Academic Advisor

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide a high level of individual and general student care
  • Engage students by individual and group contacts via various methods: in-person, phone, email, video conferencing, instant chat, classroom visits, blogs, and other means
  • Problem-solve as needed when students encounter issues and problems that present roadblocks in their academic pursuits
  • Collaborate with other divisions of the university such as financial aid and accounting when needed to resolve issues
  • Advocate for students when appropriate
  • Notice common student needs and develop appropriate supports and activities to proactively assist students
  • Refer students to supportive services such as tutoring services, career development, pastoral care, personal counseling, etc. 
• Assist students in developing an academic plan for completion of their desired degree or certificate
  • Maintain generalist knowledge of all aspects of National & Global programs to help students with questions and issues regarding facilitators, curriculum, attendance, financial aid, accounting, and fulfillment of academic requirements
  • Be proficient in the use of various databases found in the university student information system in order to access needed student information
  • Work with each student to develop a written degree completion plan
  • Assist bachelor students in scheduling out core and elective classes to degree completion in order to meet Department of Education guidelines for financial aid and to maximize their aid 
• Actively work to retain students
  • Work individually with students admitted or placed on probation or who are suspended
  • Assist students who are at-risk
  • Counsel students prior to their withdrawal from classes or core programs to discuss options for continuing education and to help the university increase retention of students 
• Contribute to the work of various committees and task forces as assigned
• Work cooperatively with other personnel within the assigned Education Center to provide cohesive services to students attending classes at the center 
• Maintain appropriate records o Document contacts with students
  • Maintain accurate records in university student information system of student’s plans for degree completion to be used by Financial Aid and Accounting to determine financial aid eligibility 
• Attend and assist at graduations on the Marion campus
• Demonstrate a Christian worldview and uphold the university's Christ-centered mission while interacting with students 

Qualifications: According to Indiana Wesleyan University employment policy all employees must possess a strong Christian commitment and adhere to the standards outlined in the IWU Community Lifestyle Statement.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree required

Experience

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse communities and cultures
• Previous experience in higher education preferred

Required Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Commitment to a Christ-centered educational climate
• Ability to problem-solve student academic issues in a timely manner
• Ability to work accurately and be detail oriented
• Ability to work independently and be self-motivated
• Empathetic and caring attitude toward adult students and their needs
• Computer skills
• Analytical thinking skills
• Ability to adhere to strict confidentiality requirements
• Ability to multi-task
• Ability to be flexible in an ever-changing Higher Education environment

IWU Kingdom Diversity Statement

IWU, in covenant with God's reconciling work and in accordance with the Biblical principles of our historic Wesleyan tradition, commits to build a community that reflects Kingdom diversity.  We will foster an intentional environment for living, teaching and learning, which exhibits honor, respect, and dignity.  Acknowledging visible or invisible differences, our community authentically values each member's earthly and eternal worth.  We refute ignorance and isolation and embrace deliberate and courageous engagement that exhibits Christ's commandment to love all humankind.

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER

As a religious educational institution operating under the auspices of The Wesleyan Church, Indiana Wesleyan University is permitted and reserves the right to prefer employees on the basis of religion (42 U.S.C., Sections 2000e-1 and 2000e-2).

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws.