Academic Advisor

GENERAL SUMMARY

The Academic Advisor reports directly to the Senior Academic Advisor and then to the Director of Advising, Retention, and Persistence as a second level supervisor.

The Academic Advising Center assists in the persistence, retention and graduation of new and returning students. Advisors provide students with accurate and current information about academic programs and campus policies, empower students to own their educational choices and career path decisions, make referrals to supportive services and offices on campus in order to keep students engaged in their educational goals, and guide students to completion of the appropriate degree or certificate program.

The primary purpose of this position is to assist in the persistence, retention and completion of CCD students. Academic Advisors serve their assigned students from the beginning to the end of their CCD tenure, in accordance with key benchmarks and philosophy of advising services that CCD employs, which focuses on motivating students to complete certificate / degree requirements and successfully transfer to a 4-year institution and / or enter the work-force upon completion.

Staff must demonstrate a commitment to the mission, vision, and philosophy of community college.

Duties and Responsibilities

Student Advisement and Pathways

• Assist and advise students towards the persistence and completion of their academic and career goals.
• Provide context related to CCD’s pathways / cluster offerings. Work with students to determine appropriate placement based on assessment requirements, discuss academic planning based on academic / career goals, provide direction related to registration, and direct students to internal / external resources to assist with barriers to their educational goals.
• Exhibit consistent knowledge and expertise related to all enrollment and financial aid policies and procedures, as well as knowledge related to determined academic program specialties and CCD programs in general.
• Maintain accurate records of all advising contacts using designated software or systems such as Banner, STEAR, etc.
• Ensure that advisee caseloads adhere to advising model process and that students are persisting. Manage advisee loads according to the annual maintenance and flow priorities as to communication, focus, workload, and documentation.

Communication and Customer Service

• Maintain communication with all necessary stakeholders and constituents in order to effectively respond to individual student needs, mainly facilitated through use of the Early Alert System, referrals to internal / external resources and offices, and continual communication with assigned advisees.
• Actively pursue and maintain currency on determined program pathways, as well as academic program options, in general, through participation in professional development, training, and use of best practices.

Student Progress and Program Completion

• Promote students’ progress from intentional advising to self-sufficiency in accordance with the advising philosophy, including how to make decisions, declare and confirm their intended major or career pathway, measure their own progress as it relates to their educational goals, select and register for college courses, and utilize the CCD student Portal.
• Provide accurate information and advising related to degrees and certificates to ensure students follow the prescribed program plans in order to complete their certificate / degree and / or to transfer to a four-year college / university or be prepared to enter the workforce upon graduation in accordance with college wide enrollment, persistence, and completion goals.

Professional Development

Maintain currency about best advising practices to include, but not limited to, attendance and participation in staff meetings, departmental / division-wide professional development and trainings, review of professional literature, and professional association websites / resources;

also includes participation in campus committees as assigned or selected.

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :

Any equivalent combination of education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Education :

Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Psychology, Counseling, Sociology or related field.

Experience :

Two (2) years of experience in academic advising or counseling in higher education or high school, or related work with at-risk students / clients.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities :

• Knowledge of academic advising and career development practices and principles.
• Knowledge of working with underrepresented student populations including students of color, first generation and low income students.
• Ability to demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills in order to provide high quality customer service to students.
• Knowledge and ability to promote student learning and development.
• Facilitation of effective advising / group advising programs.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including days, evenings, and some weekend assignments.
• Adept with use of MS Office Suite and other related / similar software.
• Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a team.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS :

Education :

Master’s Degree in Education, Psychology, Counseling, Sociology, or a related field.

Experience :

Three (3) years of experience in academic advising or counseling in higher education or high school, or related work including student contact in a high-risk environment.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities :

• Bilingual.
• Experience with a student information system, such as Banner.
• Knowledge of programs of study, including general education requirements and prerequisites for academic pathways.
• Knowledge of Career Clusters, meta majors and guided pathways.
• Knowledge of workforce education trends, occupations and career options.
• Ability to identify relevant community resources and external support services and connect students as appropriate.
• Ability to effectively present information one-on-one and in small groups, as well as, ability to write reports, business correspondence and communication tools.
Equipment Used :
• Computers
• Computers
• Office machines (copiers, fax, scanners, etc)

Supplemental Information

Our campus is located in downtown Denver, adjacent to two light rail stations, and just minutes away from shopping, restaurants, and event venues.

When you visit our campus, it will be immediately evident that our faculty, staff, and instructors are passionate about serving our diverse student population.

At CCD our passion is to help others, and we offer career pathways that will make a difference in the lives of our students.