job on this site, or participate in the search process as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by contacting Catherine Wills, in the Office of Human Resources at croark@valdosta.edu.
Clery Disclosure
The Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act requires institutions of higher education to publish an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (ASFSR). The ASFSR includes crime statistics for the three previous calendar years of reported crimes that occurred on campus; in or on certain non-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by our institution; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security, alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and fire safety policies and statistics. The ASFSR is published annually by October 1 and is available online at:https://www.valdosta.edu/administration/finance-admin/police/documents/2025-asfr-final-draft-aa.docx.pdf. You may request a paper copy of the report by emailing openrecords@valdosta.edu.
Location: Valdosta State University
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Job ID: 298458
About Us
As a comprehensive institution of the University System of Georgia, Valdosta State University (VSU) is a welcoming, aware, and vibrant community founded on and dedicated to serving our communities' rich and diverse heritages. Through excellence in teaching, basic and applied research, and service, VSU provides rigorous programs and opportunities that enrich our students, our university, and our region. As such, the VSU mission consists of three interrelated parts that includes a student mission, university mission and regional mission. The university is equally dedicated to the core values of community, including a commitment to practice civility, integrity and citizenship. As members of this community and proud Blazers we strive to uphold these core values for the advancement of the University, as stated in the Blazer Creed and reflected in our commitment to the University System of Georgia's Core Values.
Blazer Creed
Valdosta State University is a learning environment based on trust and mutual respect in which open dialogue, vigorous debate, and the free exchange of ideas are welcome. The University is equally dedicated to the core values of community, including a commitment to practice civility, integrity, and citizenship. As members of this community, and proud Blazers, we will strive to uphold these core values for the advancement of the University.
Civility - A Blazer shows courtesy and compassion as well as respect for the dignity of every human being.
Integrity - Each Blazer is responsible for his or her own actions, and our community is stronger when we contemplate the context of our decisions and uphold the principles of trust and honesty.
Citizenship - Every Blazer has an interest in the well-being of the community, and, therefore, a duty to stay informed, to make positive contributions, and to offer support to those who need help.
As a Blazer, we pledge to uphold the core principles of Civility, Integrity, and Citizenship.
Job Summary
Coordinates and participates in special academic advising programs and services.
Based on the recent Proclamation: Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers (H-1B), VSU will not be sponsoring any new H-1B visa petitions until further notice.
Responsibilities
Typical Allocation of Duties:
Coordinate special programs and services - 15%
Coordinate and participate in special academic advising programs and services.
Develop and implement programs and materials - 15%
Develop and implement academic advising polices, programs, and materials.
Advising - 35%
Advise students with regards to their educational, career, personal and social development needs. Refer students to academic and personal resources as appropriate. Assist students in selecting courses.
Interpret polices - 10%
Clarify and interpret academic policies and degree requirements.
Student files - 10%
Maintain and update student files and records. Ensure compliance with FERPA regulations.
Monitor student progress - 15%
Monitor student academic progress and provide developmental programming focused on student academic needs. Advise, monitor, and work closely with students on academic probation and those returning from academic suspension.
Supervisor Expectations
Early Intervention
Proactively monitor, review, and respond to submitted early alerts in accordance with established intervention timelines, operational expectations, and departmental protocols.
Conduct outreach and intervention efforts for students identified through the early alert process to address concerns impacting academic performance and engagement.
Demonstrate proactive engagement in identifying student barriers, concerns, and support needs before they develop into larger academic or retention challenges and contribute to solution-oriented intervention efforts.
Coordinate referrals and connect students to appropriate campus resources and support services based on concerns identified through the early alert process.
Collaborate with faculty, advisors, and campus partners to coordinate intervention strategies and support student success efforts related to early alert referrals.
Maintain accurate, timely, and professional documentation of alert activity, outreach attempts, intervention actions, student communication, and resolution outcomes within SLATE and other designated systems.
May be required to teach sections of INQR courses designed to integrate students into the university in support of institutional retention, progression, and student success efforts. Academic Recovery Intervention & Support
Support and reinforce academic recovery initiatives through participation in and co-leading of the academic recovery course under the direction of the Success Manager.
Facilitate structured 1:1 meetings for academically at-risk students through proactive outreach, coaching, action-oriented planning, and progress monitoring designed to support academic recovery, persistence, engagement, and progression toward good academic standing.
Connect students with appropriate campus resources and support services based on identified academic, personal, financial, or transitional barriers impacting student success.
Utilize coaching strategies such as active listening, goal setting, problem solving, motivational support, and accountability planning to assist students in navigating academic and personal challenges impacting success.
Maintain complete, accurate, timely, and professional documentation of coaching meetings, academic recovery plans, outreach efforts, referrals, follow-up actions, and student progress within SLATE and other designated systems. Workshops, Outreach & Student Success Education
Develop and deliver workshops, presentations, and student success training sessions focused on topics such as study strategies, exam preparation, time management, academic recovery, and student success skills.
Engage students through outreach and educational programming designed to improve academic preparedness, self-management, persistence, and overall student success. Professionalism & Collaboration
Communicate professionally and effectively with students, faculty, staff, and campus partners while maintaining responsiveness, professionalism, and student-centered support.
Adhere to university policies, ethical standards, confidentiality expectations, and professional conduct requirements in all student and staff interactions.
Participate in meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities related to student success, coaching, intervention practices, and retention efforts.
This position may require occasional evening and weekend work to support student success programming, outreach, intervention efforts, and other departmental initiatives.
Required Qualifications
Required Experience
Master's degree and one (1) year of related work experience. Selected candidate must meet all minimum requirements prior to the position start date.
Proposed Salary
$44,806
USG Core Values
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.
Conditions Of Employment Applicants Are Required To Provide
- professional references with current contact information
- documentation of academic credentials
- employment history
ask candidates who will serve in Positions of Trust to disclose criminal record history during the initial screening process and prior to a conditional offer of employment,
view social media outlets, and
remove job postings without additional notification.
Employment Is Contingent Upon
successful completion of a background check investigation, including a criminal background check
reference checksEmployment may also be contingent upon the job-based requirements if applicable for your position:
Required
satisfactory credit check
successful completion of a Motor Vehicle Report (MVR)
pre-employment drug testing
confirmation of credentials After initial hiring, employees will be required to successfully complete all of the following training:
New employee orientation
VSU's Annual Compliance Training:USG Ethics Policy
Conflict of Interest/Outside Activities Policy
Drug Free Workplace
Sexual Misconduct and Title IX
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
Motor Vehicle Policy
Workers Compensation (new hires)
Georgia Open Records Act (new hires)
USG Cybersecurity Training (required twice yearly)Job-specific training such as: FMLA and Worker's Compensation, Budget Manager training, Purchasing Training (ePro & PCard), and Defensive DrivingEqual Employment Opportunity Valdosta State University is an equal opportunity educational institution. It is not the intent of the institution to discriminate against any applicant for admission or any student or employee of the institution based on the age, sex, race, religion, color, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation of the individual.
Background Check
- Standard
If you are a qualified individual with a disability, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings, apply for a job on this site, or participate in the search process as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by contacting Catherine Wills, in the Office of Human Resources at croark@valdosta.edu.
Clery Disclosure
The Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act requires institutions of higher education to publish an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (ASFSR). The ASFSR includes crime statistics for the three previous calendar years of reported crimes that occurred on campus; in or on certain non-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by our institution; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security, alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and fire safety policies and statistics. The ASFSR is published annually by October 1 and is available online at:https://www.valdosta.edu/administration/finance-admin/police/documents/2025-asfr-final-draft-aa.docx.pdf. You may request a paper copy of the report by emailing openrecords@valdosta.edu.
Salary : $44,806