Academic Advisor
Join Our Team at AACA!
Position: Academic Advisor
Starting Salary: Competitive, commensurate with experience
AACA, a leading film school in South Africa, is seeking a dedicated Academic Advisor to join our Student Support Services Department. This role is crucial in providing guidance to students on course selection, academic progress, and achieving their educational goals.
Position Details:
- Provide personalized academic advising to students, assisting them in developing educational plans that align with their interests, goals, and career aspirations.
- Assist students in understanding program requirements, course sequencing, and academic policies and procedures.
- Monitor students’ academic progress, including course completion, grades, and GPA, and intervene as needed to address challenges or concerns.
- Collaborate with faculty and other campus departments to ensure students have access to the resources and support they need to succeed.
- Conduct group advising sessions, workshops, and orientation programs to help students transition to college and navigate the academic environment.
- Maintain accurate and confidential student records, including notes from advising sessions and academic plans.
- Stay informed about changes in academic programs, policies, and requirements, and communicate updates to students as appropriate.
Challenges:
- Balancing the needs and expectations of individual students with institutional requirements and academic standards.
- Advising students from diverse backgrounds and with varying academic abilities and interests.
- Addressing academic and personal challenges that may impact students’ progress and success.
- Managing a high volume of advising appointments and inquiries, especially during peak registration periods.
- Collaborating effectively with faculty, staff, and other campus stakeholders to support student success.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Education, Counseling, Student Affairs, etc.).
- Previous experience in academic advising, student services, or related fields preferred.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
- Knowledge of academic policies, procedures, and resources to support student success.
- Commitment to student-centered advising practices and a student-first approach.
Preferred:
- Master’s degree in a relevant field.
- Experience working in higher education or a similar educational setting.
- Familiarity with student information systems or advising software.
- Training or certification in academic advising or counseling.
- Ability to speak multiple languages to support a diverse student population.