Summary: The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) Academic Advising Center seeks to hire an entry-level professional Academic Advisor. The Advisor will need to work collaboratively with CLAS faculty advisors and other student success professionals across the university to support students. We are looking for an individual who will provide an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming advising environment that encourages students to thrive. Candidates should have strong communication and interpersonal skills, such as the ability to interact with others with respect, empathy, and cultural humility. In addition, candidates should have demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access. This could include experience with working directly with marginalized populations or engagement with community-based social justice work; and other forms of DEI-infused experiences.

Candidates must be committed to fostering a student-centered environment, developing the breadth of knowledge associated with liberal education, and sustaining close working relationships among faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners. The Academic Advisor will work with students pursuing majors and/or minors in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, as well as students who are currently exploring programs of study offered in other colleges/schools at Grand Valley State University. The Academic Advisor will be expected to provide both in-person and virtual advising appointments. This position is Monday-Friday 8am-5pm with the option to have one remote work day after the initial training period is complete with supervisor approval. May occasionally need evening/weekend hours.

Responsibilities:

Advising, Case Management and Outreach

1. Provide accessible, accurate, timely, and consistent academic advising to students pursuing majors and/or minors offered by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
2. Provide advising and support to students exploring potential programs of study across the university, making appropriate referrals and connections to advising partners
3. Provide proactive, developmental, and appreciative advising and support to students, including those experiencing academic difficulty
4. Interpret curriculum and graduation requirements, assist students with selection of appropriate major(s) and/or minor(s), and advise students regarding appropriate course selection including a blend of general education and program-specific requirements
5. Provide appropriate referrals to academic departments, student support programs, and other university resources as necessary to help students achieve their academic goals
6. Provide academic advising at the freshman, transfer, and international student advising and registration sessions
7. Serve as a liaison to specific academic and/or student support departments within and outside of CLAS to ensure consistent and accurate student advising
8. Provide timely and intentional outreach to assigned students, especially as it pertains to first-year student required advising prior to registration
9. Proactively engage students in regular communication through in-person and electronic means
10. Effectively utilize technology to monitor student academic progress, providing individual feedback to students, including but not limited to, outreach efforts for midterm/final grades and other specialty criteria

Retention and Student Success

1. Provide academic coaching based on a proactive, strengths-based, appreciative advisement model
2. Cultivate and strengthen relationships with other colleges, departments, and success partners across campus in an effort to support student persistence and retention
3. Assist students in identifying appropriate academic and personal goals and setting an achievable path toward success

Policies and Resources

1. Maintain a thorough understanding of university policies, procedures, requirements, processes, and systems, and be able to disseminate this information to students
2. Provide students with clear and accurate information on GVSU policies and procedures as it pertains to degree completion
3. Employ standardized reporting practices to document progress, interactions and referrals as defined by the Center director

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills which may be required.

Required Qualifications:

• Earned Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four-year university
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and access, including experience working with people from diverse backgrounds and identities
• Strong understanding of and demonstrated desire for collaborative approaches to problem-solving
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to work autonomously as well as part of a collaborative team

Preferred Qualifications:

• Earned Master’s Degree in Academic Advising or advising-related field such as College Student Development, Adult and Higher Education, or Educational Leadership
• Student advising or mentoring experience
• Familiarity with current trends and best practices in advising
• Familiarity with computer information systems and web-based records and registration systems, especially Banner, Degree Works, and/or EAB Navigate

Salary: $40,000 - $47,000 dependent on the skills and experience of the selected candidate

Campus: Allendale

Department/College: The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) is the largest college at Grand Valley, offering over 50 bachelor's degrees and a growing number of advanced degrees in the natural and mathematical sciences, the fine arts and humanities, and the social sciences. CLAS is a student-centered and diverse learning community that engages in critical inquiry, extending knowledge to enrich and enliven individual and public life. The CLAS Academic Advising Center offers accessible, accurate, timely, and consistent academic advising to all students pursuing majors and/or minors offered by CLAS, as well as students who are exploring majors, pursuing professional graduate programs, and teacher certification.

Campus/University: Grand Valley University (GVSU) is a public comprehensive institution located in West Michigan with campuses in Allendale, downtown Grand Rapids, and Holland, plus centers in Detroit, Muskegon, and Traverse City. The University attracts more than 23,000 undergraduate and graduate students with high-quality programs and state-of-the-art facilities and has been nationally recognized for innovativeness and its contribution to students’ social mobility. The greater Grand Rapids metropolitan area has a population of around one million people, is affordable and offers rich cultural amenities. Grand Valley is located within easy driving distance of Chicago, Detroit, Lake Michigan beaches, and many other superb summer and winter recreational venues. Information can be found at Community Resources - Human Resources - Grand Valley State University (gvsu.edu). Grand Valley is highly rated for safety, sustainability, and veteran and LGBTQ friendliness, and is committed to supporting employees and their families in work-life balance. The university seeks to create an inclusive and diverse environment for staff, faculty, and students while promoting the enrichment of society through excellent teaching, active scholarship, and service. More information can be found at Grand Valley State University (gvsu.edu).

How to Apply: Please include a cover letter, resume, and statement of your student success philosophy. The online application will allow you to attach these documents electronically. On the application, you will be required to provide names, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses for three professional references. If you have questions or need assistance, call Human Resources at 616-331-2215.

Application Deadline: The review process will begin on September 14, 2023, and applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University.