BAS Academic Advisor

Department: Cross Functional

Classification: Education Support Spec 3

Job Category: Classified Staff

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Remote Eligible

Workplace Type: Remote Eligible

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

About the Department:

George Mason University’s Bachelor of Applied Science Degree (BAS) is a unique program created specifically for students who have earned an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree and seek to complete their Bachelor’s degree, with a specialized technology-rich concentration. Designed with the adult-learner in mind, but open to students of all ages, the BAS degree offers a flexible learning experience for students.

About the Position:

The Academic Advisor engages students in interpreting George Mason University and BAS policies and procedures, engages students with programs and services, evaluates students' academic progress, provides guidance in determining students' academic interests and objectives, and aids them to develop long-range academic and career plans. The position provides academic advising for a population of undergraduate students, develops quality interventions to identify and support students' academic problems and career choice difficulties, and plans innovative and high-quality outreach to enhance students' academic development and interests and to prepare students to meet today's job market demands.

Responsibilities:

Academic Advising & Retention

• Provides academic advising in individual meetings, group events, or presentations for current and aspiring BAS students on such topics as major choice, curriculum selection, policy interpretation, and other academic-related areas;
• Plans and implements academic-related virtual events and perform outreach to BAS students for retention efforts;
• Develops online programs and workshops on academic planning, orientation, and academic status for academic development;
• Develops, disseminates and maintains resources to assist students with academic planning and development of academic/career/professional knowledge and skills;
• Coordinates complex activities to support student academic planning; and
• Understands and implements proper use of rules and procedures concerning confidentiality.

Database Management

• Inputs student records into Mason's platform, Navigate;
• Writes appropriate notes summarizing important information concerning contact with students (emails, advising meetings, orientation, etc.);
• Utilizes the Navigate database to create and/or participate in campaigns for targeted outreach to select students;
• Manages availability within the Student Scheduler in Navigate to enhance the student experience for scheduling appointments;
• Utilizes Patriot Success database to assist with Mason's retention efforts;
• 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 and records notes in Navigate.

Processes

• Provides feedback for updates to BAS materials to reflect changes in policies and programs;
• Maintains open professional communication with faculty and administrators to share information and align academic services with the college's mission;
• Provides input on student request decisions and participates 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 on options; and
• Assists with updates to orientation materials each semester.

Recruitment

• Develops and delivers virtual presentations for prospective students;
• Responds to inquiries from prospective students and parents;
• Partners with ADVANCE and the Office of Admissions on the review of applications and transfer credits; and
• Works with community college partners to appropriately advise prospective students on admissions policies and transfer credits.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Previous full-time academic advising experience at the college level;
• Knowledge of Academic Advising best practices, as set by NACADA;
• Proven ability supporting online, transfer and adult learners;
• Ability to develop, implement and manage academic programs and services;
• Excellent organizational, communication and presentation skills;
• Remote relationship skills: team work, collaboration, networking, development;
• Technology: Skilled with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, Zoom, Blackboard or Canvas, Banner Systems, DegreeWorks or Stellic, and EAB Navigate; and
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and work independently.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in related field or equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Extensive Experience providing remote academic advising to online, adult, transfer students at the college level;
• Knowledge of Mason's academic advising systems, and Mason polices and procedures;
• Demonstrated ability to manage a full advising caseload;
• Demonstrated ability to successfully work remotely; and
• Website design skills with experience using social media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram).

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for BAS Academic Advisor at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a cover letter and resume for review.

Posting Open Date: December 5, 2024

For Full Consideration, Apply by:  December 19, 2024

Open Until Filled:  Yes