Academic Advisor - #270030

Posting Details

Posting Information

Posting Number EHRA1136P Quick Link for Internal Postings https://jobs.wcu.edu/postings/35685 Classification Title Academic Advisor Working Title Academic Advisor - #270030 Department CEAP Student Success Center Anticipated Hiring Range Based on qualifications/experience, internal equity, and departmental budget restrictions. About WCU

Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes 'Best Employers' lists each year. Including:

• 2025 - Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes 'America's Best Employers by State' list.
• 2024 - Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
• 2023 - Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
• 2022 - Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes 'America's Best Employers by State' list.

Western Carolina University is the UNC system's westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.

Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans - eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.

Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.

WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences - many of which are offered free of charge.

Position Summary

The primary location of this position is on-site in Cullowhee, NC. This position is designated as being exempt from the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (EHRA).

CEAP academic advisors support the development of students through the delivery of the following duties and responsibilities:

• Serve as the first point of contact for undergraduate declared teacher education majors (new freshmen and transfers), post-baccalaureate alternative licensure students, and graduate degree students.
• Facilitate orientation functions, including schedule building and presentation preparation and delivery.
• Assist students with making educational plans that are consistent with their goals, abilities, and interests, and increase awareness of the various academic options and resources available within the College of Education and Allied Professions and WCU.
• Provide students with clear and accurate information regarding WCU/CEAP policies, procedures, and degree requirements.
• Assist students in developing a thorough understanding of North Carolina licensure requirements for teacher education majors.
• Offer recommendations and strategies for academic success.
• Refer students to appropriate campus offices and resources as needed.
• Work to advance rates of retention and completion.
• Maintain appropriate advising records and documentation.
• Participate in the assessment and evaluation of the CEAP academic advising program.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and encourage the growth of colleagues.
• Report to and meet regularly with the Senior Academic Advisor.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned in support of the needs of students and the College of Education and Allied Professions (CEAP).

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Knowledge of current theories and practices in academic advising.
• Ability to work effectively and respectfully with students from varied cultural and educational backgrounds.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and familiarity with Banner software.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional working relationships with staff, student employees, faculty, and administrators.
• Ability to ethically manage and safeguard highly confidential information.
• Ability to present and effectively communicate educational information to groups.

Minimum Qualifications

• Interested candidates must already be legally authorized to work in the United States and will not require any immigration sponsorship or support.
• Bachelor's degree from an appropriately accredited institution; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Three years of successful professional experience in academic advising or a related student services program.

Position Type Permanent Full-Time Number of Hours Per Week 40 Number of Months Per Year 12

Posting Text

Open Date 10/12/2026 Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants

Application materials must be submitted online. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire.

Please include a cover letter, current resume, and a list of three professional references with complete contact information.

For questions or additional information please contact Rachel Wike at rwike@email.wcu.edu

Background/E-Verify

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.

Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.

Credential Verification

All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.

EOE

Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.

University Safety

The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Cover Letter/Letter of Application
• Resume
• List of references

Optional Documents

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• • Do you require sponsorship?
• Yes
• No