Description

Summary:

The Office of Student Services in the VCU College of Humanities and Sciences (CHS) is recruiting for two advising positions - one at the Academic Advisor level for students in the Mass Communication major and one at the Academic Advisor or Senior Academic Advisor level for students in the Forensic Science major. The incumbents to these positions will sustain an environment of effective academic advising for undergraduate students in the College in order to support VCU being a leader among national research universities in providing all students with high-quality learning/living experiences focused on inquiry, discovery and innovation in a global environment; and to provide resources to improve the student to advisor ratio departments and schools within the College of Humanities and Sciences. Meeting these needs will improve student engagement through effective academic advising, while supporting the identified metrics of graduation rates and retention.

VCU combines learning, research, creativity, service and discovery with a commitment to inclusive excellence. Ranked by U.S. News as one of the 30 "most innovative" public universities in the country, VCU is a premier, urban, public research university home to multiple nationally ranked programs. Here your success is supported, and your career can thrive.

VCU is proud to support and prioritize the hiring of veterans. As part of this commitment, your years of military service can be credited toward our leave plan, potentially increasing your annual leave accrual.

The position falls under the Academic Advisor/Senior Academic Advisor classification within VCU's Academic and Faculty Affairs job family. For additional details, please visit VCU Human Resources' Job Family and Salary Ranges, https://insidehr.vcu.edu/guidelines/compensation/job-families-and-salary-ranges/.

VCU is transitioning to a new application system beginning October 1, 2025. If you apply before that date, you may be asked to resubmit your application in the new system after the system is live. Clear instructions will be provided at the time. We appreciate your understanding during this transition and look forward to reviewing your application.

Job Specific Duties

These positions require a high degree of confidentiality. The main purpose of these positions is to sustain an environment of effective academic advising for undergraduate students in the respective programs. The person must exercise professional judgment in the following ways:
1. Provide correct up-to-date information about all College and program-specific academic program requirements.
2. Provide correct interpretations of University and College rules and regulations.
3. Be comfortable and accurate in answering pointed questions from parents and students about graduation issues.
4. Be able to tell students they lack requirements for graduation and offer suggestions for completion of the needed requirements (including possible substitutions or waivers of degree requirements).
5. Follow appropriate protocol for situations involving Title IX or FERPA.

1. Provide academic advising services to assigned students:
• Advise students regarding: departmental, College, and University policies and procedures; programs of study; and the development of appropriate academic plans.
• Write letters of recommendation and letters of support for student appeals.
• Assist students in identifying their interests, abilities, skills and academic goals and in making decisions regarding their academic career.
• Introduce students to opportunities that will enrich their academic experience, facilitate their academic and personal development, and support their educational success.
• Teach students how to manage the college experience, navigate the University, make informed decisions, and assume responsibility for their academic success.
• Identify and assist struggling or at-risk students.
• Make appropriate referrals to other university resources.
• Assist students in the online graduation checkout.
• Participate in and provide feedback on training and professional development activities.

2. Collaborate with university partners on matters that impact student recruitment, success, and retention:
• Participate in recruitment activities, programs, and initiatives (e.g., Open House, Preview Day).
• Provide advising services to students during New Student Orientation.
• Support departmental and University retention initiatives.
• Contact continuing students who do not register for classes.

3. Maintain accurate and confidential records of student information, including advising interactions:
• Document all advising interactions with students.
• Maintain training on policies including Title IX and FERPA.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records on students.

4. Monitor student progression in degree program and establish advising checkpoints:
• Use the Navigate advising platform to establish targeted student populations for more intensive advising.
• Use DegreeWorks to determine a student's progress in completing degree requirements.
• Meet all assigned advisees at least once a semester.