Position Summary:

TheStudent Advisor Senior serves as an administrative contributor for critical academic operations in the Office of Academic Services. They serve as primary support for A&S transfer students and students with defined academic policy support (return from leave of absence mid-term deficiencies). This person will provide administrative effort for transfer processes and students in academic distress; in some cases the Senior Advisor will be the academic advisor for students supporting credit processing major exploration and declaring a major. The position reports functionally and organizationally to the Program Manager Advising in the Office of Academic Services.

About the Work Unit:

The College of Arts & Science at Vanderbilt University is a highly selective liberal arts college at the heart of a major research university. It seeks to attract a diverse student body of high promise and ability from throughout the United States and the international community. Its mission is to engage in significant and innovative research scholarship and creative expression in the humanities natural sciences and social sciences to offer distinguished well-taught programs of undergraduate and graduate education in the liberal arts and sciences and to foster service to society overall.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

• Advising

  • Serve as primary advisor for all external undergraduate transfers (EUTS) supporting initial entry to major declaration

  • Provides clear information about pre-major requirements including A&S core liberal arts curriculum.

  • Support students returning from a leave absence including regular meetings and check-ins to support positive academic progress.

  • Provides strategic individual and groupadvising.

  • Tracks students progress to ensure they are meeting key benchmarkingdates.

  • Accurately documents academic recommendations and individual discussions withstudent.

  • Participates in professional development activities to remain competent and informed of the most effective advisingtechniques and theories.

  • Collaborates with other advisers to create maintain and improve online orientation materials for students using the Brightspace Learning Management System.

• Operations

  • Develop comprehensive advising process for transfer students ensuring they possess essential institutional knowledge understand academic advising core competencies and guide professional growth.

  • Develop educational materials and processes to support EUT matriculation external credit review and enrollment in general education courses

  • Collaborate with campus partners including the academic schools and colleges Student Affairs and Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education staff

  • Support advising and operational efforts related to intra-university transfers (IUTs) including assigning advisors communication strategies and general education advising.

Supervisory Relationships:

This position does not have supervisory responsibility; this position reports functionally and organizationally to the Program Manager Advising.

Education and Certifications:

• A Masters degree and at least 3 years of experience in student advising career counseling human resources or an equivalent setting or Bachelors degree in any subject and at least 5 years of experience in student advising or support services including counseling educational programming working with faculty and employers and administrative responsibilities is necessary.

Experience and Skills:

• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing isnecessary.

• Past experience collaborating and working alongside faculty leadership is preferred.

• Past experience with data management and analysis is preferred.

• Ability to use independent judgment and to manage and impart confidential information isnecessary.

• Ability to analyze and solve problems isnecessary.

• Ability to analyze course prerequisites certification and/or curriculum/graduation requirements isnecessary.

• Ability to evaluate student transcripts and/or records is necessary.

• Records maintenance skills isnecessary.

• Understanding of Student Information Privacy Laws and Ethics including FERPA is necessary

• Ability to maintain calendars and schedule appointments isnecessary.

• Ability to gather data compile information and prepare reports ispreferred.

• Knowledge of student success and retention issues ispreferred.

General Characteristics of a Successful Vanderbilt University Staff Member:

ACCOUNTABILITY:Owns decisions outcomes work products etc. that are within the scope of ones role.

• Works through Issues Recognizes that the work is about successful outcomes if thingsarent going well outcomes suffer; is willing to have crucial conversations if things arent goingwell;

doesnt just complain to management does everything possible to remedy the situation directly first

• ReliableDoeswhattheysaytheywilldowhentheysaytheywilldoit;showsupforwork when expected; doesnt push the burden of work volume or deadlines toothers

• Integrity Holds oneself accountable; takes responsibility for failures as well assuccesses recognizes that trust is required to hold a teamtogether

• Acceptance of Feedback Takes constructive criticism with grace and makes improvements without taking it personally or holding grudges; when wrong owns it freely admitsmistakes

COLLABORATION:Works inclusively to build trust and accomplish tasks goals and initiatives. Understands anticipates and appropriately responds to internal and/or external customers needs.

• OptimismIsfriendlytirelesslycordialpoliteandgenial;comesintoworkwithagoodattitude and doesnt bring their own personal little black clouds into the workenvironment

• Teamwork Genuinely values teamwork and co-workers makes them feel valuableand

important by acknowledging what they do well; doesnt expect from others effort that one is unwilling to do themselves finds ways to acknowledge others strong suits

• Honest and Transparent Doesnt have hidden agendas doesnt play people against each other; is authentic andforthright

• Helpful Nature Offers to help lighten the load for others in times of need; volunteers rather thanwaitingtobeasked;understandsthatalmostnooneworksinasiloandneedsthehelpof others to do their job well; recognizes that by helping others first others will likelyreciprocate

COMMUNICATION:Provides information clearly and accurately in various settings ensuring understanding and participation. Understands how best to present information to different audiences and understands how information may be perceived.

• Shares Shares information. Communicates proactively. Transmits knowledge; recognizesthat knowledge is power is less effective than sharing knowledge is power. Asks for advice and considers itthoughtfully

• Is Nice Asks caring interested questions and is a good listener -- smiles and is grateful; sends appropriatenotesofthankstootherswhohavehelped;avoidsgossiporsayingnegativethings about co-workers; patient and generous; makes suggestions rather than stating hard and fast opinions. Avoids being negative sarcastic andcynical

• Praises Publicly; Criticizes Privately When dealing with a difficult co-workers or customers pretend your children are watching how the situation is handled; good manners help keepa cool head; gives credit where credit isdue

• Responds Promptly Recognizes that when emails and phone messages arent returned in a timely way it sends the message that the other party is not important; responds even if just to acknowledge receipt and provide a timeframe by which the requester can expect a fullresponse