Department: TRIO SSS STEM

Campus Location: Wichita, KS - WSU Main Campus

Hire Type: Full Time

Pay: Salary set at 18.84/hr (equivalent to 39,190/yr)

Work Schedule: M-F, 8-5, occasional evenings/weekends as required

Export Compliance Requirement: No export control requirement.

Job Story

We’re looking for an Advisor who believes access plus strategy equals impact, and who’s ready to work hands-on with students pursuing STEM majors and health professions. You'll play a critical role in advancing student success at the University's TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) – STEM Program

This position combines high‑impact academic advising with intentional study skills instruction to support undergraduate STEM students in navigating rigorous coursework, developing effective learning strategies, and persisting to graduation. You'll work closely with students, supporting a caseload of 50–60 students, serving as both strategist and advocate, meeting students where they are and helping them move forward with confidence. This is done through proactive, relationship‑based advising while leading structured skill‑building initiatives that strengthen academic confidence, self‑management, and long‑term success.

This role is for someone who blends structure with heart.

• Ideal for a student‑centered professional who values equity, data‑informed practice, and collaborative work in a mission‑driven environment.
  
• Can command a room, whether leading a workshop or facilitating a small group.
  
• Is deeply organized and detail-oriented, especially with documentation and data entry.
  
• Builds quick, authentic rapport with students from diverse backgrounds.
  
• Understands (or is eager to learn) the realities facing first-gen, low-income, and disabled students in STEM arenas.
  
• Is passionate about student success.
  
• Welcomes feedback from students and uses it to improve tutoring and programming.
  
• Enjoys collaboration and doesn’t like silos but enjoys the variety the day brings. 
• A STEM background is a plus—but not required.

Your work directly contributes to closing opportunity gaps and building the next generation of professionals. If you’re energized by purpose, structure, and impact, and want to see students succeed in fields that shape the future, we want to hear from you!

Job Summary

Coordinates program participation which includes, but is not limited to, identifying program participants, facilitating program application, and providing counseling and advising services.

Essential Functions

Identifies, recruits and selects new program participants. Facilitates the application process by assisting with application completion and coordinating the application selection committee. Meets on a routine basis with program students to review academic progress and graduate school preparation. Facilitates education to program participants on a variety of topics which assist with graduate school preparation. Assists in the development and administration of program evaluation tools. Collects and supplies evaluation data necessary for grant submission. Coordinates program communication to inform and educate the campus community and community at-large of program events and activities.

Job Duties

• Provide individualized academic advising to a caseload of SSS‑STEM participants, including degree planning, course sequencing, progress monitoring, and intervention support
• Develop and maintain Student Academic Plans (SAPs) aligned with STEM degree requirements and institutional policies
• Monitor academic performance, identify early warning indicators, and implement targeted retention strategies
• Maintain accurate and timely advising notes, service tracking, and documentation for federal reporting and audit compliance
• Design, implement, and assess study skills workshops focused on STEM student success (e.g., time management, test preparation, metacognition, learning strategies, executive functioning)
• Integrate study skills programming with advising services to support holistic academic development
• Collaborate with tutoring services, learning centers, and faculty to reinforce skill‑based learning
• Evaluate program effectiveness using attendance data, surveys, and academic outcomes

Required Education and Experience:

• High school diploma of equivalent
• Six (6) years of experience in higher education advising or related field. Every 30 hours of college coursework in in education, communications or related field can be substituted for one (1) year of experience.

Required License/Certifications/Training:

None

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of academic advising practices, student success strategies, and retention frameworks in higher education
• Knowledge of barriers impacting first‑generation, low‑income, and students with disabilities in postsecondary settings
• Working knowledge of learning strategies, study skills development, and academic skill‑building approaches
• Understanding of FERPA requirements and student confidentiality standards
• Familiarity with federally funded or grant‑supported programs preferred (TRIO SSS, Upward Bound, McNair)
• Strong interpersonal and advising skills, with the ability to build trust‑based relationships with students
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for working with students, faculty, and campus partners
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills, including the ability to manage a caseload and meet documentation deadlines
• Facilitation skills for leading workshops, presentations, or group learning activities

Preferred Qualifications:

• This is a grant funded position. A condition of the grant requires Academic Advisor candidates to possess a Bachelor's degree in Student Personnel, Education, Administration, Counseling, or related discipline.
• Prior experience with TRIO or GEAR UP programs
• Experience supporting STEM students specifically
• Knowledge of student success frameworks, advising, or learning strategies
• Comfort with databases, student information systems, and assessment tools

Additional Information:

This is a grant funded position. A condition of the grant requires Academic Advisor candidates to possess a Bachelor's degree in Student Personnel, Education, Administration, Counseling, or related discipline.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to remain in a stationary position. Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment including but not limited to phone, printers, copiers, and calculators. Ability to communicate with others and accurately exchange information. Ability to travel in a vehicle for distances including but not limited to across city, county, and state.

Additional Physical Requirement: