Academic Advisor

CLASSIFICATION: Full-time, Salary (12 months)

REPORTS TO: Executive Director of Advising

DEPT: Enrollment Management

LOCATION: Grand Rapids

SALARY: $40,000.00

SUMMARY

The Academic Advisor is responsible for providing academic advising for all new on-campus program students and for current on-campus program students who are considering a change in their major/minor in an effort to retain students and facilitate timely degree completion. The core of Cornerstone University is defined and driven by its Christ-centered mission and Biblical confession.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Represent Cornerstone University and Cornerstone Theological Seminary in a Christ-like, professional manner to many different internal and external constituencies, consistently exhibit enthusiasm toward the institution
• Assist in the strategic planning efforts to improve retention and exceed annual enrollment goals
• Support registration of on-campus students via student self-service resources
• Communicate regularly with new and current students about course schedules, registration opportunities and student success resources via phone, email, text messaging and student appointments (in-person and/or virtual)
• Document communication activity and meet communication activity goals on a weekly basis
• Provide communication and transparency with faculty regarding student degree progression and registration needs
• Develop academic plans for all incoming students. This includes assisting students to identify their unique, God-given strengths, interests and goals, to determine appropriate major/minor and course selection
• Partner with an assigned group of student advisees to educate them on the value of advising, the LifePath (academic and career-advising) program, and graduation timelines
• Participate in orientation and registration events
• All Cornerstone University and WCSG employees will regularly interact with students in a variety of projects, activities, and settings. As such all employees are expected to serve as Christian leaders and mentors by effectively living a gospel-centered lifestyle, ministering and discipling through a biblical worldview.
• Other duties may be assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES:

• Bachelor’s Degree required
• 2+ years’ professional experience; higher education experience preferred
• Clear and compelling vision of excellence in Christian liberal arts education
• Demonstrated skill in communication, collaboration, problem solving, and project management
• Experience at the college level in program development, student services, and assessment
• Experience working with students from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities
• Knowledge of current research and best practices in college student retention and student success.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• A personal relationship with Jesus Christ and an active Christian commitment.
• A theology that supports the values and mission of Cornerstone University core commitments evidenced by an ability to affirm and sign the university’s doctrinal statement, “The Cornerstone Confession.”
• Four other foundational pillars, along with the university’s mission and confession, form Cornerstone’s Core Commitments.
  • The Cornerstone Christian World View
  • The Cornerstone Academic Vision
  • The Cornerstone Beautiful Christian Community
  • The Marriage and Human Sexuality Position Statement

These core commitments convey who we are, what we believe and how we live and work together in community. Employees are expected to faithfully attend an evangelical and biblical church whose core beliefs and practices are consistent with Cornerstone’s confession and core commitments.