Keene State College invites applications for an Academic Advisor to provide academic advising and retention support for a variety of populations: undecided students, students at risk, transfer students, and partnering majors. In support of Student Academic Support Services, the KSC Mission, and the KSC Strategic Plan support a direction, philosophy, and approach to academic advising services at Keene State College.

Applicants should be prepared to upload the following documents when applying online:

Application Deadline: Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled or otherwise closed at the College’s discretion. For full consideration please submit materials by Sunday, December 1, 2024.

A Master’s Degree in Education, Counseling, or related field, or matriculation in a graduate program. Two years of experience in a k-12, college, university, counseling, community agency or similar setting providing academic advising, advising support, student services, career counseling, mentoring, or counseling. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively through verbal and written means with a variety of constituencies (students, parents, staff, and faculty) regarding advising-related issues, including course availability and registration. Demonstrated interpersonal, organizational, and project management skills as well as strong attention to detail. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with students, parents, faculty, and staff. Demonstrated proficiency with computer applications including Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, Qualtrics, WEBI, Colleague, Student Planning, EAB Navigate, and ability to prepare reports. Available extended hours in the spring, and some nights and weekends. Possess knowledge and expertise on issues, trends and external perspectives related to academic advising including first year programs, student retention initiatives, the use and application of technology and social media. Possess a deep commitment to and understanding of the rewards and challenges of working with students.

Experience providing academic advising in a college/university environment. Experience facilitating classroom or residential hall presentations meant to build students’ academic skills and advising experience. Experience with peer advising and mentoring models. Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and effectively. Willingness to engage with colleagues on campus and through professional development opportunities to develop innovative and effective solutions to complex problems. Additionally, the College has identified desirable qualifications that support our commitment to creating and maintaining a diverse campus community including the ability to speak a second language or to bring a multicultural perspective to the campus.

Salary is commensurate with experience, complemented by a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental, retirement, tuition, and paid time off. This position is part of the Keene State College Staff Association (KSCSA).

Set in the beautiful New England city of Keene, at the foot of Mount Monadnock, Keene State College is the public liberal arts college of New Hampshire. Inspired by the college motto “Enter to Learn – Go Forth to Serve,” the institution focuses on rigorous academic programs and a tradition of small classes, faculty student research and creative projects and community service. Keene State College offers over forty majors in the arts and sciences, professional programs, and selected graduate degrees. The College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. To learn more about Keene State College, the University System of New Hampshire, and the Keene community, please visit: https://www.keene.edu, https://www.usnh.edu/ or https://www.ci.keene.nh.us.

Student Services- In support of departmental learning outcomes, student retention initiatives and national accountability measures, serve as the advisor of record for an annual cohort of no more than 300 Students. Student populations include undecided first year students, partnering academic departments, at-risk student populations, and transfer students.

Support First-Year Students by providing outreach and one-on-one advising appointments for major and career exploration, resource referral, and introduction and refinement to advising technology. Contact undecided advisees as they transition beyond the first year in an effort to focus educational pursuits and to facilitate connection with academic departments. Prepare all undecided students to declare a major. Coordinate a Peer Advising Program to facilitate academic advising support as provided to the campus at large through walk-in advising and schedule adjustment sessions twice annually, advisor on call hours at the front desk, classroom presentations and through Student Affairs entities.

Coordinate at-risk student communication for students placed on academic probation and academically suspended from the college. Track responses to measure effectiveness. Meet with students (and their parents) in person and virtually to discuss policies and avenues available to them to bring their cumulative grade point average to the scholastic minimum required by Keene State. Refer students to various campus resources. Analyze results of each semester (communications, meetings with advisors, those removed from probation) and compare them to previous semesters. Meet with cohort of students referred by Financial Aid for Satisfactory Academic Progress infractions. Develop academic plan and meet with students regularly throughout the fall semester to support their academic success.

Introduce transfer students to advising technology. Advise transfer students regarding transfer credits. Coordinate transfer registration: Utilize Colleague registration functions, TRER to Program Planning sheet/Program Evaluation, and interpret TRER to Program Evaluation. Coordinate with other offices.

Support department’s fall and spring orientation and walk-in advising events. Research and implement new strategies and programs to assist students in advising, course selection, degree planning, accessing KSC resources, high impact practices, and implementing retention initiatives. Recruit, plan and teach Explore Your Major courses. Maintain cohort of undecided students as advisees until declaration. May represent department on a CARES committee.

Campus Collaborations and Professional Affiliations- Collaborate with career advisors as well as other departments such as Admissions, the Registrar’s Office, Residential Life, Graduate Studies and Extended Education, Financial Aid, TRIO Aspire, Tutoring, Disability Services, Global Education Office, Multicultural Office, and academic departments to support students in academic advising. Communicate and market academic advising – related services and events, as well as student outcomes. Maintain professional affiliations including NACADA and other associations as applicable.

General- assist in the day-to-day function of Student Academic Support Services by supporting the operation of the front desk in answering a wide range of questions and making campus referrals as necessary. Attend general meetings and campus events. Maintain student records. Other duties as assigned.

Outreach- Promote and market the services of Academic Advising coordinating peer Advisors and student workers for tabling events in public areas and workshops in the residence halls. Content of promotional efforts might include advertising upcoming events and intentional bridging between academic and career advising by identifying and matching early experiential/practical opportunities for students in first year and sophomore years. Responsibilities will include assisting career advisors during large group events and activities.