Senior Academic Advisor, Student Athletes | Tulane University

New Orleans, Louisiana, Position Summary: The Senior Academic Advisor for Student Athletes provides high quality academic advising and personal development to student athletes. The Senior Academic Advisor tracks and measures student academic success and transition. This position monitors and ensures NCAA eligibility benchmarks are met within guidelines of university standards culminating in timely graduation. This position collaborates with student support services to provide holistic support. The Senior Academic Advisor upholds confidentiality regarding sensitive information. This position supports the department in professional development of student employees. Essential Functions of the Job: 1. Function: Academic Advising - Serves as the primary academic advisor and counselor for an assigned caseload of student athletes; advises assigned caseload on academic matters to include degree planning, selection of major(s) and minor(s), curricula and core requirements, course scheduling and sequencing, and arranging appropriate academic timelines leading to personal and academic success; collaborates with College Advisors and program advisors to provide holistic student support and ensure all academic policies are upheld; ensures student satisfaction and success by meeting with students individually throughout the academic year; reviewing degree plans to assure students are progressing satisfactorily; and discussing academic development goals with students; meets regularly with members of assigned athletic teams to monitor academic progress in each class, including performance on tests, quizzes, papers, attendance, etc.; evaluates student academic background and assist in registration process for incoming and returning student-athletes; identifies students facing academic difficulties, personal challenges, or other risk factors, and devise suitable interventions; communicates and/or refers these cases to the relevant parties and executes corrective action agreements as needed; uses appropriate technologies, available reports, and student tracking systems to identify and address academic challenges and concerns faced by students, offering appropriate interventions and viable solutions; works closely with first-generation college and international student-athletes to create personalized academic plans that consider their unique backgrounds while helping them adjust to the expectations and culture of higher education; monitors study hall and tutoring reports of assigned student athletes; monitors and helps motivate students, helps develop plans for success, supports work completion and submission, and provides other academic support to student athletes; travels with assigned teams to away events to provide support for student-athletes; and celebrates student accomplishments, recognizes student successes and personal triumphs, and recommends students to scholarships and other awards. (50%) 2. Function: NCAA Rules and Eligibility Guidelines - Learns and follows NCAA Rules and Eligibility guidelines for student athletes; tracks and ensures NCAA and Tulane University eligibility and progress towards degree requirements are being met; collaborates with Compliance to verify continuing eligibility certification data each semester through certification check sheets updated with appropriate data; communicates with coaches any concerns around students meeting eligibility benchmarks; develops academic recovery plans/corrective action agreements for students to meet eligibility requirements; assists the Compliance and Transfer Credit Specialist within Newcomb-Tulane College with the transfer credit process; reviews unofficial transcripts, course descriptions, and syllabi for potential transfer credit; maps potential academic major pathways for transfer students based on NCAA benchmarks; assists students and College Advisors with core petitions for generic transfer credit; collaborates with students and Compliance to produce documentation for NCAA eligibility waivers or petitions; seeks appropriate explanation from the compliance staff before acting when necessary; and reports potential rules violations immediately. (30%) 3. Function: Recruitment - Recruits future student athletes for Tulane athletic teams; meets with prospective students and their families; develops recruiting presentation around Tulane curriculum and academic services; and participates in recruiting events as requested.(5%) 4. Function: Communication and Documentation - Maintains appropriate communication and documentation of student engagement and NCAA rules for assigned student caseload; maintains accurate and confidential student records, including academic plans, progress reports, and advising note in accordance with FERPA; communicates professionally and effectively with students through various channels, including in-person meetings, email, virtual platforms, and texts; provides clear, accurate, and consistent communication on a regular basis with athletic coaches and administrators about the progress and academic updates of assigned student-athletes; and represents core missions of Newcomb-Tulane College and College Advising and Tulane Athletics in all university interactions. (5%) 5. Function: Professional Development - Actively pursues opportunities for Professional Development and growth; learns and implements student development theories and practices as they pertain to academic advising and develop and practice a consistent academic advising philosophy; adheres to the concept of advising as a proactive initiative and a form of teaching; attends and participates in campus trainings; seeks opportunities for continual professional development and share knowledge gained with staff; and supports training and professional development of athletic academic graduate assistants. (5%) 6. Function: Other Duties - Perform other duties as requested or required, whether or not specifically mentioned in this job description, to include: managing technology rental program, developing recruiting materials, coordinating the book program, assisting with special events, managing social media accounts, coordinating student recognition programs, and additional administrative responsibilities of the Athletic Advising team; assists in staff selection and training; works with academic and athletic colleagues in a cooperative and productive manner to achieve the NTC and Athletic goals and objectives; and adheres to professional work expectations by showing up and ready to work by 8:30 am or assigned time, completing assignments on time or early, being present at meetings at least five minutes before the start of the meeting, completing paperwork and correspondence on a daily basis, actively participating in discussions, providing solutions to problems, taking a proactive and creative approach to work, ensuring a positive and productive work environment. (5%) Required Education and Experience: Bachelor’s Degree with 1 year of academic advising experience (or closely related experience) in an educational setting. OR High School Diploma (or Equivalent) with 7 years of academic advising experience (or closely related experience) in an educational setting. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities/Competencies: Experience in Counseling, Education, Psychology, Sport Management, or related field. Experience working with students in an academic setting or related student service area. Experience working with diverse student populations, including high support students, first generation college students, international students, and the ability to programmatically respond to the challenges affecting these students. Ability to work nights and weekends. Excellent verbal/written communication and interpersonal skills to develop and maintain effective interaction with a diverse population. Ability to respond appropriately and operate with a sense of urgency within a fast-paced environment. Working knowledge of navigating academic curriculum and standards. Familiarity with and sensitivity to multicultural student-development issues and concerns. Awareness and understanding of current trends in academic support services and college athletics. Knowledge of collegiate academic structures/processes and the ability to guide and lead Division I student-athletes. Preferred Qualifications:  Master’s Degree in Counseling, Education, Psychology, Social Work, Sports Management, or a closely related field. Experience in a collegiate athletic setting. Experience with and understanding of NCAA eligibility requirements, American Athletic Conference policies, and Tulane academic standards. NCAA Related: Ensures that all Department of Athletics and University related activities operate in full compliance with university, conference, and NCAA rules and regulations. Attends and participates in scheduled compliance seminars and complies with all the Athletic Department’s efforts to monitor compliance with NCAA regulations. Seeks interpretations from the compliance staff before acting when necessary. Reports potential rules violations immediately.  Completes required compliance paperwork in a timely and efficient manner. Monitors all of their areas and/or programs activities closely to maintain compliance with applicable rules and regulations. In order to be considered for this position, applicants are required to apply for IRC34051 via the Tulane University employment website ( Tulane Staff Positions ).  The position is OPEN UNTIL FILLED. Please Note:  Tulane University has officially adopted a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy, which includes the requirement of a booster when eligible. All employees and visiting faculty must be fully vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccination or obtain approval for a medical or religious exemption prior to beginning employment.   Tulane University is an EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled employer with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. Applications by members of all underrepresented groups are encouraged.