Academic Advisor

Department: College of Fine Arts Advising Center

Campus Location: Wichita, KS - WSU Main Campus

Hire Type: Full Time

Pay: Range beginning $19.06/hr, adjusted based on qualifications

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00a-5:00p

Export Compliance Requirement: No export control requirement.

Job Story

Are you passionate about guiding students through their academic journey and helping them succeed? If you thrive in a dynamic, student-centered environment and are excited about providing the tools and resources to help students achieve their goals, this is the role for you. As an Academic Advisor, you’ll be instrumental in shaping students' paths toward graduation and supporting them in their pursuit of academic and personal success. You'll be the go-to resource for advising, guidance, and referrals, ensuring students know exactly how to navigate the complexities of their academic requirements. Whether it’s a one-on-one advising session or connecting students to crucial campus services, you’ll make a lasting impact on their educational experience.

What Sets You Apart:

• Student-Centered Approach: You’re passionate about empowering students to reach their goals. Whether they’re struggling with course choices or planning for graduation, you’re dedicated to helping them thrive.
• Clear Communicator: You know how to break down complex academic policies and degree requirements in an approachable, understandable way—making sure students feel confident in their decisions.
• Resource Connector: You have a knack for recognizing when a student needs more than just advising and connecting them with the right campus or community resources for additional support.
• Process Optimizer: You’re proactive, always looking for ways to improve advising processes, making them more efficient and student-friendly.
• Team Player: You’ll work closely with faculty and staff, so being a collaborative and dependable resource is key. You’ll also participate in retention and recruitment activities, contributing to the growth and success of the student body.

This is more than just an advising position—it’s a chance to shape the next generation of graduates and help them achieve their dreams. If you're ready to make a real impact on students' lives, apply now and join us in creating a path to success!

Job Summary

Advises students concerning their academic plans, progress, and academic and career goals in order to assist students in making personal education decisions and meeting graduation requirements. Interprets student needs and provides individualized service and assistance while maintaining confidentiality.

Essential Functions

Provides students with information on how to complete their college degree and refers students to appropriate campus and community services and resources when needed. Serves as a resource person to faculty and others with regard to academic advising policies and procedures. May review and optimize procedures as needed. May assist in the development of and participates in recruitment and retention activities related to the student population such as monitoring educational progress and/or providing application or other assistance. May maintain confidential student records and personal information. May conduct or participate in seminars, workshops or orientation sessions for students on academic, career and personal success strategies and other group activities.

Job Duties

What You’ll Do:

You’ll work closely with College of Fine Arts students, providing holistic support that goes beyond course selection. You’ll be:

• Collaborative: Partnering with faculty members to align academic advising with degree programs and creative industry standards.
• Resourceful: Connecting students to campus resources that support academic success, mental health, and career readiness.
• Guiding Careers: Helping students identify degree paths that fit their unique skills, passions, and long-term career goals.
• Hands-On: Assisting with everything from building personalized four-year plans and graduation checkouts to communication and outreach strategies.
• Student-Focused: Being available to students when they need guidance, encouraging them to seek help, and referring them to the right resources or people when needed.
• Structured & Proactive: Managing your caseload with exceptional organization, anticipating student needs, and taking initiative on projects.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in related field
• One (1) year of experience in student services or related field. Every 15 hours of graduate college coursework beyond a bachelor's degree can be substituted for one (1) year of experience.

Required License/Certifications/Training:

None

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Experience with detail oriented/time sensitive tasks and confidential information/protocols in an academic setting.
• Experience working/interacting with diverse populations and communities.
• Demonstrated proficiency with office technology and systems: Windows, Microsoft Office, database systems, and other computer programs.
• Demonstrated proficient written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills in an academic setting.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability/willingness to work flexible hours.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to remain in a stationary position. Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment including but not limited to phone, printers, copiers, and calculators. Ability to communicate with others and accurately exchange information.