Academic Advisor - College of Health Professions

Advertising Summary: We are seeking either an Academic Advisor or Senior Academic Advisor to provide support to the Director of Academic Advising and the college’s undergraduate student population. Students in the College of Health Professions are pursuing degrees in the fields of Health Services, Clinical Radiation Sciences and Medical Laboratory Sciences. Students from across Virginia Commonwealth University also engage with one of our five academic minors. Students are enrolled in-person, in a hybrid format, or fully online. This position will work with undergraduate students and faculty from admission through graduation to ensure academic success, monitor student progress throughout their undergraduate studies, and ensure that students are certified for graduation in a timely manner. The advisor assists in the development of advising programs and initiatives that facilitate student engagement, success, and retention.

Unit: College of Health Professions MBU

Department: Deans Office AHP

Department Summary: VCU is a public research university unlike any other, dedicated to serving the needs of students and patients. We’re home to creativity, teaching, discovery and healing. Our location in the heart of downtown Richmond, Virginia, means the nonstop energy of our city ignites our innovation and provides unlimited opportunities for our students.

We are the university for Virginia. We know that the unique backgrounds and experiences of the VCU community are what drive the university forward. Together, we’re forging a future that is built by us. Here, artists and engineers, doctors and designers come together to reimagine the human experience and tackle the problems of tomorrow.

VCU’s mission drives us to remain dedicated to the success and well-being of our students, patients, faculty, staff and community.

Welcome to VCU. A world unlike any other.

Typical Duties

Academic Advising

• Advise students regarding: departmental, collegiate, and University policies and procedures; programs of study; and the development of appropriate academic plans
• Assist students in identifying their interests, abilities, skills and academic goals and in making decisions regarding their academic career
• Introduce students to opportunities that will enrich their academic experience, facilitate their academic and personal development, and support their educational success
• Teach students how to manage the college experience, navigate the University, make informed decisions, and assume responsibility for their academic success
• Provide guidance and direction to students concerning academic matters and factors affecting academic performance in order to facilitate success in the program
• Identify and assist struggling or at-risk students
• Make appropriate referrals to other university resources
• Maintain regular contact and meet regularly with all students on assigned caseload
• Maintain accurate and confidential records of student information, including advising interactions
  
  

Retention, Outreach, and Student Engagement

• Monitor student progress, identify early signs of disengagement or academic difficulty, and conduct timely outreach to support students
• Contact continuing students who have not registered and assist them in resolving any barriers to enrollment
• Guide students in developing academic performance plans to enhance their academic standing.
• Encourage participation in learning opportunities, workshops, and engagement activities.
• Support college and University retention initiatives
• Collaborate with university partners on matters that impact student recruitment, success, and retention
  
  

Programming and Event Support

• Provide advising services to students during New Student Orientation
• Assist with planning, communication, and logistics for student-centered programming
  
  

Graduation, Appeals, and Academic Processes

• Complete degree progress reviews using DegreeWorks
• Develop degree and course plans for students that meet desired graduation timelines
• Assist students in the online graduation checkout process
• Advise students about academic policies, petitions, and appeal processes to ensure they understand requirements and timelines
  
  

Other Duties as Assigned

• Perform additional duties as assigned to support students in the College of Health Professions and Virginia Commonwealth University more broadly
• Participate in and provide feedback on training and professional development activities
• Maintain training on policies including Title IX and FERPA
  
  

This position offers the opportunity for a non-traditional work schedule and is eligible for a Telework Agreement. Due to the unique needs of online students, this position may require some hours outside of the traditional office hours.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A minimum of one year of professional experience in a college or university setting.
• Excellent written, interpersonal and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively.
• Ability to ask searching questions and practice active listening.
• Ability to foster a welcoming and supportive environment for students.
• Excellent knowledge of computer software including Word, Power Point, Excel, Canvas, and various communication technologies including Google Apps, Zoom, Skype and social media.
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism, and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• 3-5 years of relevant experience or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Prior experience with health sciences student population.
• Demonstrated experience using Banner, Navigate360, and Degree Works.
• Experience analyzing and applying student data to identify barriers, anticipate needs, and inform proactive interventions
  
  

Salary Range: $51,000 (commensurate with experience)

Benefits: All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt

Restricted Position: No

ORP Eligible: Yes

Flexible Work Arrangement: Hybrid

University Job Title: 91021 - Open

Contact Information

Contact Name: Eliza Callahan

Contact Email: callahane@vcu.edu