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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Academic Advisor

💰 $50,000 - $75,000

EducationStudent ServicesHigher EducationCareer Counseling

🎯 Role Definition

An Academic Advisor provides guidance, support, and mentorship to students in higher education, helping them navigate degree requirements, course selection, and career planning. Academic Advisors serve as key resources for academic success, retention, and student engagement, collaborating with faculty, staff, and administration to ensure each student achieves their educational goals.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Academic Support Specialist
  • Career Counselor
  • Student Services Coordinator

Advancement To:

  • Senior Academic Advisor
  • Director of Academic Advising
  • Associate Dean of Student Success

Lateral Moves:

  • Career Services Advisor
  • Retention Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  1. Provide individualized academic advising to students regarding degree requirements, course selection, and academic policies.
  2. Assist students in developing educational and career plans that align with their goals and institutional requirements.
  3. Monitor student progress to ensure timely degree completion and academic success.
  4. Advise students on transfer credits, prerequisites, and course sequencing.
  5. Support students on probation, suspension, or academic difficulty with strategies for improvement.
  6. Facilitate orientation sessions and workshops to introduce students to campus resources and academic policies.
  7. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of curriculum changes, program requirements, and academic regulations.
  8. Collaborate with faculty to identify at-risk students and develop intervention strategies.
  9. Utilize student information systems to track advising sessions, academic progress, and outcomes.
  10. Provide guidance on internship, research, and extracurricular opportunities to enhance student development.
  11. Support students in career exploration, graduate school planning, and professional development.
  12. Assist in registration and enrollment planning, ensuring students meet deadlines and prerequisites.
  13. Conduct academic assessments to identify learning needs or gaps in knowledge.
  14. Offer advice and support regarding study skills, time management, and academic strategies.
  15. Serve as a liaison between students and campus departments to resolve administrative or academic issues.
  16. Track and report student engagement, retention, and advising outcomes to institutional leadership.
  17. Participate in advising committees and professional development opportunities to enhance advising effectiveness.
  18. Develop and distribute resources and guides for academic policies, course planning, and degree completion.
  19. Provide counseling and support for students facing personal, financial, or social challenges that impact academic performance.
  20. Promote a culture of inclusion, diversity, and equity in all advising practices and interactions.

Secondary Functions

  • Support initiatives to improve student retention, engagement, and satisfaction.
  • Assist in the development of advising programs, workshops, and orientation materials.
  • Participate in the collection and analysis of student success data for institutional reporting.
  • Collaborate with faculty and staff to enhance academic advising policies and processes.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficiency with student information systems (SIS) such as Banner, PeopleSoft, or Colleague.
  • Knowledge of academic policies, degree requirements, and curriculum planning.
  • Experience with data tracking and reporting related to student progress and retention.
  • Familiarity with career counseling tools and assessment instruments.
  • Ability to develop individualized academic and career plans.
  • Competence in workshop and orientation program design.
  • Knowledge of transfer credit evaluation and articulation agreements.
  • Experience with supporting students on probation or academic interventions.
  • Understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion principles in higher education.
  • Familiarity with online advising platforms, virtual advising, and remote communication tools.

Soft Skills

  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills to connect with students, faculty, and staff.
  • High level of empathy and active listening to support students’ personal and academic needs.
  • Excellent organizational and time management abilities.
  • Ability to provide mentorship and motivational guidance.
  • Problem-solving and critical thinking skills to address academic challenges.
  • Collaborative mindset and teamwork across campus departments.
  • Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic academic environment.
  • Attention to detail in documentation, planning, and reporting.
  • Cultural competence and sensitivity to diverse student populations.
  • Commitment to continuous professional development and best practices in academic advising.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Education, Counseling, Psychology, or a related field.

Preferred Education:

  • Master’s degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Counseling, or related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Higher Education
  • Counseling
  • Psychology
  • Student Affairs

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 2–5 years of experience in academic advising, student services, or higher education support.

Preferred:

  • Prior experience advising diverse student populations in a college or university setting.
  • Experience with career counseling, retention programs, or orientation services.
  • Demonstrated success in improving student engagement and academic outcomes.
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