Academic Advisor - Retention

Provides comprehensive retention services to undergraduate students.

• Advises both enrolled and prospective undergraduate students on University, college, and departmental academic requirements, including admissions, general education, and specific program, major, and minor requirements. Applies an understanding of the diverse needs of students, faculty, and staff to provide effective developmental advising.
• Collaborates with student outreach services staff and faculty in order to assist in organizing and facilitating workshops. Assists with developing and monitoring retention plans to ensure student success.
• Monitors academic reporting systems on student performance and academic progress risks. Identifies and provides timely interventions for students who need academic success strategies.
• Analyzes retention and attrition data to identify trends and solutions. Alerts counselors and faculty to student performance concerns, including probation and potential disqualification. Develops and implements intervention plans to connect at-risk students with support resources, and provides timely academic progress feedback.
• Creates, reviews and updates graduation plans with students to promote personal growth, academic excellence, career development, and timely degree completion.
• Promotes and participates in professional development focused on the unique needs of students, faculty and staff, from a wide range of backgrounds. Fosters a safe and inclusive environment to advance equity.
• Provides direction to students on navigating academic and non-academic resources on campus, online and in the community.
• May evaluate student-athlete and NCAA compliance issues with athletic department personnel.
• Contributes to student retention efforts by effectively engaging and collaborating with faculty, staff, and students from a wide range of backgrounds.

Minimum qualifications based upon job documentation and industry best practices. Any current employees not meeting these qualifications will be grandfathered until they move to a different job.

• Bachelor's degree in related field from an accredited institution.

• One year's professional academic advising experience.
• Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
• One year's experience working with college students.

• Ability to work irregular shifts and extended hours, including evenings and weekends.

• Master's degree in related field specific to hiring college or higher education in general from an accredited institution.

• Professional academic advising experience at WMU.

Office or other indoor work with minimal physical demands such as occasionally lifting or moving materials less than 25 pounds.

Work is generally performed in a well-lit, temperature-controlled indoor environment with occasional exposure to the outdoors or any number of elements.

Revised: 2025-10-31