What are the responsibilities and job description for the Academic Advisor - Athletics position at Western Carolina University?
The primary location of this position is the main Cullowhee, NC campus. This position is designated as being exempt from the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (EHRA).
The Athletic Academic Advisor supports the development of the whole student through the delivery of the following duties and responsibilities:
The Athletic Academic Advisor supports the development of the whole student through the delivery of the following duties and responsibilities:
- Monitor academic eligibility and Progress Towards Degree of student-athletes
- Serve as first enrollment advisor for all incoming student athletes -new freshmen, transfers, and re-entering
- Serve on the Eligibility Certification Committee
- Continue as support advisor through graduation for all student athletes
- Provide developmental academic advising to student athletes
- Provision of academic, eligibility, and personal advising for student-athletes
- Provision of regular academic and athletic eligibility progress reports
- Maintain up-to-date understanding of Western Carolina University, NCAA and Southern Conference rules and regulations
- Provision of academic and eligibility information to prospective student-athletes and their parents
- Identification of at-risk students, participation in development of support programs for them, and awareness of campus resources and services to make appropriate referrals
- Serve as liaison to Athletics and attend Athletic Department meetings
- Collaborate with Career Services staff to provide general career counseling
- Represent the Advising Center at recruitment functions
- Teach academic success and first-year experience courses as assigned
- Provide advising information and support for the University community
- Present advisor educational workshops for faculty and staff
- Assist with the development, revision, and updating processes of Advising Center forms and publications
- Maintain appropriate advising records and documentation
- Submit monthly reports of activity
- Participate in the assessment and evaluation of academic advising and advising programs for student athletes
- Participate in ongoing professional development and encourage the growth of colleagues
- Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned in support of the needs of students and the Advising Center
Minimum Qualifications
Interested candidates must already be legally authorized to work in the United States and will not require any immigration sponsorship or support.
A Master’s degree in Higher Education, College Student Personnel, or a related field is required.
Applicants who are anticipated to complete all requirements for the degree by December 2026 and are eligible for degree conferral prior to the position start date may be considered. Experience in academic advising and/or related student services programs is required. Effective written and oral communication skills are essential.
A Master’s degree in Higher Education, College Student Personnel, or a related field is required.
Applicants who are anticipated to complete all requirements for the degree by December 2026 and are eligible for degree conferral prior to the position start date may be considered. Experience in academic advising and/or related student services programs is required. Effective written and oral communication skills are essential.
Preferred Qualifications
Prior experience in NCAA athletics advising/student-support. Knowledge of NCAA athletics eligibility.
Position Type
Permanent Full-Time
Number of Hours Per Week
40
Number of Months Per Year
12
Posting Text
Open Date
10/12/2026
Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
To be considered, you must apply online.
Please include a cover letter, resume, and a list of at least three professional references to include their complete contact information.
For questions or additional information, please contact Haley Mitchell at mitchellh@email.wcu.edu
Please include a cover letter, resume, and a list of at least three professional references to include their complete contact information.
For questions or additional information, please contact Haley Mitchell at mitchellh@email.wcu.edu
Background/E-Verify
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.
Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.
Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.
Credential Verification
All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.
EOE
Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.
University Safety
The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.
Benefits:
Retirement Plan, Vacation & Paid Time Off, Dental InsuranceSalary : $39,496 - $68,088