Academic Advisor I

Department: Columbia College Global

Location: Columbia, MO

Type: Full-time, staff

Pay: $19.96 to $23.45 per hour (Pay range may vary based on geographic location)

Diversity Statement:

Columbia College is committed to creating an inclusive employee experience for all regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age or disability. The college maintains a safe place for open discourse; supports activities that promote diversity and inclusion; and overall, fosters a sense of community that welcomes everyone.

Job Summary:

The Center for Advising, Retention, and Student Success is a one-stop shop that provides support to students throughout their college experience, including assistance in admissions, registration, financial aid, and academics. The Academic Advisor I is a student's primary academic counselor. They monitor students’ progress toward their academic goals and make recommendations to keep them on track while complying with Columbia College policies. The position will be responsible for implementing dynamic initiatives as part of the Graduation Team model designed to improve the overall matriculation and persistence of traditional and nontraditional students at Columbia College. The Academic Advisor I will assist Columbia College in implementing processes, technology, and communications with students, faculty, nd staff on student admission, persistence, retention, and completion initiatives.

Essential Functions:

• Perform job duties in accordance with Columbia College’s vision, mission, and values; contribute to the development of the Division of Enrollment Management & Marketing and Center for Advising, Retention, and Student Success.
• Provide sound academic advice to students based on their academic catalog and the classes they need to complete their degree, including reviewing transcripts for both current and prospective students.
• Establish relationships and regularly visit, engage, and coach applicants and students toward individualized goals, including graduation.
• Track students' progress through their degree program, emphasizing new students and students nearing graduation.
• Direct student outreach will be conducted using phone, email, and SMS through the college CRM system.
• Maintain and document all calls, emails, texts, and other interactions with prospects/applicants/students according to departmental procedures in the CRM (and/or other applicable databases).
• Teach students about available resources through Columbia College such as technology, student services, and extracurricular opportunities.
• Respond to in-person, phone, and email inquiries in an effective, timely, and customer-focused manner, providing accurate information and appropriate referrals to other offices/staff as needed.
• Give post-graduation guidance to students when requested by the students.
• Ensure timely completion of Declaration of Candidacy paperwork.
• Participate in student success recognition for students (e.g., Dean’s list, honor societies, etc.).
• Coordinate Student Orientation.
• Support enrollment and retention goals.
• Assist with the recruitment and initial processing of new/prospective students.
• Guide placement tests and distribute results.
• Assist in Commencement Ceremony preparations and execution as needed based on location.
• Become proficient in all needed Columbia College software and pass all required training for academic advisors
• Attend career and education fairs and other recruiting events as needed
• Assist with the needs of community/military partnerships (examples include adherence and understanding of MOUs, working with the Education Service Officer, and college leadership in a collaborative model)
• Stay current on academic, financial, and support services and policies to provide students with the most accurate information.
• Practice superior customer service.
• Display respect and civility to all constituencies regardless of method of communication.
• Attend work timely and during the established hours of operation on a regular basis; work additional hours as business necessitates.
• Actively seeks to understand not only our role in the college, but of other departments on campus so we can better serve students.
• Demonstrate professionalism and confidentiality at all times
• Successfully complete all Human Resources, Technology Services, and other annual training as needed.
• Practice superior customer service.
• Display respect and civility to all constituencies regardless of method of communication.
• Attend work timely and during the established hours of operation on a regular basis; work additional hours as business necessitates.
• Fulfill additional responsibilities as assigned.
  
  
  

Supervision Received: Director of the Center for Advising, Retention, and Student Success

Skills:

• Ability to fluently read, write and understand the English language.
• Proficiency with the following, but not limited to: active listening; critical thinking; speaking; oral and written comprehension and expression; judgment and decision making; social perceptiveness; writing; active learning; complex problem solving; service orientation.
• Proficiency for using a variety of computer and technology-related software and equipment, including Microsoft Office products and database systems.
• Proficiency for using web-based technologies, including database systems.
• Ability to work independently or team environment, with or without direct supervision.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, customer service and organizational skills with all constitutients.
• Ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously with great attention to detail
• Ability to Meet deadlines and work independently
• Working knowledge of student databases and other education software
  
  
  

Education: Bachelors Degree.

Certification(s):

Experience: Three to five years’ experience in higher education.

Preferred Education/Experience:

• Experience in student recruitment and retention efforts.
• Experience in higher education setting working with students
• Experience in student advising
• Experience in financial aid and/or billing
• Masters Degree.
  
  
  

Special Requirements:

• Ability to pass a criminal background check as a condition of employment, and on an annual basis, during employment.
• Ability to pass a drug test as a condition of employment, and during employment, and on a random basis or as required if probable cause or reasonable suspicion.
• Must pass DOD background check yearly if working on a military installation.
• Some evening or weekend work will be required.
  
  
  

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit for long periods of time, and talk or hear. The employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. The employee must lift, carry and move a minimum of 50 pounds on an occasional basis. Must be able to type on a computer keyboard and use a computer monitor on a frequent and regular basis.

Work Conditions:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is rarely exposed to outside weather conditions; however, possible exposure to hazards and physical risks to personal safety may occur while operating certain equipment. The noise level in the work environment is usually mild. Extensive sitting in one position. Regular interaction with the College community and the public.

This job description is not meant to be all-inclusive of every duty and responsibility required by the employee in the position.

Eligibility for employee benefits and perks is determined by employment status. For more information please see https://www.ccis.edu/careers.

The offer of employment and assignment to duties is contingent upon a satisfactory criminal background check. The information may include, but is not limited to, academic, residential, achievement, performance, attendance, disciplinary, employment history, credit history, driving history, and criminal history of public record.

Columbia College is an equal opportunity employer.

In compliance with the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), the Department of Campus Safety for Columbia College has provided the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report and crime statistics for the main campus and venues nationwide.

Columbia College is required to distribute this information to all current and prospective employees and students. Please follow the link below for the full report or contact Human Resources at 573-875-7495 for a printed copy.