What are the responsibilities and job description for the Academic Advisor position at Western Carolina University?
The primary location of this position is on-site in Cullowhee, NC. This position is designated as being exempt from the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (EHRA).
CEAP academic advisors support the development of students through the delivery of the following duties and responsibilities:
CEAP academic advisors support the development of students through the delivery of the following duties and responsibilities:
- Serve as the first point of contact for undergraduate declared teacher education majors (new freshmen and transfers), post-baccalaureate alternative licensure students, and graduate degree students.
- Facilitate orientation functions, including schedule building and presentation preparation and delivery.
- Assist students with making educational plans that are consistent with their goals, abilities, and interests, and increase awareness of the various academic options and resources available within the College of Education and Allied Professions and WCU.
- Provide students with clear and accurate information regarding WCU/CEAP policies, procedures, and degree requirements.
- Assist students in developing a thorough understanding of North Carolina licensure requirements for teacher education majors.
- Offer recommendations and strategies for academic success.
- Refer students to appropriate campus offices and resources as needed.
- Work to advance rates of retention and completion.
- Maintain appropriate advising records and documentation.
- Participate in the assessment and evaluation of the CEAP academic advising program.
- Participate in ongoing professional development and encourage the growth of colleagues.
- Report to and meet regularly with the Senior Academic Advisor.
- Other duties and responsibilities as assigned in support of the needs of students and the College of Education and Allied Professions (CEAP).
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
- Knowledge of current theories and practices in academic advising.
- Ability to work effectively and respectfully with students from varied cultural and educational backgrounds.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and familiarity with Banner software.
- Ability to establish and maintain professional working relationships with staff, student employees, faculty, and administrators.
- Ability to ethically manage and safeguard highly confidential information.
- Ability to present and effectively communicate educational information to groups.
Minimum Qualifications
- Interested candidates must already be legally authorized to work in the United States and will not require any immigration sponsorship or support.
- Bachelor’s degree from an appropriately accredited institution; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- Three years of successful professional experience in academic advising or a related student services program.
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
Application materials must be submitted online. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire.
Please include a cover letter, current resume, and a list of three professional references with complete contact information.
For questions or additional information please contact Rachel Wike at rwike@email.wcu.edu
Please include a cover letter, current resume, and a list of three professional references with complete contact information.
For questions or additional information please contact Rachel Wike at rwike@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 : $42,107 - $55,044