Academic Advisor - Online College

Saint Joseph's College of Maine invites applications for the position of ACADEMIC ADVISOR for the online college (OLC)!  

The Academic Advisor position supports the OLC department of Advising by promoting retention and managing enrollment status for caseload of students; monitoring academic progress and providing motivational support; advising online students on program requirements, course selection and registration, as well as administrative policies and procedures; and working with students to develop, track, and achieve short-term and long-term academic goals.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

Promotes retention and manages enrollment status for caseload of online students by:

• Ensuring a highly supportive, challenging, and collaborative experience for a caseload of online students from their first course through completion of their academic goals
• Proactively managing course enrollments and reminders through phone, email, and text outreach regarding registration and deadlines
• Entering and reviewing course enrollment information and confirming appropriate tuition payment method before processing course enrollments
• Entering all course-related and program-related administrative processes in the Student Information System
• Remaining accessible to both students and other departments
• Liaising with Student Accounts, Financial Aid, Registrar, Online Operations, TEI, IT, Program Directors, and faculty to help address and resolve student concerns and issues
• Connecting students with College resources, including online tutoring, library services, ACE and career services, ADA accommodations, activities, and financial aid
• Working collaboratively with other departments as a critical contributor to student retention to ensure positive student experience while adhering to critical institutional policies
• Maintain thorough and accurate documentation of all communications and activity in Student Information System

Monitors online students’ academic progress and provides motivational support by:  

• Managing a workflow system within the Student Information System and using reports to identify student needs and enrollment schedules
• Scheduling student contact/record review, at minimum, every 3 weeks and following department’s established workflow and communication plans
• Reviewing SIS, LMS, and reports to determine course and program progress and contacting student regarding progress on scheduled date
• Maintaining student contact history for caseload through documentation of all communication, including date of next scheduled contact
• Advising students on all related policies, including but not limited to: course withdrawal, incomplete course grade, program withdrawal and leave of absence, to determine the best course of action based on student circumstances
• Providing recommendations on assignment submission schedule, time management, and study skills
• Proactively contacting and monitoring students with lapsed engagement or unsatisfactory work, with special attention being paid to students on academic probation, consulting with Director of Online Advising and/or Program Director as needed

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's Degree required
• Experience in adult or online education, advising, and/or customer service is preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

• Intermediate knowledge of computer programs including Microsoft Word, Google Platform, Excel, LMS, and SIS
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work with a diverse population of adult students
• Strong planning and analytical skills
• Must demonstrate teamwork skills and a willingness to help others
• Possess a positive solution-oriented attitude to foster a cohesive working environment
• Ability to prioritize multiple demands and follow through on all tasks to completion
• Strong reasoning and problem-solving skills, to make informed decisions and recommendations
• Capable of independent time and task management while remaining available to collaborate and contribute
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion, according to FERPA guidelines
• Tolerates work-related stress effectively, maintaining professionalism and adherence to core values in all interactions 

About Saint Joseph’s College of Maine

Founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1912, Saint Joseph’s College is Maine’s only Catholic college. Located on the shores of Sebago Lake in Standish, Maine, the 460-acre campus offers 46 undergraduate programs and a Division III athletic program to approximately 800 on-campus students. In addition to its on-campus offerings, Saint Joseph’s College provides certificates, undergraduate, and advanced degrees to approximately 1,200 working adults residing throughout the United States and in more than 20 other countries through its online learning program. 

Saint Joseph’s College of Maine seeks to attract, retain, and develop personnel who support its mission and are committed to nurturing highly competent and deeply compassionate leaders ready to serve in a vulnerable world. Inspired by the life and vision of Catherine McAuley, it welcomes persons from all backgrounds as part of its community which is guided by the following values:

• to seek and embrace truth and wisdom wherever it may be found;

• to combine faith with reason in the pursuit of academic excellence;

• to commit ourselves to honesty in all relations with each other;

• to welcome the perspectives, cultures, and abilities of all people of good will, especially the disenfranchised;

• to value and respect the contribution of each member of the community;

• to reach out beyond the College’s boundaries to serve the needs of others with compassion and mercy;

• to address instances of injustice that impact people and the earth in solidarity with those we serve and from a position of informed advocacy.

Saint Joseph’s College of Maine is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to providing an inclusive work environment that supports a diverse faculty and staff. We consider all qualified applicants and employees for hiring, placement, and advancement, without regard to a person’s race (including traits associated with race, including hair texture, Afro hairstyles, and protective hairstyles), color, religion, ancestry or national origin, age, genetic information, military status, sex or gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disabilities, familial status, protected whistleblower activity, previous assertion of workers’ compensation claim, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. 

Employees wishing to report sex-based discrimination, harassment, or  misconduct should contact the Title IX Office (titleIX@sjcme.edu, 207-893-6606, 115A Heffernan Center).

In order to be considered for the position, submit an application and resume electronically by clicking on “Apply.”  Be sure to also read and sign the Pre-Employment Statement. Offers are contingent upon successfully passing a background check. Specific questions may be emailed to: sjcemployment@sjcme.edu or call 207-893-7757.