Academic Advisor

at  American University of Kuwait

JOB DESCRIPTION

Department: Academic Advising Center (AAC)
Reports to: Director-Academic Advising Center

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree required, demonstrated understanding of role of academic advisement.

Years of Experience:

• At least 2-3 years of experience in academic advising or a related role.
• Experience in higher education settings preferred.

SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Excellent student service skills;
• Excellent written and spoken English communication skills: communicate clearly and professionally and adapt communication strategies to different purposes and audiences.
• Excellent organizational skills: ability to work in a methodical and logical manner to manage priorities, deadlines, and workload to complete tasks and projects in a timely manner and to meet deadlines.
• Excellent leadership skills: ability to motivate and manage student workers.
• Excellent collaborative skills: ability to work effectively in teams.
• Excellent problem solving.
• Excellent computer skills: proficient in using various software programs, including Microsoft Office and e-mail, and adaptable to new forms of digital communication.
• Able to effectively work with a diverse student population.
• Able to effectively interact with administrators, students, faculty and colleagues.
• Able to learn quickly and adapt to change.
• Able to work both independently and in teams.
• Able to remain composed in an extremely fast-paced environment.
• Able to take the initiative to generate new ideas and develop activities to increase campus engagement with academic advising.
• Able to deal with interruptions throughout the workday.
• Able to interpret, articulate, and implement policies.
• Able to maintain confidentiality.
• Able to work some flexible hours.
• Able to travel on AUK’s behalf.

SCOPE AND PURPOSE:

Under the direct supervision of the Director of Academic Advising, the Academic Advisor provides academic advice and educational planning for current students. The Academic Advisor is responsible for assessing academic levels, responding to student academic inquires, assisting in the resolution of individual academic problems, and advising on academic program changes. Advises and assists students in the development of academic plans and class schedules, analyzes applications, transfer evaluations, and transcripts for entry and exit from the university.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Advises students about academic requirements, selection of courses, and general educational planning; answers student inquiries and resolves problems related to curriculum and course prerequisites, referring to catalogs, written course descriptions, and other appropriate sources.
• Helps students understand and interpret academic policies and guidelines.
• Assist in the evaluation requests for new transfer students as well as Government scholarship students.
• Enhances students’ academic performance by advising at-risk students recommended through various early warning programs developed by the AAC.
• Maintains accurate student files, updating and evaluating files as new information is received.
• Refers students to appropriate university resources such as Tutoring Center, Writing Center (WTC) and all other campus resources.
• Reviews student files to ensure deadlines are met for completing various graduation requirements such as coursework requirements, and other specific program requirements.
• Conducts faculty academic advising training sessions; serves as a resource for faculty when needed; Specifically, on Degree Works- Academic Advising Tool.
• Assists faculty advisors and/or other counseling personnel by providing records, evaluations, interpretations, and other requested data, recommendations, and conclusions when needed.
• Assists AAC in compiling data for and composing an annual report on academic advising.
• Assists with the development, revision, and updating of Academic Advising Center processes, forms, and publications.
• Participates in the assessment and evaluation of academic advising and advising programs.
• Collaborates with other AAC staff in developing university events related to AAC and Student Affairs.
• Participates in ongoing professional development, staying current on theories and practices of academic advising by reading NACADA research.
• Performs supplemental administrative activities such as scheduling meetings and interviews, securing requested information, verifying, and maintaining computerized data files, and preparing summary reports.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned in support of the needs of students and the Academic Advising Center.