Academic Advisor
5 days ago
Tempe
Job Description Sonoran University of Health Sciences shapes a healthier future by supporting students as they train to excel as healthcare professionals, by enhancing the health and wellbeing of our patients and communities, and by discovering effective treatments for humanity grounded in the healing power of nature. Our vision is a world that embraces the healing power of nature. Located in Tempe, Arizona, the overall environment is vibrant and dynamic, with passionate students, staff, and faculty. As a private institution, Sonoran University is dedicated to fostering a supportive, inclusive community for all. Sonoran community members embody and promote inclusive excellence (IE*). This includes a commitment to respecting diverse perspectives and continually advancing your understanding and practices around equity, belonging, and support for all students, employees, patients, and our greater community. You will contribute to a campus culture that embraces our core values. Job Description/Summary: The Academic Advisor provides academic advising to students for all institutional degree programs. This position is a key contributor to increasing student retention and graduation by supporting Sonoran students in degree completion. This dynamic individual will work directly with the other Academic Advisors under the leadership of the University Registrar in the areas of: special schedule advising; maintaining advising records and Student Information System (SIS) data integrity; building personalized relationships with both online and on-ground students, communicate with students regarding academic policies, and their academic progress; ensure the completeness, accuracy and security of student transcripts and pertinent records in compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA). The Academic Advisor supports or directly responsible for the following: • Serve as the primary guide to both online and ground students to ensure that students stay on track to meet their educational goals and assist students in understanding and completing degree requirements., • Provide one-on-one advising to students on alternative tracks, checking for pre-requisites and ensuring proper registration in required classes for their Program of Study (POS)., • Closely monitor students to proactively identify at-risk scenarios and offer comprehensive outreach to develop, implement, measure and improve academic success strategies., • Skilled at connecting and building rapport with students from diverse backgrounds, • Provide students with proactive guidance on acclimating to their new graduate lifestyle and building supportive personal environments and best practices to facilitate their student success., • Maintain documentation for student files including electronic records to support academic progression and advisement for student success., • Responsible for a thorough understanding of the college curriculum and progression in the various POS tracks; maintaining college and academic policies, protocol, standards and procedures to maintain SIS data integrity., • Responsible for maintaining program information and providing directions to students interested or participating in the joint degree programs (PIHMA and MPH)., • Empower students to maintain effective connections to the College and its online community of learners., • Provide one on one assistance to online or ground students in navigating and using the LMS system., • Help with Registrar’s Office phone queue and general inquiries, as needed., • Follows department operating procedures, actively participates in collaborative environments, works cross-departmentally and out of normal scope of practice when needs arise, • Actively engage in professional growth activities and events to advance inclusive excellence by being a lifelong learner and innovator., • Possesses a growth mindset with a willingness to embrace innovative techniques and inclusive excellence practices; fosters a sense of belonging and establishes a welcoming environment for all individuals., • Perform additional duties as assigned. Experience Required • Preferred experience: 1 year as an academic advisor or 2+ years as a student services provider in a college-level setting, • 1–2 years – demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities with strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills in an academic or student-facing setting, • 1 year – experience assisting individuals in stressful situations, with a focus on de-escalation, empathy, and appropriate referrals, • 1 year – experience working with diverse populations in a professional setting, both in-person and remotely, • 1 year – experience handling confidential information in accordance with FERPA or other privacy guidelines, • 1 year – demonstrated ability to research and apply best practices or procedural guidelines, • 1–2 years – proficiency using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and comfort navigating databases or student information systems, • Demonstrated adaptability to changing processes and ability to learn new technologies quickly Education Requirements Minimum Education /Certifications Bachelor’s degree in field related to area of assignment. or any combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge and abilities Desired Education /Certifications Master’s degree in field related to area of assignment. Working Environment Activities are performed in an environmentally controlled office setting subject to extensive periods of sitting, keyboarding and manipulating a computer mouse. Required to stand for varying lengths of time and walk moderate distances to perform work. Frequent bending, reaching, lifting, pushing and pulling of up to 25 pounds. Regular activities require ability to quickly change priorities which may include and/or are subject to resolution of conflicts. Communicate to perform essential functions. Work Schedule This is a full-time, exempt (salaried) position. Standard working hours are Monday through Friday, scheduled during Sonoran University’s institutional operating hours. Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required during peak advising periods, special events, or orientation. This is a hybrid position, allowing the Academic Advisor to work remotely from a home office setting (with limited distractions) up to two days per week, with prior approval from the supervisor. Remote work may not be authorized until completion of onboarding and training. In-person presence may be prioritized during periods of high student engagement. The on-campus work location is in Tempe, Arizona. Background/Screening All candidates offered a position at SONORAN UNIVERSITY undergo a background and drug screen prior to hire. All employees must show documentation of vaccinations or provide titer results for measles prior to first day of work (unless religious or medical exemption is on file). Employment is contingent upon satisfactory outcome of all screens required of this position. SONORAN UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status. SONORAN UNIVERSITY is a smoke free campus. • Inclusive Excellence is the standard set by an organization to intentionally integrate diversity, inclusion, and equity into its organizational pursuit of excellence. About Sonoran University: Sonoran University of Health Sciences is a non-profit and internationally recognized higher education institution dedicated to shaping a healthier future. Guided by our mission to support students as they train to excel as healthcare professionals, enhance the health and wellbeing of our patients and communities, and discover effective treatments grounded in the healing power of nature. We uphold our core values: We shape the future, we love, we achieve excellence, we are resilient, and we do the right thing. The University’s College of Naturopathic Medicine, College of Nutrition, and School of Mental Health offer evidence-based programs designed to shape a healthier tomorrow by preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals. To serve the University’s mission, the Sage Foundation for Health supports several Community Clinics focused on providing free naturopathic medical care to local underserved communities within the Phoenix Metro area. The College of Nutrition’s Virtual Center for Personalized Nutrition aims to eliminate traditional barriers to nutritional care by providing personalized and evidence-based care delivered at no cost via telehealth. The Ric Scalzo Institute for Botanical Research is a state-of-the-art molecular biology/phytochemistry laboratory seeks to improve therapies for global health concerns by exploring traditional medicine at the cellular, molecular, and cultural level to create novel botanical solutions that support people, plants, and planet. The University’s Clinical Care branch operates two open-to-the-public clinics at the Tempe Campus. The Medical Center provides naturopathic healthcare for a wide range of patients including but not limited to; family medicine, nutrition and digestive health, mental health and well-being, dermatologic conditions, endocrine and auto-immune concerns, and acute symptoms. The Neil Riordan Center for Regenerative Medicine focuses on non-opioid solutions to pain and pain management utilizing treatments ranging from cupping and acupuncture to regenerative injection therapies. The Medicinary is the largest natural pharmacy in Arizona, offering an expansive collection of the highest quality, professional-grade supplements, herbs, and natural health products. Every purchase made at the Medicinary helps support the Sage Foundation and its mission to provide free healthcare to those in need. Nurture your knowledge, visit sonoran.edu Benefits: At Sonoran University, we achieve excellence and shape the future by fostering a workplace where you can thrive and grow! Our benefits go above and beyond to support your health, happiness, and lifestyle. Qualifying employees enjoy comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, vacation time, 12 paid holidays, a 401(k) plan with a discretionary match, and employer-sponsored life, AD&D, and long-term disability coverage. Every team member benefits from paid sick time, and exclusive perks like free office visits at our Medical Center and Neil Riordan Center, plus discounts at the largest medicinary in the Southwest — with shipping available! Enjoy a delicious meal our onsite café, or unwind in our fully equipped employee breakroom with a full kitchen, coffee, and new snacks every month. Prioritize your wellness with free personalized nutritional care, a yoga studio, a fitness center, and covered parking. Explore a wealth of knowledge in our library, rock your Sonoran pride on Casual Wednesdays, and be celebrated through our annual Employee Appreciation Day. Want more? Access exclusive deals on attractions, shows, shopping, and more through Tickets At Work and LifeMart. With a flexible hybrid work environment and an inspiring culture, Sonoran University is where passion and purpose meet to create a workplace like no other!