Academic Advising Specialist at Shaw University

Job Summary:
Reporting to the Director of the Academic Support Center, the Academic Advising
Specialist is responsible for supporting student success by providing comprehensive academic advising to
undergraduate students by assisting students in developing academic plans, monitoring progress toward degree
completion, and connecting students to campus resources. The Advising Specialist plays a key role in promoting
persistence, retention, and graduation. The AAS will recommend students for tutoring and writing support services.
This role requires a commitment to fostering inclusive learning environments and supporting the academic growth of
a diverse student population.

Essential Job Functions:
• Provide individualized academic advising to assigned caseload of students, including course
  selection, registration, and degree planning.
• Assist students in clarifying academic goals and exploring career and graduate school pathways.
• Monitor student academic progress and implement interventions for students on academic warning,
  probation, or at risk of attrition.
• Serve as a liaison between students, faculty, and academic departments to ensure coordinated
  support.
• Maintain accurate and timely student records in advising systems and databases.
• Refer students to tutoring, writing center, counseling, financial aid, and other support services as
  appropriate.
• Participate in orientation, first-year experience programming, and other initiatives that support
  student transition and success.
• Contribute to assessment and continuous improvement of academic advising services.
• Stay current on university policies, degree requirements, and best practices in advising.
• Support retention, persistence, and graduation initiatives through proactive outreach and
  engagement.

Other related duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities
Student workers.

Job Qualifications
Required Education and/or Experience
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in higher education, counseling, student affairs, or a related field
  preferred.
• At least 2 years of experience in academic advising, student support, or related higher education role.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse student populations, including first-generation and underrepresented
  students.
• Familiarity with student information systems and academic advising technologies preferred.

Certificates, Licenses, or Registrations
• None

Other Competencies (skills, abilities, behavior)
• Must have a philosophy that is consistent with the Mission, Vision and Core Values of the organization.
Vision, commitment, and experience in achieving goals and pursuing excellence are critical. Strong oral and
written presentation skills. Ability to work well independently and as a member of a team. Excellence in the
organization, decision-making, problem-solving, and creating a collaborative environment. Ability to manage
multiple projects simultaneously. Must be able to read, write and speak fluently in English.

Physical Demands
• Ability to sit or stand for up to 8 hours/day. Some lifting (up to 25 pounds occasionally), bending, and
carrying. Specific vision abilities include the ability to use close vision. The employee is regularly required to
talk and hear, and to use hands and fingers to handle or feel.