Department: College of Engineering Academic Advising

Campus Location: Wichita, KS - WSU Main Campus

Hire Type: Full Time

Pay: Salary set at $42,600/yr (20.48/hr)

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 8-5 evening and/or weekend hours required occasionally for events

Export Compliance Requirement: No export control requirement.

Job Story

Some universities have advising roles which are transactional. Ours are transformational!
We have two openings for this team & role currently, who will play a critical role in helping students navigate complex academic paths while contributing to a highly collaborative, team-driven environment. If you’re the kind of person who can challenge a student to do better and make them feel supported in the same conversation—you’ll fit right in here.

You'll support student success, course selection, and academic/career goals for multiple departments within the college. You'll advise engineering students concerning their academic plans, degree progress, and goals to assist them in making personal education decisions and meeting graduation requirements and potentially assist departmental recruiting efforts by interacting with prospective students. You’ll have real conversations about academic and career goals, helping students connect the dots between where they are now and where they want to go. Some students will be highly motivated and just need direction. Others may struggle with follow-through or procrastination—and that’s where your ability to balance empathy with accountability really matters.

These roles are designed for individuals who bring both structure and emotional intelligence to their work. Ideal candidates will:

• Be adaptable and comfortable adjusting their approach based on evolving student and team needs
• Thrive in a collaborative environment where compromise and shared ownership are valued
• Demonstrate empathy while confidently setting boundaries and holding students accountable
• Effectively support students who may struggle with procrastination or follow-through
• Be highly organized, with strong time management and prioritization skills
• Value diverse perspectives and use them to strengthen outcomes and decision-making
• Build strong, respectful relationships while maintaining clear professional standards

You'll assist with the interpretation of academic policies, procedures and support services, and must maintain strict confidentiality. Successful candidates will collaborate with faculty, staff, and a team of advisors. Professional development opportunities are encouraged and supported by the college to ensure continuous growth in the role.

Apply now for this opportunity!

Job Summary

Advises students concerning their academic plans, progress, and academic and career goals in order to assist students in making personal education decisions and meeting graduation requirements. Interprets student needs and provides individualized service and assistance while maintaining confidentiality.

Essential Functions

Provides students with information on how to complete their college degree and refers students to appropriate campus and community services and resources when needed. Serves as a resource person to faculty and others with regard to academic advising policies and procedures. May review and optimize procedures as needed. May assist in the development of and participates in recruitment and retention activities related to the student population such as monitoring educational progress and/or providing application or other assistance. May maintain confidential student records and personal information. May conduct or participate in seminars, workshops or orientation sessions for students on academic, career and personal success strategies and other group activities.

Job Duties

• Provide academic advising from recruitment to graduation, helping students plan and navigate degree requirements, course selection and academic policies.
• Provide clear academic guidance to students.
• Assist students in developing academic plans, advising students on course sequencing, enrollment and degree completion, while explaining program requirements.
• Communicate important academic deadlines, expectations and university policies to students.
• Assist students with special circumstances such as full withdrawals, late drop appeals, and program changes.
• Act as an advocate for students.
• Perform duties as needed, including but not limited to collaboration with the engineering advising team, faculty, academic departments, and other student services offices to enhance students’ academic success and retention.
• Assist students with transfer credit, working with academic programs staff to ensure that transfer work is evaluated and applies appropriately to their degree program.
• Assist students facing academic or personal challenges by connecting them with appropriate campus and community resources.
• Participate in professional development activities, stay current on advising practices, enhance student support strategies, and contribute to the advising program’s overall effectiveness and the college’s mission.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in related field
• One (1) year of experience in student services or related field. Every 15 hours of graduate college coursework beyond a bachelor's degree can be substituted for one (1) year of experience.

Required License/Certifications/Training:

None

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Familiarity with Engineering undergraduate programs in order to recruit new students and advise current students through graduation.
• Knowledge in the use of Degree Works degree audit, Banner, Navigate, Perceptive Content and other platforms and applications. required for day-to-day advising.
• Familiarity with WSU student resources.
• Strong written and oral communication skills. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Adaptability to changes in policies, procedures, and advising processes.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team setting.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Three to five years of previous experience in collegiate academic advising or a related field such as student services, counseling, or higher education administration.
• Experience working with at risk and/or first-generation college students.

Additional Information:

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.

Additional Physical Requirement: