Graduate Academic Advisor 2

Job Title

Graduate Academic Advisor II

Agency

Texas A&M Engineering

Department

Mechanical Engineering

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

College Station, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Why work for Texas A&M Engineering?

Who we are:

Engineering has been part of Texas A&M University since its opening in 1876 as the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas. Today, the College of Engineering is the largest college on the College Station campus with more than 25,000 engineering students enrolled in 15 departments. Its mission is to serve Texas, the nation and the global community by providing engineering graduates who are well-founded in engineering fundamentals, instilled with the highest standards of professional and ethical behavior, and prepared to meet the complex technical challenges of society.

As the research arm of Engineering, the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES) is a state agency within the Texas A&M University System with a mission to improve lives through basic and applied engineering research, workforce development and technology transition. Our collaborations with industry, academia and government provide cutting-edge solutions to global technical challenges.

We are deeply committed to recruiting and retaining a talented workforce that embraces our core values of Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Service, by offering competitive salaries, an array of benefits, an extensive support network, and above all, an enriching and highly collaborative working community that is deeply passionate about our vision for higher education, research, and public service.

Job Description

Purpose:

Under moderate supervision, the Graduate Academic Advisor II independently advises graduate students on academic planning, degree requirements, and policy compliance. This position manages complex advising processes, serves as a primary point of contact for assigned students, and coordinates key graduate program functions.

Responsibilities:

• Serves as the primary graduate academic advisor for mechanical engineering Masters students, providing comprehensive academic advising on degree requirements, policies, and timelines.
• Independently meets and corresponds with students to provide academic guidance and ensure compliance with university, college, and departmental regulations.
• Manages moderately complex student cases, including academic progress concerns, policy interpretation, and exception requests, in consultation with senior staff and the Associate Department Head for Graduate Programs.
• Refers students to appropriate campus resources and works closely with ISSS to assist international students with advising-related processes and electronic forms.
• Reviews and approves graduate degree plans, add/drop requests, withdrawals, changes of curriculum, ARCS requests, and other routine academic actions.
• Monitors graduate student academic progress and maintains accurate student records; identifies potential issues and communicates concerns to students and appropriate contacts.
• Assists with the development and revision of graduate program materials such as handbooks, newsletters, and advising communications.
• Works with faculty and graduate committees to support timely student progress and completion of degree milestones.
• Assists with curriculum updates and administrative processes related to course registration and scheduling.
• Communicates and coordinates with university and college-level offices, including ISSS, the Graduate & Professional School, and the College of Engineering.
• Works with the department undergraduate advising office as the graduate liaison for the Fast Track program.
• Support staff for MEEN 681 Seminar.
• Participates in graduate recruitment, orientation, and program events.
• Works collaboratively with graduate office staff to support daily operations and efficient workflow.
• Performs other duties as assigned, including occasional work beyond normal office hours.

What we need:

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• One year of related experience.

What is helpful:

• Two or more years of relevant experience in academic advising, graduate programs, or student services.
• Experience working with graduate programs, including familiarity with graduate student policies and academic processes.
• Texas A&M University advising experience, including familiarity with systems such as Howdy, Compass, or similar student information systems, degree planning/auditing tools, and advising platforms.
• Experience coordinating academic or administrative processes with strong attention to detail, accurate record-keeping and critical thinking skills.
• Experience working directly with faculty, committees, or campus offices to support student progress.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Working knowledge of graduate academic policies, degree requirements, and institutional procedures.
• Ability to independently advise students and manage moderately complex advising situations.
• Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making skills, with the ability to interpret policies and apply them consistently.
• Effective interpersonal skills for working with students, faculty, and staff.
• Ability to prioritize work, meet deadlines, and manage multiple responsibilities.
• Commitment to fostering a supportive and collaborative environment for all students, faculty, and staff.

Work Location:

• Main Campus – College Station, TX.

About Mechanical Engineering

The J. Mike Walker '66 Department of Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M University is a national and international leader in mechanical engineering education. Our scholarship, research, and service to our communities are supported by recruiting and nurturing top students, faculty, and staff passionate about learning, advancing human knowledge, and making high-impact contributions to society.

Texas A&M Engineering provides an outstanding benefits package including but not limited to:

• Competitive medical insurance benefits through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas and Prescription coverage by Express Scripts.
• Options for Vision, Dental, Life, and Long-Term Disability insurance.
• A defined benefit retirement plan with the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) with 8.25% employer contribution.
• Additional Voluntary Retirement Programs: Tax Deferred Account 403(b) and a Deferred Compensation Program 457(b).
• Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses
• Generous paid time off with holidays, vacation and sick leave.
• Robust free training access through LinkedIn Learning plus professional development opportunities.
• Tuition assistance and Educational release time to further your academic pursuits.
• Access to Engineer Your Wellness programs that provide opportunities for employees to engage in health and fitness.
• Wellness release time offered to employees to promote work/life balance.

Helpful Applicant Information

Required Materials for Application:

• Resume/CV
• Three work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor/former supervisor.
• Letter of interest (dependent upon position)

Applications received by Texas A&M Engineering must have all required job application data entered.

Failure to provide all job application data could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application.

Compensation Philosophy:

• Recruit and retain high-performing workforce through competitive compensation and career development including career pathing, coaching and skills development.
• Offer total rewards, flexible benefits, professional development, performance recognition and work-life balance.
• Ensure resources are readily available and utilized to attract and retain the highest quality researchers, faculty, and staff.

Employment Eligibility Verification

• If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present original and unexpired documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in delay of start date.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.