Core Values
As stewards of Thomas More University, it is expected that your work and contributions to our community will reflect the mission, values, and integrity of the University. We are committed to being a student-ready University and aspire to facilitate an interconnected community of excellence. In doing so, we will foster a sense of responsibility to others, act with respect, tolerance and compassion towards others, and care for God’s creation. Through this engagement, Thomas More University is a thriving and dynamic institution that espouses the values of a Catholic Liberal Arts education committed to the students that we serve today, those that we will serve tomorrow, and the communities our graduates will serve.
Purpose
Thomas More University seeks a Professional Advisor of Studies (PAS).
The (PAS) provides academic and pro-active advising to students with the goal of meeting the University’s mission; by guiding the St. Elizabeth College of Natural and Health Sciences students to set and achieve academic goals, navigate challenges, and make informed decisions about their educational paths. The PAS will also liaise regularly with financial aid, bursar, registrar, faculty, and the student’s athletic coach if applicable, etc.
The PAS, as one among several Advisors of Studies, reports directly to the Director of Academic Advising. Some commitments may include some evening and weekend activities, such as orientations.
Core Competencies
- Knowledge of evidence-based practice of academic advising
- Excellent interpersonal, planning, problem-solving, organizational and communication skills
- Ability to work independently and efficiently
- Entrepreneurial, resourceful, and action-oriented spirit
- Commitment to life-long learning
- Ability to interact well with student, staff, faculty and outside constituencies
- Ability to meet deadlines
Principal Duties & Responsibilities
- Student Advising
Advise students on academic policies and procedures, creating and refining their academic plans. This includes helping students choose appropriate courses, understand degree requirements, and explore potential majors or concentrations.
- Ensure compliance with university, state, and federal policies
- Advise students on course registration
- Promote up-to-date campus resources to students
- Monitor and support timely path to graduation for students assigned to
- Help connect students to other resources on campus (financial aid, bursar, tutoring, student activities, etc.)
- Respond to student’s questions in a timely manner
- Act as an advocate for students when needed, helping them navigate challenges, administrative processes, or other aspects of university life.
- Recognize and appreciate the diverse backgrounds and experiences of students. Foster an inclusive and culturally competent advising environment that respects and celebrates individual differences.
- Organizational leadership
- Liaison to Financial Aid, Bursar, Registrar, etc.
- Collaborate with faculty
- Engage in committee work as required
- Contribute to improving Retention/Persistence/Graduation rates
- Saints Care System
- Monitor & respond to notifications about student progress
- Develop strategies and advance & implementation to increase retention, persistence, and timely path to graduation
- Track and maintain records on retention & persistence for reporting for students assigned to the Team
- Serve as point of contact for withdrawal processes
- Conduct exit interviews, including reasons for withdrawal
- Ensure compliance with institutional procedures
- Connect students to other departments to help students understand any implications on withdraws
- Training
- Work with team to develop student and faculty workshops on advising
- Implement Evidence-based practices
- Maintain understanding and implementation of current advising best practices through organizations such as NACADA
- Engage in and implement strategies that evolve from workshops, trainings, and other professional development activities.
- Follow FERPA guidelines
- On-campus Activity Coordination & Participation
- Participate in and contribute to Orientations and any other event tailored to students.
- Join the QEP Learning Community
- Assessment
- Track metrics for student success related to advising
- Report assessment findings on an annual basis to appropriate stakeholders
- Design and implement a structure for disseminating advising successes
- Support the submission of QEP Assessment & Reporting by the Director
Education, Specialized and/or Technical Knowledge Requirements
- Required:
- Bachelor’s degree with experience working in higher education; candidates with an associate degree and three or more years of advising experience in higher education will also be considered.
- Experience working as a member of a team drawn from various functions
- Knowledge of relevant technology including Microsoft Office applications, Canvas, and the willingness to learn new software helpful to serving students
- Commitment to diversity
- Preferred:
- At least two years of higher education advising and/or teaching experience
- Experience working with students from a variety of backgrounds and academic abilities