Position Function:
Provides academic advisement for prospective, current, and former students within a specified undergraduate academic department or equivalent unit of a college. Assesses academic level, attends to student academic inquiries, assists in the resolution of individual academic problems, and advises on academic program changes. Advises and assists students in the development of academic plans and class schedules Analyzes applications, transfer evaluations, and transcripts for entry and exit from the university. Develops and maintains appropriate files and records.
Salary Grade: 14
Please see Staff Compensation Structure for salary ranges.
Department Profile:
The Department of Sociology has approximately 22 faculty members, 400 undergraduate majors and 30 sociology graduate students. http://www.sociology.msstate.edu
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Answers student inquiries and resolves problems related to curriculum and course prerequisites, referring to catalogues, written course descriptions, and other appropriate sources.
2. Receives and reviews transcripts to evaluate transfer credits and applicability of academic credit to program requirements.
3. Initiates and maintains individual student files as appropriate, updating and evaluating file as new information is received.
4. Reviews student files to ensure deadlines are met for completing various graduation requirements such as coursework requirements, theses, comprehensive examinations, and other specific program requirements.
5. Coordinates with other organizational units to process admission and graduation requests and to aid in resolution of academic problems.
6. Reviews student grade reports each semester to determine probation and/or suspension based on academic regulations of university; notifies and places students on probation or suspension; returns students to regular status after sufficient progress is made.
7. Prepares form letters, individual letters, and information packets in support of group and/or individual recruitment efforts; attends and participates in individual and group orientation and other information dissemination sessions.
8. Assists students in the selection of appropriate courses in terms of students' stated preferences.
9. Assists faculty advisement, athletic coaches, and/or other counseling personnel by providing records, evaluations, interpretations, and other requested data, recommendations, and conclusions.
10. Performs supplemental administrative activities such as scheduling meetings and interviews, securing requested information, and verifying and maintaining computerized data files.
11. May supervise lower graded staff and/or student employees; may participate in training and evaluative sessions and recommend methods to improve advisement activities.
12. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
1 year experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Records maintenance skills.
• Ability to maintain calendars and schedule appointments.
• Ability to use independent judgment and to manage and impart confidential information.
• Ability to analyze and solve problems.
• Ability to analyze course prerequisites, certification, and/or curriculum/graduation requirements.
• Ability to evaluate student transcripts and/or records
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
•No or very limited physical effort required.
•No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
•Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.
•Considerable physical activity. Requires heavy physical work; heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling required of objects up to 50 pounds. Physical work is a primary part (more than 70%) of job.
•No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
•Work may involve moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.
Instructions for Applying:
Apply online and attach resume and cover letter.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.
What do I do if I need an accommodation?
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.
