Department
Werth College of Science, Technology & Mathematics
Job Posting Title
Professional Advisor, Werth College of Science, Technology & Mathematics
Job Description
Job Description
This 12-month, full-time, non-teaching, non-tenure track, on-campus position proactively enhances the student experience by providing focused commitment to student success in their respective College. The professional advisor will report to the dean of the respective college and coordinate activities with appropriate department chairs. We are seeking two positions. At least one of those will serve in the Werth College of Science, Technology, and Mathematics (Agriculture, Applied Technology, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geosciences, Mathematics, Physics). The other position may serve in the Werth College or possibly in one of the other academic colleges, considering the needs of the institution.
Basic Duties:
The Professional Advisors advise on-campus and online undergraduate students enrolled at FHSU regarding information, procedures, and academic requirements of specific programs or majors, evaluate students’ specific academic situations, and work with students to set reasonable academic goals aimed at timely completion of their chosen degree programs. Professional Advisors use FHSU record-keeping systems and interact with students through the use of various technologies and in-person meetings. Professional Advisors also work with the Dean of the respective college with regard to day-to-day operations and academic issues and the director of the Academic Advising and Career Exploration for training and development.
Distinguishing Characteristics:
Persons in this position must possess advising, communication, and situation-management skills as they are required to interact continually with students in a professional manner. They must be able to influence students to move successfully and efficiently through their academic requirements and to anticipate and meet deadlines for registration, financial aid, etc. They will display a strong work ethic and will not hesitate to take ownership of a problem or a situation in which reasonable assistance to a student may be rendered. To be successful in this position requires a strong internal sense of urgency and the ability to be a self-starter. A well-developed ability to organize and prioritize work effectively is essential.
Job Duties:
- Proactively communicate with advisees when assigned regarding registration procedures, academic policies, and other general academic information;
- Assess the students' stages of academic development and assists students to establish realistic and attainable academic goals with the primary duty being course registration each semester;
- Advise students on academic issues; identify educational options appropriate for each student as their situation dictates;
- Work collaboratively with units such as the Transfer and Military Center, Academic Advising and Career Exploration Office, and the Registrar’s Office regarding training, development, and degree requirements;
- Identify available options for students to satisfy degree requirements in a timely manner, including a substantial number of student-support services designed to assist them;
- Proactively and systematically engage students to assist them in meeting each deadline needed to move them efficiently and effectively through the requirements to complete their degrees;
- Monitor academic progress of each student assigned to him or her. With the aid of the early-alert system, analyze progress reports from faculty; promote satisfactory academic progress toward degree completion. With faculty, identify and discuss current and potential needs or problem areas (e.g., study skills, tutoring needed, writing issues, etc.) and refer students to appropriate services;
- Maintain student files and records; document all pertinent student information; update student information system including Advisor Notes at regular intervals, after each contact with a student, and as needed in special circumstances;
- Make students aware of relevant Fort Hays State University policies and procedures;
- Review mid-term and end-of-semester grades; conduct unscheduled grade audits as individual situations require;
- Assist students as needed in the completion of registration, adds, drops, etc.;
- Identify options for students to satisfy specific degree requirements; evaluate and make recommendations on desirable or needed adjustments to students’ academic programs;
- Utilize the enrollment system to monitor advising enrollment reports;
- Assist students with registration and provide guidance in course selection in keeping with the students' requirements to complete their degrees, and with consideration for their interests and abilities;
- Participate in the professional advising community at FHSU;
- Participate in training and development opportunities to enhance advising skills and abilities;
- Follow up with students who have not registered as start of each semester approaches;
- Is knowledgeable about aspects of the admissions process for new students, including admissions policies and procedures, financial aid, costs, placement exams, registration procedures, student housing, etc.;
- Other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
Appointment Date: Start date to be determined after acceptance of an offer and completion of criminal background check.
Priority Deadline: Screening of applications will begin March 27, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled.
Base Salary Information:
Bachelor’s degree - $36,000 per year (12-month contract).
Master’s degree or higher - $39,000 per year (12-month contract).
Benefits: To review our competitive benefit package, please visit FHSU Benefits.
Application Process: To apply for this position, please visit FHSU Careers. Only electronic applications submitted through the webpage will be accepted.
Required Application Documents: Applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, and names and contact information for three professional references.
Applicant documents should be submitted in one PDF.
If you have questions regarding the position, please contact:
Name: Rebecca Newell, Coordinator for Professional & Continuing Education Programs
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 785-628-4559
Community of Hays
FHSU is located in Hays, a vibrant college town of approximately 20,000, located halfway between Kansas City and Denver on Interstate 70. Hays is the regional center for education, health care, professional services, shopping, culture, and recreation for the western half of Kansas. The community boasts excellent recreational programs and facilities, including the comprehensive Center for Health Improvement, Hays Aquatic Park, Smoky Hill Country Club, Hays Municipal Golf Course, and extensive walking, running, and biking trails. Hays is within 45 minutes of two large lakes that offer great opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping. The Hays Municipal Airport provides connecting service to Denver with several flights daily. The Hays community is home to excellent Pre-K and K-12, public and private schools. With over 60 restaurants, major retail outlets, a low unemployment rate, and very short commute times, the city provides a safe, welcoming, low-cost, high-quality living environment for the residents who call "Hays, America" home.
Notice of Non-discrimination – Fort Hays State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, religion, national origin, color, age, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability or veteran status.
Background Check: Final candidate will have consented to and successfully completed a criminal background check.
Notice to KPERS retirees applying for a position: Recent legislation changes working-after-retirement rules for both you and your employer if you go back to work for a KPERS employer. Please contact your KPERS representative or www.kpers.org for further information on how this might affect you.
