Academic Advisor I

Position : Academic Advisor I Location : Columbia, MO

Job Id : 2379 # of Openings : 1 Academic Advisor I

Department : Evening Campus Location : Columbia, MO

Type : Staff, Full-time Pay : $41,527 to $46,000 per year (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.

Preference to internal and Columbia College location transition applicants; local applicants with the ability to work on-site preferred, remote work considered.

Job Summary :

The Academic Advisor I is a student's primary academic counselor. They monitor students’ progress towards their academic goals and make recommendations to keep them on track while complying with Columbia College policies.

For some locations, this position requires travel to several locations in a circuit on a regular schedule.

Essential Functions :

• Perform job duties in accordance with Columbia College’s vision, mission and values, and contributes to the development of the Evening Location / CCG .
• Practice superior customer service.
• Fulfill additional responsibilities as assigned.
• Display respect and civility to all constituencies in all communications.
• Successfully complete all Human Resources, Technology Services, and other departmental annual training as needed
• Attend work timely and on a regular basis during the established hours of operation; work additional hours as business necessitates.
• Provide sound academic advice to students based on their academic catalog and classes they need to complete their degree.
• Coordinate with the main campus evaluations department to ensure students receive appropriate transfer credits where warranted.
• Assist students with appeals / waivers for transfer credit they feel they deserve.
• Prior to receiving official documentation, estimate potential transfer hours on an unofficial basis for prospective students.
• Maintain student records, particularly degree checklists / audits and the academic advisement support form.
• Access and distribute degree audits for students that are updated by the evaluations department.
• Track students through their degree program, placing a special emphasis on new students and students nearing graduation.
• Give post-graduation guidance to students when requested by the students.
• Ensure timely completion of Declaration of Candidacy paperwork.
• Participate in the recognition of student success at your location ( : Dean’s list, honor societies, etc.
• Coordinate Student Orientation.
• Assist the Director in course management :
• Determine alternative courses for students in canceled classes.
• Direct students to undersubscribed classes.
• Prepare reports to assist with course schedule forecasting.
• Assist in location conversion and retention :
• Follow-up on students missing from the first week of class and with new students during weeks one and six.
• Call all new students during their first semester and schedule an advisement meeting to map out subsequent semesters.
• Call new students who fail to register.
• Assist with the recruitment and initial processing of new / prospective students.
• Provide guidance on placement tests and distribute results.
• When necessary, assist with the duties of the Student Support Assistant in performance of front desk duties (answering phones, registering students, processing payments, etc.).
• Assist in Commencement Ceremony preparations and execution as needed based on location.
• Become proficient in all needed Columbia College software and pass all required trainings for academic advisors
• Attend career and education fairs and other recruiting events as needed.

Supervisory Responsibility : None

Position reports to : Director

Required Core Competencies and Professional Experience :

• Ability to fluently read, write, and understand the English language.
• Proficiency with the following, but not limited to : active listening; speaking; writing; critical thinking; judgment and decision making;

monitoring; reading comprehension; time management; coordination; and management of personnel resources.

• Proficiency for using a variety of computer and technology-related software and equipment, including Microsoft Office products and database systems.
• Proficiency in using web-based technologies, including database systems.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment, with or without direct supervision.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, customer service, and organizational skills.

Required Level of Education : Bachelor’s Degree In :

Required Professional Certification(s) : In :

Preferred Level of Education : Master’s Degree In :

Preferred Professional Certification(s) : In :

Other Requirements : Ability to satisfy, within the parameters set by the College and consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, a criminal background check as a condition of employment.

Special Requirements (if any) :

• Must be able to travel to attend external or internal conferences, meetings or training sessions.
• Must be able to travel locally on a regular schedule.
• Some evening or weekend work may be required.

Physical Requirements : The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Individuals seeking accommodation should contact the Human Resources Department without delay.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit for long periods of time, talk, and hear.

The employee is required to use hands and fingers to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, or crawl.

Employee must be able to type on a computer keyboard and use a computer monitor on a regular basis.

Work Conditions : The work environment conditions described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

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. 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 . 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.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. 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.