Item 9.T-February 14, 2014
ADMINISTRATIVE FACULTY POSITION DESCRIPTION QUESTIONNAIRE
To expedite and facilitate the PDQ review process, please send the PDQ and Org Chart electronically to
marshag@unr.edu for discussion and for initial review before routing PDQ for approval signatures.
Questions - call UNR Faculty HR at 682-6114
INSTRUCTIONS: See http://www.unr.edu/hr/compensation-and-evaluation for complete instructions.
Incumbent(s) Name (if applicable):
Position #(s):
Current Title: Academic Advisor, College of Liberal Arts
Current Range: 2
(JCC:67461)
Department: Dean’s Office, Liberal Arts
College/Division: Provost’s Office
Account #(s): 1101-112-0001
Action Proposed: (check all that apply)
( ) New position:
Proposed Range:
Proposed Title:
(X) Title Change, Proposed Title: Academic Advisor / Graduation Specialist (CLA)
( ) Proposed Reassignment from Range
to Range
( ) Revised PDQ only (no change in range or title)
JCC (Current
( ) Line of Progression (show titles below)
or new HR
Range:
assigned):
I certify that the statements in this description are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge.
____________________________________________________________
Employee’s Signature
__________________
Date
I/we have reviewed the statements in this form and they accurately reflect the job assignments.
____________________________________________________________
Immediate Supervisor’s Signature
Kristi Van Gorder
Dir. Adv., Rec. & Ret.
____________________________________________________________
Director/Chair/Dean
Heather K. Hardy
Dean, College of Liberal Arts
__________________
Date
__________________
Date
Approved for Salary Placement Committee review.
____________________________________________________________
__________________
Pres / Vice Pres / Vice Prov Signature Stacy Burton, Vice Provost, Faculty Affairs Date
Action Approved by the Provost/President (Completed by Faculty HR):
67526 Range:
2
Pos #(s):
JCC:
EEO: 3A
Eff: 2/1/2014
Approved Title: Academic Advisor / Graduation Specialist (CLA)
Employee signs on “final” stamped approved PDQ and sends to HR for personnel file.
Employee Signature:_______________________________________________ __________________
Date
Printed Name: ____________________________________________________
Rev: 10/1/2012
Position Description – Academic Advisor/Graduation Specialist (CLA)
Page 2
1.
Summary Statement: State the major function(s) of the position and its role in the
university. Attach an organizational chart with positions, ranges, and names for the division
which reflects the position in it as well as those supervised in the department. (This section is
used for advertisement of the position.)
The Academic Advisor/Graduation Specialist in the College of Liberal Arts is responsible for providing
academic advising for new, transfer, and continuing students on general academic requirements. The
individual serves as a resource for all new and current students to assure that they are making timely
progress toward degree completion. In addition, the academic advisor takes the lead on certain
activities and assists the Director of Advising, Recruitment and Retention with other recruitment and
retention activities. The academic advisor will be responsible for projects as assigned. The academic
advisor reports to the Director of Advising, Recruitment and Retention for College of Liberal Arts.
2. List the major responsibilities, including percentage of time devoted to each. Provide
enough detail to enable a person outside the department to understand the job (percentage
first with heading and then bulleted information).
40% - Academic Advising
 Advise incoming freshmen and transfer students and explain, interpret, and implement
academic policies, requirements and current academic advising information
 Assist College of Liberal Arts faculty advisors to address and manage student concerns
regarding academic requirements toward degree completion
 Assist with preparation of advising materials for new and transfer student orientation
 Communicate and serve as a resource for prospective and current students regarding majors
and minors offered within the College of Liberal Arts
 Foster good working relationships with academic representatives in other colleges within the
university and with the Academic Advising Center to allow for enhanced communication to
facilitate transitions for new and continuing students
 Assist as liaison between the College of Liberal Arts and numerous campus offices including
Admissions and Records, Academic and Support Services, and other colleges
 Attend all university advising functions as a representative of the College of Liberal Arts
(freshmen honors advising, New and Transfer Student Orientation, and College Welcome
events)
30% - Program Design and Project Coordination
 Manage the graduation verification process for students applying for graduation for the College
of Liberal Arts in conjunction with the Office of Admissions and Records
 Prepare graduation audits and consult with faculty advisors and the Office of Admissions &
Records to resolve issues
 Review each student’s completion of degree requirements and make corrections and changes
within defined parameters to prepare documentation for graduation that is complete and
accurate
 Assist the Director of Advising, Recruitment and Retention with program design and
implementation relating to advising, recruitment and retention
30% - Student Recruitment and Retention
 Assist with on-campus recruitment activities for the College of Liberal Arts including
coordinating participation of student and faculty representatives, developing written materials
and organizing a program for college sessions
 Assist the Director of Advising, Recruitment and Retention with planning, preparation and
participation in off campus student recruitment activities, i.e., orientations, career fairs, etc.
Position Description – Academic Advisor/Graduation Specialist (CLA)
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Coordinate retention activities and data analysis for freshmen retention efforts
Coordinate degree completion for students who have earned 90 credits
Plan, prepare and participate in assigned retention related activities
3. Describe the level of freedom to take action and make decisions with or without
supervision and how the results of the work performed impact the department, division and/or
the university as a whole.
Level of Freedom:
Quality academic advising, retention, and collaboration are the primary goals of the position. The
Academic Advisor/Graduation Specialist makes decisions related to the day-to-day operations of
assigned projects and has authority to request corrections to students’ academic records within
defined parameters. The Academic Advisor consults the Director regarding decisions related to shortand long-term planning of projects and activities. Additionally, the Academic Advisor consults the
Director regarding decisions related to unusual or difficult student issues and concerns.
Impact:
The Academic Advisor/Graduation Specialsit helps prevent students from registering for inappropriate
and/or unnecessary courses thereby potentially minimizing time to degree completion and education
costs. Decisions and judgments made can have a significant impact in facilitating the integration of
entering students into the university community and student engagement and in student retention.
The position has a direct impact on student progress toward graduation and therefore the perception
and reputation of the College of Liberal Arts and the University.
4. Describe the knowledge, skills (to include cognitive requirement and verbal and written
communication), and abilities (to include task complexity, problem solving, creativity and
innovation) essential to successful performance of this job (in bullet format).
Knowledge of:
 Academic advising/counseling, assessment and college student development theory
 Best practices in recruitment and retention
 Data analysis
 General university administrative policies and procedures, especially those related to
undergraduates
 Problem solving for students’ issues and concerns
 Familiarity with higher education environment and its administrative structure
 Educational, curricular and support services and resources available to students
Skills:
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Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Interpersonal and human relations
Academic advising
Problem solving for students’ issues and concerns
Data management skills
Time management and organizational skills
Coordinate, organize and implement programs and events
Problem solving, encouraging collaboration and coordination with other staff
Proficiency in use of a personal computer and current software applications including but not
limited to Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, and email) and Web
literacy
Position Description – Academic Advisor/Graduation Specialist (CLA)
Page 4
Ability to:
 Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with supervisor, staff, and other
campus personnel
 Manage, prioritize, and complete multiple projects/tasks in an efficient and timely manner while
maintaining focus on organizational goals
 Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information
 Be sensitive to the needs of first generation students and diverse cultural groups
 Manage resources effectively
 Understand and interpret formalized policies, guidelines, rules, and regulations
 Work evenings and weekends when necessary
5. Describe the type of personal contacts encountered in performing the duties of the job.
Explain the nature and purpose of these contacts: i.e., to provide services, to resolve
problems, to negotiate.
Internal
New, transfer, and current
students
Academic faculty, chairs, and
staff
Student Services and other
campus staff which includes
Office for Prospective Students
Academic Advising Center
Reason for Contact
To provide academic advising, use MyNevada to review academic
audit, interpret academic policies, and make appropriate referrals
To serve as a contact/resource for advisement related inquiries,
resolve problems, and make referrals
To maintain a cooperative working relationship with personnel,
obtain current information related to their services, resolve
problems
To coordinate communication about major/minor curricular
changes and receive student referrals
External
Prospective students and
parents, guardians, family of
students
NSHE institutions
Reason for Contact
To answer questions related to academic programs (major/minor
offerings), career exploration, and degree requirements
To recruit and advise transferring and new students, coordinate
recruiting events
6. Indicate the minimum qualifications which are necessary in filling this position should it
become vacant. Please keep in mind the duties/responsibilities of the position rather than the
qualifications of the incumbent.
a.
Minimum educational level, including appropriate field, if any.
Master’s Degree from a regionally accredited institution
b.
Minimum type and amount of work experience, in addition to the above required
education necessary for a person entering this position.
Master’s Degree and one year of related professional academic advising experience or
a closely related field
Preferred Licenses or Certifications: None
c.
Indicate any license or certificate required for this position.
None