Academic Advisor I

Engagement of First Year Engineering Students through Proactive Advising

Assists in the development of programs to enhance the success and retention of admitted engineering students; responsible for advisement/counseling of first year engineering students; first and foremost, the advisor is concerned for the individual student and her/his finding the appropriate engineering major and necessary resources to ensure her/his retention in the major, not only in their first year but throughout their tenure at UF; in the drop/add process meaningfully meets with each student during Advanced Registration to lift holds and ensure adherence to tracking requirements; sets the model for the HWCOE in nurturing relationships with her/his advisees, providing opportunities for students to meet regularly in meaningful ways in order to catalyze development of the students; processes probation paperwork and collaborates with the academic advisors in the Office of Undergraduate Student Affairs in ensuring necessary development and resources through the probationary period; participates in Preview working directly with both first year students in their preparation to begin their studies at UF and their families. The Advisor manages the basic communication and transfer of necessary information to her/his student advisees; may design printed materials, web pages, etc. in the areas of major requirements and career planning; handles phone calls, email responses, and other forms of inquiry from current and prospective students, and prepares and directs students to necessary resources in the HWCOE and on campus for internship and job placement.

Collaboration and Engagement Internal to Engineering Undergraduate Student Affairs

The Advisor’s willingness and ability to interface professionally as a team member in HWCOE Office of Undergraduate Student Affairs are essential. The advisor will coordinate activities and engage with students involved with Undergraduate Student Affairs programs as appropriate to support student success and retention. The following areas will likely overlap with the Advisor’s first year advising suite of responsibilities:

•  College of Engineering First Year Advising Team:  functions as one member of a team of advisors all functioning with a common goal of advising for retention of all engineering first year students. The academic advisor will support freshman retention by providing students with the tools and resources needed for academic and professional success. These include, but are not limited to, the development of an academic plan, coaching students to overcome obstacles, and connecting students to activities and organizations that promote professional development. Academic advisors are expected to work closely with other members of the team to continually define and develop best practices.

•  First Year Programs:

New Student Programs: The Advisor contributes to achieving goals of welcoming and transitioning first year students through Preview, and the Engineering New Student Welcome.

Student Organizations/Student Life:  The Advisor guides her/his advisees towards the tremendous value in engagement in student organizations.

Collaboration and Engagement External to Engineering Student Affairs

The Advisor must also possess a collaborative, team mentality when interfacing with partners on the UF campus.

•  Preview:  positively contributes to continuous improvement of the Preview experience for first year students and their families.  Advisors are involved in multiple aspects of Preview. They conduct college information sessions, provide individual advising to incoming students, and provide information for the parents and families of new students to enhance the orientation experience and support the development of realistic academic plans.

•  Departments:  develops strong working relationships with engineering departmental advisors.

•  EUAC and UAC:  The Advisor may engage in the HWCOE advising community through the Engineering Undergraduate Advising Council (EUAC); may serve in EUAC subcommittees or in other leadership roles; may engage in the UF advising community through the Undergraduate Advising Council (UAC). 

•  UF Partners:  The Advisor will work directly with other UF colleges and units as needed.

•  Professional Development:  The Advisor will pursue opportunities for professional development.

Master’s degree preferred. 

Experience in advising and counseling students at the undergraduate level, especially freshman level, preferred. 

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Working knowledge of University of Florida regulations and procedures to facilitate student recruitment and retention.

Must apply excellent judgment and exercise confidentiality.