Academic Advisor

Position Overview

University of Kansas Transition to Postsecondary Education (KU TPE) provides specialized services and supports to KU undergraduates with intellectual and developmental disabilities so they may participate in typical KU academic, employment, and student life activities.

The Academic Advisor coordinates the academic components of TPE by using a person-centered approach to provide students with academic coaching and advising, supporting enrollment and academic program completion, and coordinates with other KU units focused on academics and accommodations.

This position develops and implements coursework adaptations for students and supervises the paid and volunteer student academic coaches.

Job Description

25% - Provide overall day-to-day coordination of program activities focusing on academic advising, accommodations and adaptations.

• Act as TPE team lead on all activities related to academics.
• Integrate academic supports and services with other elements of TPE.
• Collaborate across KU units regarding academic services and supports impacting TPE.
• Lead graduation and end of program activities.

25% - Provide academic advising and coaching to students.

• Meet with students weekly to discuss coursework, accommodations and adaptations.
• Identify individualized strategies for access and progress in courses / program.
• Support students to make informed decisions about academic progress.
• Support students’ person-centered plans and career pathways.

25% - Implement process of identifying, developing and implementing individualized adaptations for KU TPE students within a universal design for learning framework.

• Meet with instructors, students and others to identify adaptations for essential course assignments.
• Make coursework / assignment adaptations and teach / support other staff to do so as well.
• Analyze effectiveness of adaptations, make necessary adjustments, and document outcome.
• Provide UDL training to faculty and instructors

20% - Coordinate and oversee volunteer and paid student academic coaches.

• Provide structure and scheduling of academic coaching sessions
• Co-teach 1 credit hour course / semester for academic coaches
• Coordinate with other KU units regarding tutoring and campus-wide academic support

5% - Support overall TPE program activities including :

• Summer Jumpstart and Early Prep in August and January
• Student admissions, onboarding, orientation / tutorial
• Student recruitment events
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with minimum of one (1) year of related experience, OR Master’s degree.
• Minimum of one (1) year experience working with people with disabilities in a personal, professional or volunteer capacity.
• Experience supporting others meet academic or employment goals.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational and administrative skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills as evidenced by application materials.
• Experience working independently and with collaborative teams.
• Strong computer skills especially with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint as well as with online applications / websites.

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in education or related field.
• Experience working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a professional capacity.
• Previous experience working in postsecondary education student or academic services.
• Creative problem-solving experience using a variety of resources.
• Knowledge and experience of postsecondary academic and student services.
• Excellent verbal communication skills as demonstrated by the interview and references.
30+ days ago