Background:

University Overview:

Founded in 1893, Southwestern Adventist University is a 501(c)(3) faith-based institution in Johnson County, Texas. As the only four-year degree granting university in the county, Southwestern Adventist University is an important community stakeholder that links education with action by building knowledge, increasing faith, and providing service.

University Vision:

Southwestern Adventist University seeks to be a community that supports academic, spiritual, physical, and emotional wholeness encouraging all members to find their purpose and lead lives of service
University Mission
The University’s Mission

Position:

The Graduate Advisor will be responsible for ensuring graduate students have access to quality advising throughout their degree program. They will be expected to meet with students on a consistent basis to assist with navigation of the academic requirements for completion of a graduate degree specifically providing support and guidance on degree planning and course progression, assisting students to stay on track with educational goals and program check points. The Graduate Advisor will be responsible for all MSN graduate students and will need to be familiar with graduate-level education in nursing degree requirements. The Graduate Advisor will uphold the University’s Vision and Mission in student interactions and role implementation.

Responsibilities:

Meet with students consistently to provide feedback and guidance toward successful completion of the degree program

Keep precise records of a student’s academic progress, including tracking, monitoring, and documenting student decisions and interactions

Design and disseminate new/updated advising resources for students, faculty, and staff

Work with the SWAU Admissions and Enrollment staff to facilitate effective and efficient student acceptance, transfer, and financial assistance as appropriate

Collaborate with team members and SWAU faculty and staff for effective student persistence, retention, and timely degree completion

Facilitate student learning and accountability to navigate university systems, academic processes with emphasis on student empowerment to manage degree completion

Research, recommend, or create best practices for graduate-level advising

Collaborate with healthcare institutions and assist the Clinical Coordinator to facilitate student completion of Clinical and Professional Immersion hours

Be involved in acquisition of additional funding to support student success & completion

Be involved as appropriate in outreach efforts to support program enrollment and persistence

Develop and maintain MSN Graduate Nursing Program Handbook

Other duties as requested or envisioned related to primary role

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Proficient and effective communication skills

Maintain a high degree of professionalism

Demonstrate skills in time management, prioritization, and flexibility

Demonstrate a high commitment to quality, while able to handle a varied caseload

Effectively uses and learns new technology and applications with adaptability for changing technology and best practice e.g. database software (such as Excel, Google Sheets, etc.)

Ability to work with a diverse group of students of different ages

Meet best practices and National Standards for Academic Advising

Understands and meets FERPA requirements

Requirements:

Master’s degree in related field (Nursing preferred)
Preferred: Two years in experience in student affairs, teaching, academic advising or related field. Previous experience in student-focused, higher education environment highly desired.

This job description is not intended to be complete or limiting – the role will require a proactive and flexible approach to be successful.
Southwestern Adventist University complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.