Academic Advisor, College of Nursing & Health Professions

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Academic Advisor, College of Nursing & Health Professions.

Position Details

Location Hattiesburg

118 College Drive

Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001

United States

Division College of Nursing and Health Professions

Position Type Staff

Employment Status Full Time

Grant Funded No

Pay Grade

E06

Posting Close Date Open Until FIlled

Job Summary

As a member of our professional advising team, advisors will prioritize the creation of a welcoming, student-centered environment that streamlines academic processes and supports students as they adjust to University life and make progress toward a degree. Advisors will engage in positive, professional, and collaborative interactions with students to take a holistic approach to student support that focuses on identification of strengths, encouragement of excellence, and promotion of persistence in the face of challenges. Advisors must also develop collaborative relationships with other advisors, staff, and faculty across campus to meet these goals. Advisors will be dedicated to continuous improvement and demonstrate an eagerness to learn new skills, stay current on new policies, be well versed in degree requirements, and grow professionally through training and development opportunities, such as attending workshops, presenting at office meetings, and/or holding membership in strategic professional organizations (e.g., NACADA).

Each of the newly hired advisors will have a caseload of undergraduates for whom they serve as a primary advisor. Advisors in the College of Nursing and Health Professions are responsible for advising students in a variety of degree plans including allied health, athletic training, kinesiotherapy, therapeutic recreation, public health, speech pathology and audiology, speech and hearing sciences, health sciences, and nursing.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Utilize the evidence-based best practices for advising embraced by the University to increase student and advisor success. Become fully knowledgeable and maintain expertise on academic policies/procedures and major/degree plans according to the advisor’s area in addition to student resources throughout the University, including Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and beyond.

• Meet and collaboratively engage with students to advise them in matters pertaining to academic curricula, requirements and majors, facilitating academic progression toward degree completion. Refer students to resources on campus and specific staff and faculty as appropriate and be proactive to ensure student issues are addressed efficiently and effectively.

• Respond to student questions, including walk-ins, emails, and phone, with a helpful attitude, correct information, and timeliness; take an active role to resolve student problems. Act as a liaison between students and faculty/staff in units across campus to facilitate communication and address issues as they arise, including communicating with faculty in the programs covered by the advisor’s caseload of majors.

• Provide unbiased guidance to undeclared students and those considering changing majors; work in partnership with Career Services to assist students in making informed choices about both courses of study and future goals. Engage in continuous professional development and training to improve advising skills, including recognizing and supporting the needs of diverse student populations.

• Work independently to manage caseloads, demonstrating strong organizational skills, attention to detail, time management, and memorization. Maintain a strong team-oriented collegial posture to work collaboratively and effectively with other advisors, staff, and faculty across the University.

• Use critical-thinking and problem-solving skills and initiative to assist individual students with particular issues and also to identify methods for improving office processes and systems.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university or experience as an academic advisor.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Adept in Microsoft Office

• Knowledge of leading theories of student development, retention, student success, and working with diverse student populations.

• Excellent communication skills (oral and written)

• Commitment to professional development and growth

• Ability to work effectively as a team member and develop collaborative and productive professional relationships in pursuit of shared goals.

• Skill in working with diverse students to foster an inclusive community that recognizes the value of all people, regardless of ethnicity, race, gender, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, ability, or socioeconomic status.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree

• Prior experience with advisement, student coaching, or other student academic support work, especially with diverse student populations

• Educational background in a field related to higher education, student services, or counseling.

• Educational background, knowledge, or experience with one or more of the disciplinary areas that the advisors will serve (e.g., allied health, athletic training, kinesiotherapy, therapeutic recreation, public health, speech pathology and audiology, speech and hearing sciences, health sciences, and nursing).

About The University of Southern Mississippi

Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions.

Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.

We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.

As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer/Americans with Disabilities Act institution, The University of Southern Mississippi encourages minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities to apply.