Item 9.S-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
College/Division: College of Liberal Arts
Account #(s): 1101-112-0001
Action Proposed: (check all that apply)
( ) New position:
Proposed Range:
Proposed Title:
( ) Title Change, Proposed Title:
( ) Proposed Reassignment from Range
to Range
(X) Revised PDQ only (no change in range or title)
( ) Line of Progression (show titles below)
Range:
JCC (Current
or new HR
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
__________________
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):
67461 Range:
2
Pos #(s):
JCC:
EEO: 3A
Eff: 2/1/2014
Academic Advisor, College of Liberal Arts
Approved Title:
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, College of Liberal Arts
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, College of Liberal Arts is responsible for providing academic advising for new,
transfer, and continuing students on general academic requirements. A strong emphasis will be on
assisting students in the Social Sciences. 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 is
responsible for projects as assigned. The Academic Advisor reports to the Director of Advising,
Recruitment, and Retention for the 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).
60% - Academic Advising
 Advise incoming freshmen, returning students, transfer students, and current students by
explaining, interpreting, and implementing academic policies, requirements and current
advising information; emphasis in assisting students who are pursuing majors within the Social
Science disciplines
 Coordinate and implement successful strategies to assist students with transitioning from a
professional advising model to meeting with faculty advisors as upper-classmen
 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 mandatory advising for freshmen, transfer
students, students on probation, and students who have reached 90 credits (this includes
presenting workshops and creating electronic resources)
 Assist with implementing and maintaining mandatory advising for three semesters for new
freshmen, mandatory advising for transfer students, core non-compliant students, and
students on probation or dismissal
 Communicate and serve as a resource for prospective and current students regarding majors
and minors offered within the College of Liberal Arts
 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 and present at all University advising functions as a representative of the College of
Liberal Arts (i.e., freshmen honors advising, Summer and Transfer Orientation, and College
Welcome events)
20% - Program Design and Project Coordination
 Assist with establishing, implementing, and maintaining a comprehensive assessment plan for
academic advising
 Coordinate comprehensive faculty training program
 Assist with program design, materials, and implementation of new freshmen orientation and
transfer orientation
 Establish communication flow for prospective students to increase yield
 Design and implement strategies to increase retention and decrease time to degree
completion
Position Description - Academic Advisor, College of Liberal Arts
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Enhancing on-line and electronic resources related to advising, recruitment and retention
Assist the Director of Advising, Recruitment, and Retention with program design and
implementation relating to advising, recruitment, and retention
20% - Student Recruitment and Retention
 Assist with on-campus and off-campus recruitment activities for the College of Liberal Arts
including coordinating participation of student and faculty representatives, developing written
and electronic materials, and organizing and representing the college
 Assist with coordinating retention activities and data analysis (special emphasis placed on
freshmen retention efforts)
 Assist with recruitment and increasing yield of national merit students and those in the 26+
range on the ACT or SAT equivalent score
 Establish contacts with Nevada community colleges and state college for recruitment
opportunities and transparency of transfer agreements and policies
 Review and assist in transfer agreements with the Office of Admissions and Records and
appropriate department contacts
 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, recruitment, and collaboration are the primary goals of the
position. The Academic Advisor 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 short and 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 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 facilitation of 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 degree completion 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
 Disciplines and curriculum related to the Humanities, Arts, and emphasis within the Social
Sciences
 Best practices in recruitment and retention
 Data analysis
 General university administrative policies and procedures, especially those related to
undergraduates
Position Description - Academic Advisor, College of Liberal Arts
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Skills:
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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
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
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
Academic Advising Center
External
Prospective students and
parents, guardians, family of
students
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
Reason for Contact
To answer questions related to academic programs (major/minor
offerings), career exploration, and degree requirements
Position Description - Academic Advisor, College of Liberal Arts
Page 5
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