Academic Advisor

The Academic Advisor is responsible for delivering high-quality academic advising and student support services for Lakeland University students at the Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) co-location. The position assists students from inquiry through graduation by providing academic planning, course selection guidance, and connection to institutional resources. The advisor also serves as an on-site ambassador for Lakeland University, strengthening the university's partnership with WCTC and supporting initiatives that enhance student engagement, retention, and degree completion.

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS

All Lakeland University staff members are expected to:

• Demonstrate in their words and actions an appreciation for the history of Lakeland University and a commitment to its stated mission;
• Represent unequivocally in their behavior the stated values of the University;
• Be good stewards of the University's resources, including its personnel and the goodwill of its friends, its alumni, and local community;
• Work collaboratively (as opposed to competitively) with their peers to meet objectives and achieve our goals;
• Keep their supervisor appropriately informed;
• Be forthright and honest in their communication with all members of the University community;
• Treat all members in a manner of teamwork and respect;
• Acts in a manner that sets the standard for service in higher education and the core principals of Lakelanders Excelling at Professionalism (LEAP) - show respect, communicate, and be positive;
• Advise their supervisor with respect to all matters that require their attention, including their own performance.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Serve as an advisor, counselor, advocate, and mentor for returning adult students as they transition into the academic environment and strive to balance education, employment, family, and/or other life responsibilities and challenges;
• Advise up to 300 returning adult students by providing timely and accurate information about registration procedures, general education requirements, supporting and major course requirements for available programs of study, and rules, regulations, policies, and procedures of the institution;
• Develop and implement advising procedures that allow for successful monitoring, advisor and student self-assessment, reporting of strategic benchmarks, and initiation of intervention strategies associated with student retention and successful degree-completion;
• Participate in program planning, professional development activities, and collaborations with academic and administrative units to provide educational and support services promoting the retention and degree-completion of returning adult students;
• Refer students to other campus and community resources as appropriate: faculty mentors, career counselors, financial aid advisors and other student service representatives, other University offices or personnel, and resources external to campus.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

SPECIALIZED KNOW-HOW & SKILLS

• Qualification Required:
  • Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited University or university with at least two years' experience within a higher education environment. Strong organizational skills and an aptitude to assess the needs of, and effectively communicate with, adult students diverse in ability, background, and academic interests. Ability to form constructive working relationships with adult students. Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills. Proficiency in commonly used technologies (e.g., Microsoft Office) and an ability to master new software applications as needed.
• Qualifications Preferred:
  • Master's degree from a regionally accredited University with at least two years' experience within higher education environment. Experience working with returning adult students and a familiarity with teaching and learning principles of adult education. Working knowledge of the Jenzabar software platform.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

• No or very limited exposure to physical risk;
• No or very limited physical effort required;
• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.

OTHER DUTIES

• Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Lakeland University does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources.

Lakeland University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Educator.