Academic Advisor, Residential

Primary Function: The role of an Academic Advisor, Residential (internally known as Residential Student Coach) is to provide knowledgeable assistance to on-campus students to help ensure completion of degree(s) and achievement of educational goals while encouraging each student’s successful and engaging college experience. Assistance is provided by advising students to develop degree plans, review advisement reports, and track progress toward degree completion. This position provides high quality customer service to retain students using University and department best practices. The Residential Student Coach also provides support to the Residence and Student life team through participation in campus programming and activities.

Essential Functions:

Primary responsibilities:

• Coaches students on academic, career and personal issues; identifies the educational and career options appropriate for each student and assists with the analysis of each option, including possible outcomes and implications. Sets up an action plan for the student to explore alternative careers and related majors.
• Identifies financial needs and explains the financial planning process, to include financial aid and eligibility. Explains financial and scholarship application processes and other applicable paperwork to those applying for financial service/lending.
• Utilizes proactive advising techniques to engage students in dialogue through in-person appointments primarily, secondarily through phone, email/sms.
• Work collaboratively with International Programs to assist International students in maintaining their F-1 eligibility status through appropriate course registration. 
• Work collaboratively with the Athletic Department to understand NAIA guidelines for Student Athletes to maintain their eligibility. 
• Help Athletic Coaches facilitate recruit visits and process academic and financial documents for Student Athlete Admission. 
• Encourages participation in campus life activities as part of the holistic student experience.
• Use early intervention strategies to identify student struggles and provide appropriate resource referrals.
• Implements departmental communication plan, based on progression through student life-cycle, which includes multiple Student Coach-initiated contact-points and timely response to student-initiated contact.
• Maintains and updates student records and assists student with degree planning, scheduling and registration process.
• Guides students through the student complaint process to ensure successful resolution of their concerns.
• Utilizes University assessment feedback to improve customer service and student experience.
• Partners and maintains positive relationships with respective University departments, deans, program directors and faculty to ensure a positive student experience and resolution of academic issues.
• Responsible for smooth onboarding of new students to include participation in NSO, New BRUIN Academy, International Student Orientation activities. 
• Interprets, administers, and educates students on Bellevue University policies and procedures.
• Guides students in career exploration, developing their career goals, building professional networks, and preparing for successful job placement.

Marginal Functions:

• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Attend and actively support various University activities and athletic events. 
• Participate in at least one commencement ceremony each year.
• Provide support to Student Life events and activities. 
• Participates on committees as requested.
• Participates in professional conferences and other self-directed professional development activities.
• Adheres to strict confidentiality and other ethical standards.
• Must be clearly student-focused in both philosophy and purpose.
• Practices with an understanding of Bellevue University’s interpretation of applicable laws such as, but not limited to, the Family Educational Rights and privacy Act (FERPA).

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Experience advising students and/or working higher education preferred.
• Strong verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills required.
• Proficiency using MS Office products required.
• Excellent customer service orientation to establish and maintain collaborative partnerships with other departments and students.
• Knowledge of coaching practices and procedures preferred.
• Proven ability to maintain strict level of confidentiality in handling sensitive information.
• Proven ability to manage time effectively, demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills and be able to multi-task.

Working Conditions: 

• Work involves frequent face-to-face, on-line, phone, video, email and other interpersonal contacts with students.
• Work is conducted in a typical office environment.
• Work requires flexible work hours, to include some evenings and weekends as required to meet business needs.

NOTE: The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work involved for this job. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of this job. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.

The Higher Education Opportunity Act requires institutions participating in federally funded financial aid programs to make information about the institution available to the public, current and prospective students, and current and prospective employees. The Bellevue University Consumer Information webpage, found at www.bellevue.edu/student-support/consumer-information/consumer-information, provides readily accessible information to help consumers make informed decisions about post-secondary education. Bellevue University’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (ASR), found at www.bellevue.edu/student-support/consumer-information/pdfs/annual-safety-report.pdf, provides information about campus crime statistics and institutional security policies and procedures as well as information about student housing fire statistics and fire safety policies. You can obtain a paper copy of these reports from the Bellevue Dean of Students office by calling 402-557-7028. In addition to this, Bellevue University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.