POSITION TITLE: Professional Advisor 

DEPARTMENT: Academic and Career Development 

POSITION STATUS: FT (12 month) 

POSITION REPORTS TO: Director of Academic Advising

JOB SUMMARY: Under the direction of the Director of Academic Advising, the Professional Advisor drives the development and growth of first year students through the university’s First Year Advising program that for increased student success and retention. This is a non-ranked faculty position. 

Major Responsibilities/Activities 

• Serve as a trusted resource and point of referral for academic and non-academic needs from confirmation through a student’s first Spring semester. 
• Acts as the case manager for early alert interventions for their assigned students/advisees to provide academic support and coaching opportunities to increase student success.  
• Provide individual and group academic advising, course planning, and course registration to undergraduate first-year students and transfer students with less than 30 credits hours of transfer work which includes: academic planning, course registration for three semesters, connecting advisees with appropriate university resources, and communicating relevant information verbally and electronically. 
• Participates in the planning, implementation, and assessment of programs for First Year Advising alongside academic programs, Student Affairs, and Admissions. 

• Depending on need, teaches or co-teaches (based upon academic credentials) one first-year experience course section per semester. 
• Monitor the academic progress of advisees and students on academic probation who encounter difficulty and intervene when appropriate.  
• Provide robust communication, advising, course planning, and engagement the summer prior to enrollment for new first-year students. 
• Develop collaborative partnerships with academic programs related to program/major advising and events, facilitating connections, and navigating common first year academic experiences. 
• Attend and participate in events relevant to the first-year student experience, potentially including, but not limited to Admission events, orientation events, and Welcome Weekend. 
• Maintain advising notes and student records using university systems. 
• Work with Student Success Coordinator to implement comprehensive student communication plan helping students to navigate their first year at the university.  
• Serve as a resource of best advising practices for faculty and other advisors across the university. 
• Serve on committees/working groups as needed.  
• Other duties as assigned. 

USF WAY:  

University of Saint Francis (USF) employees demonstrate a commitment to the University’s mission and support of its Catholic and Franciscan traditions. Employees provide the intellect, empathy, and ability to serve our students and community. The USF Way of serving is a source of pride for many employees. To provide a consistently high level of quality experience across our university, we provide the following service expectations for all employees. These standards have been tailored by position and responsibilities and are incorporated into performance evaluations.  

Standard #1: Provide opportunities for deeper conversations, prayer, and reflection. 

Standard #2: Utilize best practices in communication and service.  

• Apply care to your words and deeds to ensure respect for others. 
• Commit to follow through without exception and with quality. 
• Offer additional assistance after serving as in, “How else may I assist you?” 
• Respond promptly, whether in person, via phone, or email. 

Standard #3: Recognize and celebrate milestones and achievements. 

Standard #4: Use resources wisely and support green initiatives. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS  

Education  

• Bachelor’s Degree required; Master’s Degree preferred. 

Experience   

• Experience in higher education at the undergraduate level with evidence of success in reaching diverse groups of students required. 
• Experience in advising undergraduates and/or mentoring preferred. 

Knowledge and Skills  

• Appropriate computer skills and knowledge with a working knowledge of and experience with Microsoft Office Suite required.