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Academic Advisor, College of Engineering

Employer
Lamar University
Location
Beaumont, TX, TX
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Employment Type
Full Time
Institution Type
Four-Year Institution
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Job Details

Job Summary

Lamar University’s College of Engineering advising group is administratively dual reporting to the Division of Enrollment Management and Marketing and College of Engineering Dean’s Office. This position reports directly to the Associate Director of Academic for Student Success within the College of Engineering and Engineering Institute for Energy and Petrochemical Industries (EPI) and serves as a key leader within the College. The position is an entry-level academic advising role. The Academic Advisor will function under the mentorship of advisor seniors and college enrollment management.

An Academic Advisor in the College of Engineering advises undergraduate students with 60+ hours within a cohort of all college majors. The Academic Advisor is responsible for the advising, retention, and various student success services, ensuring the welfare and academic success of the college's student population. The primary responsibilities encompass knowledge of departmental curriculum, executing effective recruit-back initiatives, addressing high-risk student needs, and developing a valuable experience. The Academic Advisor is a key contributor to the department's mission to support students from application to graduation and beyond, ultimately ensuring their holistic growth and achievement within the field of engineering. The Academic Advisor plays a critical role in enhancing the academic and personal support services for engineering students. This position requires strategic planning and the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders to ensure student success and program effectiveness. Ensuring that university policies, state mandates, and ABET accreditation are carried out in advising and enrolling students.Essential Job Functions

  • Holistically assist students on their journey at Lamar University, with specific focus on each piece of the matriculation cycle to include:
    • Initial enrollment.
    • Support during the term for successful completion of courses.
    • Referrals to pertinent support offices.
    • Empowering students to build success skills for progression, sound decision-making, goal setting, and degree completion.
    • Reenrollment each term through graduation.
  • Assess each student individually and provide a “one student at a time” approach in the academic advising and student (customer) service strategies.
  • Utilize advising systems and technologies (e.g. Banner, Navigate, DegreeWorks) to support delivery of advising services and keep accurate records of student advising contacts and progress toward degree completion. Maintain and update student files and records in accordance with federal, state and university regulations.
    • Utilize degree audit reports to advise students on appropriate course selections and evaluate student’s degree progress.
    • Assist students in interpreting degree audit and requesting any exemptions or course substitutions from the academic departments that may be needed.
  • Assist students in developing an academic plan for each semester based on their exploration of various fields of study, evaluation of academic abilities, departmental requirements, clarification of educational and career goals, and academic policies and procedures.
  • Use predictive analytic software to identify, create, or secure resources and services to enhance the academic and personal development of engineering students, ensuring access to necessary academic support, counseling, tutoring, etc., and collaborating with other departments, faculty, and staff for seamless coordination of support services. Assist students in developing an academic success plan and provide follow-up guidance and support.
  • Verify, compile, interpret, and record a wide variety of data and student information. Track student interactions, input notes, and monitor student success data to influence successful outcomes and provide follow up with students as needed. Responsible to consistently report pertinent data to direct supervisor.
  • Assist in the on-going assessment activities of the department and division. Work with leadership to design and implement programs that ease the transition for engineering students, ensuring they have the necessary support and resources for a successful first-year and retention into upperclassmen years.
    • Collaborate with undergraduate and graduate advisors within the college and university to ensure that students receive comprehensive academic advising, including course selection, degree planning, and progress monitoring.
    • Collaborate with department chairs to ensure comprehensive and accurate advising, course selection, degree planning, and progress monitoring.
  • Lead programs and initiatives to re-engage former students who wish to return to the engineering program.
  • Conduct end of term processes such as checking grades and schedules and assist with probation, suspension, and reinstatement procedures.
  • Other duties may be assigned to this position on a regular or occasional basis to respond to the needs of the university.
    • Minimum and Desired Qualifications

    Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree required.
  • At least 1 year of experience in academic advising or related experience.
  • Official transcripts are required at the time of employment.
  • Ability to maintain a high level of dependability, professionalism & customer service.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills including active listening and ability to present information clearly and professionally to a range of audiences.
  • Effective decision-making and problem-solving skills. Ability to use sound judgment, discretion and diplomacy when working on sensitive issues with students.
  • Contribute to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of professional skills among a team all working toward the goal of elevating students, their success, and the department’s commitment to a high level of student (customer) service.
  • Develop and perpetually expand academic advising strategies and in addition to learning the Lamar University, academic department, college and UAC policies and procedures and assist students in navigating these when appropriate.
  • Successful experience working with and building positive advising relationships with target student populations in higher education.
  • Work well as part of a team and establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with various constituencies to include students, colleagues, faculty and administrators.
  • Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports. Knowledge of basic computer operating system, word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs.
    • Desired Qualifications:
  • An understanding of the principles of college student development and the policies and structure of a typical four-year, public university.
  • Proficiency and experience in utilizing a range of technologies, which may encompass, but are not limited to, systems like Navigate, Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems/Slate, etc.
  • Proficiency in advanced technical and computer skills to support administrative functions, including but not limited to the MS Office Suite, with a strong focus on PowerPoint, Excel, and database management.
  • Familiarity with electronic calendar management and various videoconferencing applications like Outlook, Zoom, MS Teams, MS Office, Slate, etc.
    • Supplemental Information

    Key Competencies:
  • Dependability, creativity, good judgment, professionalism, customer service, and dedication to sound principles of student development are paramount among necessary characteristics for this position.
  • Detail-oriented.
  • Timely completion of duties.
  • Proficient in delivering highest quality of customer service when engaging with industry leaders, representatives, faculty, staff, and students.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills including active listening and ability to present information clearly and professionally to a range of audiences.
  • Effective decision-making and problem-solving skills. Ability to use sound judgment, discretion and diplomacy when working on sensitive issues with students.
  • Contribute to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of professional skills among a team all working toward the goal of elevating students, their success, and the college’s commitment to a high level of student (customer) service.
  • Demonstrate professionalism, respect, and effective communication when interacting with students, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders.
  • Develop and perpetually expand academic advising strategies and in addition to learning the Lamar University, academic departments, college and UAC policies and procedures and assist students in navigating these when appropriate.
  • Successful experience working with and building positive advising relationships with target students in higher education.
  • Work well as part of a team and establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with various constituencies to include students, colleagues, faculty and administrators.
  • Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports.
  • Knowledge of basic computer operating system, word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs, included by not limited to; DegreeWorks, Navigate, Banner, Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems/Slate, etc.
    • Physical Requirements:
  • Lifting and Carrying: The ability to lift and move reams/boxes of paper, tables, decorations, and other supplies, weighing up to 25lbs, as necessary for job tasks.
  • Event Setup and Teardown: Must be capable of setting up and tearing down equipment and materials for events, which may involve bending, lifting, and carrying.
    • Job Conditions:
  • 8 am – 5 pm Monday – Friday, some early mornings, some evenings, some weekends.
  • This is an on-campus, in-person position. Individuals in this position may occasionally work after hours and a few weekends on a rotating schedule. There are occasional travel opportunities to professional meetings and conferences.
  • This position may require participation and attendance in academic advising outreach at college, university, and recruitment events.
    • Special Note:
  • We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship now or in the future.

    • Lamar University is An Equal Opportunity Employer

    Lamar University is proud to provide employment preference to veteran applicants in accordance with Texas 805 Government Code, Section 657.003.

    This position is security-sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of the Texas Education Code §51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information.

    Organization

    Texas Roots. Infinite Possibilities.

    Lamar University students enjoy small classes where they can build lasting friendships with professors and peers. The 270-acre campus is in Beaumont, Texas, located about 90 miles east of Houston and 25 miles west of the Louisiana border. A comprehensive public university, Lamar gives students a chance to explore a variety of interests to prepare them to succeed in whatever fields they choose.

    Academics

    A member of the Texas State University System, Lamar University offers 63 undergraduate, 47 master's and nine doctoral degree programs. The university has more than 13,000 students enrolled in five academic colleges - Arts and Sciences, Business, Education and Human Development, Engineering, Fine Arts and Communication. Lamar also offers the College of Graduate Studies and academic programs such as the Center for General Studies.

    Students have access to numerous opportunities for scholarships, undergraduate research and study abroad programs. Lamar University students have: 

    • Performed research for NASA and flown experiments on NASA reduced-gravity flights.
    • Presented original research at academic conferences as undergraduates in fields including mathematics, business and sociology.
    • Enjoyed a 73 percent acceptance rate to medical and dental schools in recent years, compared to a 39 percent acceptance rate statewide.
    • Gone on to lead major companies and make a name for themselves in fields from art and music to nursing and engineering.

    Athletics

    Students can participate in or cheer on their peers in more than a dozen NCAA Division I sports. Last year, the Cardinals were Southland Conference champions in men's golf, cross country and women's tennis. The volleyball and men's basketball teams were regular season co-champs and the women's basketball team was Southland Conference East Division champion. The LU baseball program has produced several major leaguers. The women's soccer program is entering its second season. The golf team has topped national rankings in recent years.

    LU is beginning to rebuild a football program. A coach was hired in 2008. The stadium and athletic complex are being renovated, and the Cardinals plan to return to the gridiron in 2010.

    Campus Life

    A building boom at Lamar University in the past decade has given students access to state-of-the art facilities for learning, playing, dining and living.

    Residents of Cardinal Village, the modern residence halls, have private bedrooms, high-speed Internet and amenities including an outdoor pool, basketball courts and community centers. The new dining hall offers a bistro ambience with international and American cuisine.

    Working out in the Sheila Umphrey Recreational Sports Center is like a trip to an exclusive gym where students have an automatic membership. Features include a 43-foot climbing wall, an elevated jogging track, new cardiovascular and weighttraining equipment, and courts for sports such as basketball, racquetball and indoor soccer. Competitive types can participate in intramural sports ranging from basketball and flag football to dodgeball, cricket and pool.

    Making friends and building a social network is easy at Lamar with more than 100 clubs and organizations registered on campus. Through campus organizations, students can:

    • Join a fraternity or sorority
    • Get involved in community service
    • Delve into a cause
    • Nurture spiritual beliefs
    • Start networking in future professions
    • Do all of the above.

    LU is a short drive from many outdoor adventures: a day at the beach, canoeing or fishing on area rivers and bayous, hiking in the Big Thicket National Preserve. Shopping and entertainment options also are nearby including theaters, museums and live music venues large and small.

    History

    Lamar University was founded in 1923 as South Park Junior College a few blocks from the current location. The name changed to Lamar College in 1932 to honor Mirabeau B. Lamar, second president of the Republic of Texas and the "Father of Education" in Texas. In 1951, the school became Lamar State College of Technology, a state-supported four-year institution, the first junior college in Texas to make such a transition. The name changed to Lamar University in 1971. The university joined the Texas State University System in 1995.

    Visit/Apply

    Visit campus to learn more about all Lamar University has to offer. Guided campus tours normally are scheduled at 10 a.m. or 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.

    To arrange a campus visit, call (409) 880-8316 or e-mail recruitment@lamar.edu

    To apply for admission, financial aid and scholarships, go to http://lamar.edu/admissions

     

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