Senior Academic Advisor

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) is searching for Senior Academic Advisor. 

CLAS Senior Academic Advisors provide academic advising to students and advising-based perspectives to university colleagues and public stakeholders, such as students, family members and prospective students. They integrate interpersonal and communication skills with knowledge of curricula, policies (departmental, collegiate, and University), resources, and student development to help students identify options, set academic and developmental goals, and make progress toward those goals. Senior Academic Advisors gather data and collaborate with colleges and academic programs on matters that impact student recruitment, success, and retention. They administer, advocate for, or take a leadership role in programs and initiatives that facilitate student transition, success, and retention or that enhance the overall process of academic advising at the University. 

CLAS senior academic advisors play a crucial role in supporting both the departments they serve and ensuring student success. They provide guidance to students throughout their university journey in-person, through Zoom meetings or email. This includes academic planning, goal setting, fostering a welcoming environment, and promoting engagement in opportunities and resources for academic and career growth. 

CLAS advisors provide personalized academic advising to students, helping them navigate their path to graduation. They offer additional support to students facing personal and academic challenges, including those on academic probation, to improve retention and graduation rates. They monitor student academic progress and intervene as necessary to ensure timely graduation. CLAS senior advisors engage students in career exploration, personal and professional development and the cultivation of a lifelong learning mindset. They also assist transfer students in transitioning smoothly to the University, ensuring their previous coursework is appropriately credited. 

Senior advisors actively collaborate with departmental faculty and staff to enhance the undergraduate experience. They participate in departmental committees to provide insights on curriculum development, policies, and procedures from an advising perspective. They contribute to departments by offering recommendations on student issues, course scheduling, and curriculum requirements.  

In addition, CLAS advisors work collaboratively, supporting one another through cross-training, programming, and staff development. They also play a vital role in committees that collectively improve the advising experience. Advisors engage in weekly and monthly developmental and community-oriented activities within the College and take part in commencement ceremonies, recruitment and other significant college events. 

Senior academic advisors ensure a meaningful and transformative college experience for each student, fostering an environment that supports both academic and personal growth. 

This position is eligible for hybrid work within Iowa and will require a work arrangement form to be completed upon the start of your employment. Per policy, work arrangements will be reviewed annually, and must comply with the remote work program and related policies and employee travel policy when working at a remote location. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Advise undergraduate majors on departmental, collegiate and University policies and procedures. Monitor completion of General Education Program requirements and advise students on selection of courses that satisfy the requirements. Advise and monitor student progress regarding major requirements and on the development of appropriate academic plans.  
• Coordinate or facilitate exceptions to department policies and procedures concerning transfer courses, study abroad courses or major requirements. 
• Sit on department committees or represent unit on campus committees, task forces, and initiatives. Collect and analyze data and information about each program for the department and /or College. Facilitate surveys of undergraduate students for advising or department assessment. 
• Coordinate and/or implement advising strategies.  Conduct and/or participate in special projects, campus-wide committees and search committee’s areas of functional advising coordination. 
• Provide feedback, suggestions, and recommendations to Departmental and College administration, and to faculty as appropriate, regarding policies and procedures and/or proposed changes.  

For a full job description or questions about this position, please send an email to melia-pieper@uiowa.edu