About Sacred Heart University:

As the second-largest independent Catholic university in New England, and one of the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers nearly 90 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs. More than 10,000 students attend the University's nine colleges and schools: Arts & Sciences; Communication, Media & the Arts; Social Work; Computer Science & Engineering; Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology; the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing; and St. Vincent's College. Sacred Heart stands out from other Catholic institutions as it was established and led by laity. The contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts, and at the same time cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change-in their own lives, professions and in their communities. The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 388 Colleges-2023 Edition, and Best Business Schools-2023 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliated radio station, WSHU, a Division I athletics program and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance and theatre. www.sacredheart.edu

View SHU's Faculty Experts Here

Job Description:

The Academic Advisor is responsible for serving currently enrolled and prospective undergraduate students including advisement to facilitate registration, enrollment, major/minor selection, retention, graduation, and monitoring academic standing. The Academic Advisor partners with their assigned advisees to promote student success, graduate school planning, and career development.

Responsibilities Include:

• Serve as the primary academic contact for their assigned advisees. Advise students on academic and career issues; assists students with identifying educational and career options appropriate for each student and assists with the analysis of each option.
• Develop and implement cultural competence curriculum for all undergraduate students in CHP in collaboration with college faculty and campus resources. Develop and implement practices that make our offices a more inclusive space for students, faculty, and staff.
• Support the success of first-generation and/or low-income students, by providing proactive coaching and guidance addressing self-care, socio-emotional well-being, and career-related issues.
• Proactively monitor the academic progress of assigned advisees, offer appropriate support, and intervene when and as appropriate.
• Meet at least twice per semester with advisees in both group and/or individual sessions at key points during the academic year.
• Assist advisees in developing the skills and habits needed to meet the academic expectations of college. Encourage students to use tutors/CLAs and meet regularly with professors.
• Follow up on Early Warnings, Mid Term Grades, Mid Term Warnings, PioConnect Alerts, and other indications of student concerns.
• Work individually with students who do not complete course/major requirements and instruct them how to complete or retake courses.
• Assist advisees with decisions about course and program selections, class registrations, and major declarations.
• Maintain student files and records: document all pertinent student information; update computerized information.
• Participate in the preparation of orientation programming and present academic information to new students and parents during orientation as assigned.
• Cooperate with other University offices and services, and faculty in enhancing the overall growth and development of advisees. Make appropriate referrals to campus resources (Wellness Center, Residential Life, Student Success).
• Assist in recruitment of potential students by advising them of general academic requirements; describe courses; and participate in occasional admissions events as requested.
• Work collaboratively with transfer admissions, transfer advising, and registrar staff to support transfer students.
• Assist with the overall evaluation of program effectiveness and assist with performance reports as requested.
• Maintains regular office hours to direct student issues, answer questions, etc.
• Remain up to date on advising systems and trends in academic advising
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

Knowledge and Skills Needed:

• Master's degree in Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs, College Student Development, Counseling, or related field required.
• Minimum three years higher education experience in the area of health professions, student counseling, advisement or related experience.
• Comfort with appropriate technologies including Colleague, Student Planning & Advising, Pharos Resources, Microsoft Sharepoint required.
• Knowledge of health careers and curriculum preferred.
• Ability to discuss and engage in practices directly related to equity, inclusion, identity development, diversity, and cultural competency and humility required.
• Knowledge of learning styles, learning strategies, and academic success strategies required.
• Must exhibit confidentiality, good judgment, and working knowledge of the University.
• Must be a self-starter, innovative, and able to manage a busy office with multiple tasks.
• Ability to envision and propose new methods to perform tasks that support the student population.
• Ability to anticipate and embrace change.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively within an organizational team.
• Attention to detail, flexibility, ability to prioritize and problem solve.
• Excellent interpersonal, teaching/presenting, and communication skills.
• Able to complete work tasks in a timely fashion, including occasional tasks requiring a rapid turnaround time

Occasional evening and weekend hours required.

Additional Information:

Statement of Personal & Organizational Responsibility for Inclusive Excellence

Inclusive Excellence is the recognition that our institution's success is dependent on how well we value, engage, and include the rich diversity of students, staff, faculty, administrators, alums, and surrounding community. It is a mastery of inclusion that fosters a consistent sense of belonging. Inclusive Excellence is aspirational and is the pillar that guides the mission, vision, and function of this unit.

To achieve Inclusive Excellence, our personal and organizational responsibilities are to:

• Actively promote a collegial environment and consciously apply our mission and values to create a culture of inclusion and belonging; a safe space where all may thrive and succeed.
• Participate in educational and developmental activities to increase awareness and competencies of issues related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging; apply that understanding to guide your approach to all aspects of your job and the community as a whole.
• Demonstrate that we are "Stronger Together" as described in the Office for Inclusive Excellence statements.

Application Instructions:

Please apply online, faxes and emails will not be accepted. A cover letter is appreciated.

Sacred Heart University is a space that respects and embraces differences, recognizes the unique contributions that individuals can make, and creates a community that maximizes the potential of all faculty and staff. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage applications from qualified candidates who reflect the wider world in which we live.