Job Description

As a member of our professional advising team, advisors will prioritize the creation of a welcoming, student-centered environment that streamlines academic processes and supports students as they adjust to University life and make progress toward a degree. Advisors will engage in positive, professional, and collaborative interactions with students to take a holistic approach to student support that focuses on identification of strengths, encouragement of excellence, and promotion of persistence in the face of challenges. Advisors must also develop collaborative relationships with other advisors, staff, and faculty across campus to meet these goals. Advisors will be dedicated to continuous improvement and demonstrate an eagerness to learn new skills, stay current on new policies, be well versed in degree requirements, and grow professionally through training and development opportunities, such as attending workshops, presenting at office meetings, and/or holding membership in strategic professional organizations (e.g., NACADA). Each of the newly hired advisors will have a caseload of undergraduates for whom they serve as a primary advisor. Advisors in the College of Nursing and Health Professions are responsible for advising students in a variety of degree plans including allied health, athletic training, kinesiotherapy, therapeutic recreation, public health, speech pathology and audiology, speech and hearing sciences, health sciences, and nursing.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

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  Utilize the evidence-based best practices for advising embraced by the University to increase student and advisor success. Become fully knowledgeable and maintain expertise on academic policies/procedures and major/degree plans according to the advisor\xe2\x80\x99s area in addition to student resources throughout the University, including Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and beyond.
• Meet and collaboratively engage with students to advise them in matters pertaining to academic curricula, requirements and majors, facilitating academic progression toward degree completion. Refer students to resources on campus and specific staff and faculty as appropriate and be proactive to ensure student issues are addressed efficiently and effectively.
• Respond to student questions, including walk-ins, emails, and phone, with a helpful attitude, correct information, and timeliness; take an active role to resolve student problems. Act as a liaison between students and faculty/staff in units across campus to facilitate communication and address issues as they arise, including communicating with faculty in the programs covered by the advisor\xe2\x80\x99s caseload of majors.
• Provide unbiased guidance to undeclared students and those considering changing majors; work in partnership with Career Services to assist students in making informed choices about both courses of study and future goals. Engage in continuous professional development and training to improve advising skills, including recognizing and supporting the needs of diverse student populations.
• Work independently to manage caseloads, demonstrating strong organizational skills, attention to detail, time management, and memorization. Maintain a strong team-oriented collegial posture to work collaboratively and effectively with other advisors, staff, and faculty across the University.
• Use critical-thinking and problem-solving skills and initiative to assist individual students with particular issues and also to identify methods for improving office processes and systems.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor\xe2\x80\x99s degree from an accredited college or university or experience as an academic advisor. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of leading theories of student development, retention, student success, and working with diverse student populations.
• Excellent communication skills (oral and written)
• Commitment to professional development and growth
• Ability to work effectively as a team member and develop collaborative and productive professional relationships in pursuit of shared goals.
• Skill in working with diverse students to foster an inclusive community that recognizes the value of all people, regardless of ethnicity, race, gender, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, ability, or socioeconomic status.
• Utilizes personal computer, computer software (PeopleSoft, Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, Power Point) typewriter, photocopy machine, fax machine, and telephone. Also uses standard office equipment such as stapler, staple remover, and scissors.
• Basic knowledge and skill of maneuvering within Windows-based software applications such as Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel.

Preferred Qualifications
Master\xe2\x80\x99s degree from an accredited college or university. Prior experience with advisement, student coaching, or other student academic support work, especially with diverse student populations. Educational background in a field related to higher education, student services, or counseling. Educational background, knowledge, or experience with one or more of the disciplinary areas that the advisors will serve (e.g., computing, information technology, geography, geology, chemistry, biochemistry, biological science) About The University of Southern Mississippi
The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is a comprehensive public research institution delivering transformative programs on campuses in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. Founded in 1910, USM is one of only 131 universities in the nation to earn the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education\'s "R1: Doctoral Universities - Very high research activity" designation, and its robust research enterprise includes experts in ocean science and engineering, polymer science and engineering, and large event venue safety and security, among others. USM is also one of only 37 institutions in the nation accredited in theatre, art and design, dance and music. As an economic driver, USM generates an annual economic impact of more than $600 million across the state. USM welcomes a diverse student body of more than 14,000, representing 71 countries, all 50 states, and every county in Mississippi. USM students have collected four Truman Scholarships and 37 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships, while also leading Mississippi with 27 Goldwater Scholarships, an honor that recognizes the next generation of great research scientists. Home to the Golden Eagles, USM competes in 17 Division I sports sponsored by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). For more information, visit www.usm.edu. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer/Americans with Disabilities Act institution, The University of Southern Mississippi encourages minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities to apply.