Academic Advisor

This position is grant funded through September 2025.

POSITION SUMMARY

Provide academic advising and coaching for students in the fields of Engineering, IT, Business & Criminal Justice from point of entry to program completion; Assist students to develop academic plans and register for classes, and make referrals to appropriate campus and community human service programs that help to increase student success as outlined with department goals, strategic plan, and the mission of Marion Technical College (the "College").

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES, FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop a thorough knowledge of College academic program requirements and curriculums, admission criteria, courses, financial aid processes, and other internal and external student services. Maintain an understanding of course transferability and the ability to communicate and relate to students.
• Provide academic advising to traditional and non-traditional students for successful course, goal, or degree completion, with a primary focus on students in engineering, information technology, business and criminal justice. Research labor market for assigned program occupations. Advise students on matters of curriculum, course and degree requirements, and graduation. Interpret placement test results and transcripts to determine appropriate course recommendations.
• Help promote a “Culture of Caring” for students and staff throughout the College.
• Assist students with registration and academic planning throughout student’s academic program. Develop individualized academic plans using Aviso. Contact each advisee regularly throughout the semester and maintain accurate records.
• Monitor advisees’ academic progress. Congratulate students who are staying on target. Intervene with students who are not reaching their academic goals or making satisfactory academic progress. Perform outreach to students who receive an early alert for academic or personal concerns, attendance, or midterm grade reports.
• Assist with new student enrollment (first-year and transfer) by providing information on academic programs, selective program admission, financial aid, and referrals to campus resources, etc. Provide career advising to undecided students. Meet with students individually and in group settings on- and off-campus.
• Coach advisees on academic warning or probation. Develop tailored academic success plans and monitor progress to help them return to good academic standing and complete academic goals and/or degree program.
• Participate in campus events such as career fairs, new student orientations, student recruitment activities, and related events. Provide support and assist with activities in student academic organizations in the fields of engineering, IT, business, and criminal justice. Assist with recruitment activities and campus/community events for STEM fields, especially for underrepresented populations and non-traditional careers.
• Utilize College information systems, including PowerCampus and Aviso to validate student data and update student files and information. Maintain user proficiency for software programs, systems, and databases used by the College.
• Evaluate student problems and concerns (academic, administrative, or personal). Assess students for non-academic risk factors and identify circumstantial and social factors that potentially create barriers for academic retention and completion. Make referrals to appropriate student services office or external agencies for additional counseling and support. Work with other offices on behalf of students to facilitate problem resolution.
• Maintain a current schedule to accommodate student advising needs, including office hours, on- and off-campus meetings, classes, etc. Maintain flexibility to meet department needs.
• Create and pursue a plan for professional development opportunities within the scope of work responsibilities, department, and College objectives. Demonstrate self-motivation and ability to research and continually update knowledge and skills, as well as provide input and accept additional and changing work responsibilities.
• Attend community functions that may require creating and presenting information on the College programs to a wide range of peers. Attend on- or off-campus College meetings and serve on departmental and College committees as assigned by the supervisor.
• Respond to inquiries from students, College employees and customers while maintaining standards of confidentiality and privacy, in a timely manner. Maintain confidentiality in accordance with the College, FERPA, student records, and any other protected documentation.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university required. Master's degree in higher education, college student personnel, education, counseling, social work or related field from a regionally accredited college or university preferred. Experience in academic advising, student services, mental health counseling, guidance counseling, rehabilitation counseling, career counseling, or related required. Previous experience in higher education highly desired. Experience in or knowledge of academic programs and careers related to business, IT, engineering, and/or criminal justice preferred. Proficiency in Microsoft® Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) with excellent computer and related technology skills required. Demonstrate the ability to work independently and complete projects with high attention to detail with minimal direction and oversight. Must have strong communication skills and ability to work in a team environment. Knowledge of engineering, information technology, and/or health professions desirable. Willingness to work an irregular schedule as assigned. Ability to successfully pass a background check, prior to and after employment. Valid driver’s license or dependable transportation required.

ADA SPECIFICATIONS

This position is classified, as Staff will perform a wide range of professional and administrative support functions for the College, primarily in an office setting. Further information may be obtained from the Office of Human Resources.

DISCLAIMER

Any other duties deemed appropriate may be assigned - The duties and responsibilities defined above are not an all-inclusive list, but a general summary of typical duties. Individuals in this position may be asked to perform a wide range of related tasks, within the scope of their education or certification, to ensure that the highest level of educational services are provided. We all share the responsibility of doing whatever is required to make Marion Technical College a great place to be - for an education and for a career.