Academic Success Advisor

The mission of The University of Bridgeport is to promote academic excellence, personal responsibility, and commitment to service. Distinctive curricula in an international, culturally diverse supportive learning environment prepare graduates for life and leadership in an increasingly interconnected world.

 

Position Description Summary/Purpose:

This position serves as an academic advisor in the Office of Student Academic Success (OSAS). This position is responsible for comprehensively advising first-year degree-seeking students, supplemental advising upper-class students, facilitating new student orientations; providing student success and recovery coaching and leading student success workshops. The position is responsible for providing support for the academic and professional development of University of Bridgeport students.

 

Essential Job Functions/Primary Responsibilities:

(The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)

 

• Serves as the primary academic contact for their assigned advisees.  Provides academic and developmental support and guidance for assigned caseload in individual and group settings in accordance with University academic policies and procedures.  Advisor positions will maintain an appropriately scaled caseload with potential of increase after time in the position and/or acquiring a Master’s degree.

• Conducts needs assessments and coordinates the development and implementation of action and educational plans for each student.  As well as monitors, evaluates, and reports on each student’s academic progress; intervening with appropriate support services when necessary and referring to appropriate on- and off-campus support services as needed.

• Assists students in planning and registering for courses appropriate to their educational goals, major exploration, and declaring/changing majors.

• Assists students in developing skills and strategies for academic and personal success.  Encourages students to utilize tutoring and other support services.

• Follows up on academic alerts, mid-term grades, and other indications of student concerns.

• Serves as a point of contact for students on academic warning and probation, provides success strategy coaching, and makes appropriate advising plans to work toward academic recovery and success.

• Assists with planning and facilitating workshops each semester for academic and personal development.

• Maintains advising notes, documents pertinent student information, and maintains accuracy of files with clear and updated materials each semester.

• Is familiar with campus resources and makes appropriate referrals according to student issues (Career Development, Health Services, Counseling Services, Student Accessibility Services, Housing and Residential Life, etc.).

• Represents OSAS by establishing and maintaining working relationships with University staff and faculty by serving on committees, providing workshops, participating in staff meetings and trainings.

• Participates in Open Houses, Accepted Student Days, Orientation, and other special events.  Engages with campus partners and prospective students and provides informational presentations

• Performs other duties as assigned.

 

Knowledge, Ability and Skill:

• Demonstrated commitment to developing and fostering best practices and policies to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and build an environment in which all members of the University community are treated with respect and dignity.

• Experience and knowledge of diagnostic and career assessment materials and knowledge of learning strategies and accommodations for diverse populations, including academically disadvantaged students is preferred.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, interpersonal skills (particularly in working with a diverse student population, organizational and management skills are required.

• Working knowledge of computer applications is required; previous experience working with college technologies including Colleague, Student Planning, and Microsoft Sharepoint preferred.

• Some evening and weekend hours may be required (incumbents must be willing and able to be flexible with their working hours).