What are the responsibilities and job description for the Academic Advising Coordinator position at La Sierra University?
The Academic Advising Coordinator works closely with the Associate Director of Student Academic Support Services (SASS) and the Dean’s Office of the College of Arts and Sciences in planning, developing, and evaluating advising services designed to help La Sierra students become successful graduates. The coordinator advises students at all levels of preparation and collaborates regularly with fellow Advising Coordinators.
Duties And Responsibilities
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Must be a team player, problem-solver, and self-starter with a positive attitude and strong attention to detail. Excellent written and oral communication skills required. Must be able to communicate effectively with people from a variety of backgrounds, maintain confidentiality, and demonstrate professionalism and integrity. FERPA training required.
Education/Experience
Bachelor’s degree required; graduate degree beneficial. Minimum two years of related experience in advising, student services, or a related field.
Computer Skills
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Blackboard Learn required. Familiarity with DegreeWorks, Banner, and SPSS preferred.
Reasoning Ability
Ability to solve complex, non-recurring problems and apply creative approaches. Must be able to interpret instructions in multiple formats and work effectively where limited standardization exists.
Confidentiality
Works with confidential and sensitive student information. Must uphold FERPA regulations and institutional confidentiality standards at all times.
Wage Range: $20.25 to $23.50 plus generous benefits.
Duties And Responsibilities
- Advise students across all levels of preparation, assisting with registration, resolving holds and technology issues, evaluating transcripts, creating student schedules, and troubleshooting problems with service departments.
- Proactively reach out to incoming and continuing students to review degree progress, plan upcoming quarters, resolve concerns, and support retention and student wellness. Maintain detailed advising notes for each student interaction in DegreeWorks and Slate, recording actions, agreements, and program variations.
- Serve as the subject matter expert for assigned academic programs, maintaining deep knowledge of major requirements, course sequencing, prerequisite structures, and departmental expectations. Stay current on curriculum changes through ongoing collaboration with faculty and chairs so students always receive accurate, program-specific guidance.
- Build and maintain close working relationships with academic departments, faculty, and department chairs within assigned areas. Attend departmental meetings regularly, stay informed of curriculum changes, and serve as a consistent communication link between the advising office and academic programs.
- Monitor academic progress throughout each quarter and promptly follow up with students on academic flags, including probation notices (AP/CAP/SAP), failing or incomplete grades, and attendance concerns. Collaborate with Academic Recovery and Student Support Programs to create individualized recovery plans and schedule regular check-ins to review progress.
- Manage outbound student communications, including informational outreach and course evaluation, and maintain accurate quarterly enrollment reports for the CAS Dean’s Office and the Director of Student Support Services.
- Lead weekly UNST 101 sessions to orient first-year students to college life, covering study skills, time management, and campus resources. Foster an engaging, supportive environment and address student concerns as they arise.
- Plan and conduct workshops for students on advising-related topics as assigned. Regularly participate in outreach events, fairs, and orientations to represent the College of Arts & Sciences. (occasionally on weekends)
- Provide class support to faculty and students, including assistance with Blackboard, DUO authentication, and portal issues. Has access to Banner as designated by supervisor.
- Guide students in exploring the career pathways available within their major, helping them connect academic planning to professional goals. Collaborate with Career Services and other campus resources to connect students with internships, job shadowing, professional development opportunities, and relevant industry information.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Must be a team player, problem-solver, and self-starter with a positive attitude and strong attention to detail. Excellent written and oral communication skills required. Must be able to communicate effectively with people from a variety of backgrounds, maintain confidentiality, and demonstrate professionalism and integrity. FERPA training required.
Education/Experience
Bachelor’s degree required; graduate degree beneficial. Minimum two years of related experience in advising, student services, or a related field.
Computer Skills
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Blackboard Learn required. Familiarity with DegreeWorks, Banner, and SPSS preferred.
Reasoning Ability
Ability to solve complex, non-recurring problems and apply creative approaches. Must be able to interpret instructions in multiple formats and work effectively where limited standardization exists.
Confidentiality
Works with confidential and sensitive student information. Must uphold FERPA regulations and institutional confidentiality standards at all times.
Wage Range: $20.25 to $23.50 plus generous benefits.