About the position
The Academic Advisor at Kirkwood Community College plays a crucial role in supporting students' academic journeys by providing guidance tailored to their individual needs, goals, and experiences. This position is integral to the college's mission, vision, and strategic initiatives, focusing on continuous improvement in academic advising practices. The advisor will assist students in navigating their academic plans, ensuring they are well-informed about their progress and the requirements necessary to achieve their academic and career aspirations. The advisor will engage with students through a developmental advising process, utilizing open-ended questions and intentional strategies to help students explore their goals, interests, and strengths. This role involves teaching students about curricular requirements and academic standards, as well as guiding them in assessing their degree progress towards graduation. Additionally, the advisor will refer students to various campus resources and support systems that promote academic success and career development. Collaboration with faculty is essential, as the advisor will guide students towards opportunities that connect them with professionals in their chosen fields. The advisor will also be responsible for developing intervention plans for students who may be struggling academically, conducting orientation sessions for first-year and transfer students, and designing workshops that focus on career opportunities and personal development. Overall, the Academic Advisor is expected to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment that supports diverse student populations and encourages their academic success.
Responsibilities
- Assist students in the exploration of goals, interests, strengths, values, and concerns through positive, open-ended questions and intentional advising strategies.
- Assist students in developing academic plans that meet goals and future aspirations.
- Teach students about curricular requirements, academic standards, and academic milestones related to an intended/chosen academic program.
- Teach students how to assess their degree progress through graduation.
- Refer students to campus resources, programs, and support systems that promote academic success, career development, experiential learning, and engagement in a chosen discipline.
- Collaborate with faculty and guide students to opportunities that engage students with faculty and professionals in their chosen disciplines.
- Assist students in developing problem-solving skills to allow them autonomy.
- Develop intervention plans for struggling students.
- Conduct first-year and transfer student orientation advising sessions.
- Design and facilitate seminars/workshops that focus on career opportunities, transfer admissions procedures, financial literacy, cultural education activities, and social and personal development.
- Perform other related work duties as assigned.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree.
- Advising or teaching experience.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Nice-to-haves
- Master's degree.
- One year of full-time work experience in higher education.
- Community college experience.
- Education or knowledge of student development theories and practice.
- Knowledge and experience with holistic case management advising practices.
Benefits
- Wide range of employee benefits including health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities.
