Academic Advisor

Academic Advising   

Provide academic advice and guidance (from pre-admission to graduation) to prospective and current School of Art, Art and Visual Technology (AVT), students to support their academic and career goals.  Provide in-person and virtual academic advising during the day and limited evening and weekend engagements in the environments of individual consultations, group events or presentations, and tabling, for both current and aspiring art students on such topics as major or minor choice, curriculum selection, study skills, scholarship and club opportunities, and other academic-related areas. 

• Support and engage students in developing clear and attainable educational goals;
• Understanding retention issues in higher education for various student demographics;
• Effectively interpret, implement, and communicate Mason degree requirements, deadlines, policies, and procedures;
• Regularly review students’ semester and long-range academic goals to ensure they are on target;
• Act as academic advisor for potential and enrolled undergraduate students, and answer inquiries and direct students to appropriate resources;
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) laws;
• Develop programs and workshops on academic planning, orientation, and academic status for academic development; and
• Develop, disseminate, and maintain resources to assist students with academic planning and development of academic/career/professional knowledge and skills.

Database Management

• Writes appropriate notes summarizing important information concerning the student contact;
• Utilizes the Mason’s Advising Application’s database to create and/or participate in campaigns for targeted outreach to select students;
• Manages availability within the Student Scheduler in Mason’s Advising Application to enhance the student experience for scheduling appointments;
• Utilizes Banner INB student information system to review student transcripts, records, course registration history, and entering course overrides; and
• Researches and responds to student inquiries by email.

Programs and Outreach Initiatives

• Develops School of Art Outreach Initiatives in coordination with supervisor and the Assistant Director of Operations and Business, Directors, Alumni, and faculty;
• Develops strategies and implementation of programs for recruitment and retention;
• Coordinate events that engage students outside the classroom;
• Attend admissions events and orientation events as representative of the School of Art and engage in outreach to foster program growth;
• Attends recruitment events and open houses within and outside of Mason as a representative of the School of Art; and
• Builds relationships and programming with partners such as Northern Virginia Community College.

Operational Processes

• Coordinate and manage key operational processes for the School of Art, including graduation, honors program, and student affairs;
• Coordinate, monitor and assist AVT undergraduate students with the graduation process;
• Organize and provide AVT graduation information for Academic Affairs; and coordinate participation from the School of Art for Fall and Spring convocation/commencement ceremonies;
• Manage honors eligibility program monitor and submit documentation for eligible honors students to the Registrar’s office;
• Monitor enrollment and proactively address any enrollment issues;
• Act as an expert in academic policy and procedure and other catalog information;
• Provides feedback for updates to School of Art online materials to reflect changes in policies and programs;
• Maintains student records;
• Maintains open professional communication with faculty and administrators to share information and align academic services with the School's mission;
• Provides input on student request decisions and participate in appeals committee as asked;
• Provides accurate interpretations of policies and procedures for students, parents and faculty;
• Assists with processing of graduation audits, notifies students of discrepancies and follows up with them on options; and
• Assists with updates to orientation materials each semester.

Other Duties

Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor and/or senior leadership staff.