What are the responsibilities and job description for the Academic Advisor position at University of South Carolina?
Posting Number
STA00474PO26
Job Family
Academic and Career Counseling
Job Function
Academic Advising
USC Market Title
Academic Advisor
Link to USC Market Title
https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/131716
Job Level
P3 - Professional
Business Title (Internal Title)
Academic Advisor
Campus
Upstate
Work County
Spartanburg
College/Division
USC Upstate College/Division Level
Department
UPS Student Success Center
State Pay Range
G08
USC Market Range
MRE - $48,726 $59,689 $70,653
Anticipated Hiring Range
$48,726 - $50,000; Salary commensurate with education and experience.
Location of Vacancy
USC Upstate, Spartanburg, SC
Part/Full Time
Full Time
Hours per Week
37.5
Work Schedule
USC Upstate standard office hours are 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. However, this position will involve some evening, weekend, and/or conference travel.
Basis
12 months
Job Search Category
Student Services
About USC
About University of South Carolina
From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.
Veterans' Preference Statement
The University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities.
Benefits for FTE Positions
The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at https://uscjobs.sc.edu. Research Grant or Time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or no benefits, based on the grant or project funding.
Position Description
Advertised Job Summary
Academic Advisor
University of South Carolina Upstate
STA
Spartanburg, SC
Academic Advisors are responsible for advising current and prospective students, promoting good advisement practices, and assisting with academic support. Academic advisors assess students’ needs, goals, interests, and prior academic experiences to guide students in designing and implementing a successful academic plan. Advisors are also responsible for promoting student success, including academic support and career exploration. This position will primarily serve Interdisciplinary Studies majors and is assigned by the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Success.
University of South Carolina Upstate
STA
Spartanburg, SC
Academic Advisors are responsible for advising current and prospective students, promoting good advisement practices, and assisting with academic support. Academic advisors assess students’ needs, goals, interests, and prior academic experiences to guide students in designing and implementing a successful academic plan. Advisors are also responsible for promoting student success, including academic support and career exploration. This position will primarily serve Interdisciplinary Studies majors and is assigned by the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Success.
Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience
Requires a bachelor’s degree in a job related field and 3 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience.
Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree with a minimum of 1 year experience in higher education academic advising, academic support services, first-year experience programming, career counseling or related field. Preferred exceptional leadership skills and excellent computer skills, written, and oral communication skills. Experience in student success initiatives, academic support, first year student programming, or counseling in high school or higher education required.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Successful background check is required. Ability to work and motivate traditional as well as nontraditional students, strong computer and interpersonal skills required. USC Upstate standard office hours are 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. However, this position will involve some evening, weekend, and/or conference travel.
Excellent organizational, management, and office skills. Demonstrated experience working successfully in a high-traffic, high-demand environment and ability to meet deadlines in a timely manner. Information technology proficiency in database and spreadsheet software and Microsoft Office products.
Excellent organizational, management, and office skills. Demonstrated experience working successfully in a high-traffic, high-demand environment and ability to meet deadlines in a timely manner. Information technology proficiency in database and spreadsheet software and Microsoft Office products.
Job Duties
Job Duty
Navigate students through the major transitions of college enrollment. Provide programming for students as they enter, continue to enroll, and leave the institution. Maintains an advising load and works directly with students to accomplish educational goals. Key aspects include maintaining the integrity of academic policies while being a student advocate and fostering a culture of student responsibility and success, providing students with information about possible consequences of academic decisions, and creating plans of study. Must maintain current knowledge of degree programs. Assists students during OAR and participates in open house events, FAB Friday, and other student recruitment events. Complete plans of study.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
25
Job Duty
Conduct preliminary evaluations of transfer credits and their applicability to degree requirements in collaboration with the IDS Director for both prospective and admitted students. Ensure students receive maximum transfer credit and an optimized degree audit upon admission. Work with students to clarify educational goals and align them with appropriate Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS) programs.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
20
Job Duty
Provide academic advising for assigned majors and monitor student registration. Educate students about course planning and registration processes. Refer students to campus resources to meet individual needs.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
10
Job Duty
Implement targeted outreach to students with at-risk factors.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
10
Job Duty
Improve student’s career readiness through major exploration and referral to appropriate campus programs and services.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
10
Job Duty
Maintains accurate data for reports and informed decision-making. Keeps advising statistics, work schedule, and other reporting documents up-to-date. Monitor and respond to students using advising software (Navigate 360).
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
10
Job Duty
Teach UNIV 101 (College Success Seminar).
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
10
Job Duty
Other duties as assigned.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
5
Position Attributes
Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing.
Safety Sensitive or Security Sensitive
No
Hazardous weather category
Non-Essential
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies
1
Desired Start Date
07/20/2026
Job Open Date
06/23/2026
Job Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions to Applicant
The application must be completed including all current and previous work history and education. A resume may be attached, but not substituted for completing work history and education sections of the application.
USC Upstate offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:
USC Upstate offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:
- Health and Life Insurance
- Retirement Programs
- Paid Tuition Program
- Dependent Scholarships
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Annual Leave
- Sick Leave
- 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)
- Paid Parental Leave
- Professional Development Opportunities
Quicklink for Posting
https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/208416
EEO Statement
The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.
Salary : $48,726 - $50,000