Pace University
Academic Advisor, First-Year Advising
Pace University, Pleasantville, New York, United States, 00401
Description
The Academic Advisor, First-Year, plays a critical role in supporting new undergraduate students from entry through the end of their first academic year. First-Year Advisors (FYAs) are responsible for onboarding, advising, and registering new first-year students; conducting proactive outreach; and supporting a successful transition to college. Embedded within school-based advising teams and aligned with university-wide student success strategies, FYAs ensure students are academically prepared, well-connected, and on track for continued success in their major.
Position Duties Develop and build first-semester course schedules for assigned incoming students based on program requirements and placement criteria. Advise first-year students on academic requirements, course selection, and progression planning for second semester registration. Meet with each student at least twice per semester to assess academic progress, build connection, and offer tailored support. Provide academic guidance and refer students to appropriate campus resources, including tutoring, counseling, career services, student accounts, registrar, and financial aid. Monitor student registration to ensure appropriate course loads and timely completion of requirements. Conduct proactive outreach to newly admitted students prior to orientation and maintain ongoing communication throughout the first year. Participate in orientation and onboarding events, including running advising and registration sessions. Serve as the primary advising contact for students and families during the first year, responding to questions and providing continuity of support. Introduce students to university systems, expectations, and support networks to build self-advocacy and persistence. Collaborate with First-Year Seminar (UNV 101) faculty and peer leaders to align academic advising with course content and transition support. Attend school- and university-wide meetings and contribute to the implementation of first-year success strategies. Participate in spring conversion events to engage incoming students (some weekend responsibilities required). Facilitate a formal handoff of students to upper-level major advisors at the end of the first year to ensure continuity of advising support. Engage in training, team meetings, and continuous improvement initiatives related to first-year advising. Collaborate with other FYAs and advising leads to refine first-year advising practices and enhance the student experience. Participate in university committees and initiatives related to student success and advisement as assigned. Performs other such duties as may be assigned from time to time. Work Hours
Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., with additional hours as needed. Some evenings and/or weekends may be required.
Requirements
Master's degree in higher education, counseling, student affairs, or a related field required. At least one year of experience in academic advising, student support, or related student-facing roles. Demonstrated understanding of first-year student development, academic transition challenges, and student support strategies. Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills. Ability to build rapport with students and work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and university stakeholders. Commitment to equity-minded, student-centered advising practices.
The Academic Advisor, First-Year, plays a critical role in supporting new undergraduate students from entry through the end of their first academic year. First-Year Advisors (FYAs) are responsible for onboarding, advising, and registering new first-year students; conducting proactive outreach; and supporting a successful transition to college. Embedded within school-based advising teams and aligned with university-wide student success strategies, FYAs ensure students are academically prepared, well-connected, and on track for continued success in their major.
Position Duties Develop and build first-semester course schedules for assigned incoming students based on program requirements and placement criteria. Advise first-year students on academic requirements, course selection, and progression planning for second semester registration. Meet with each student at least twice per semester to assess academic progress, build connection, and offer tailored support. Provide academic guidance and refer students to appropriate campus resources, including tutoring, counseling, career services, student accounts, registrar, and financial aid. Monitor student registration to ensure appropriate course loads and timely completion of requirements. Conduct proactive outreach to newly admitted students prior to orientation and maintain ongoing communication throughout the first year. Participate in orientation and onboarding events, including running advising and registration sessions. Serve as the primary advising contact for students and families during the first year, responding to questions and providing continuity of support. Introduce students to university systems, expectations, and support networks to build self-advocacy and persistence. Collaborate with First-Year Seminar (UNV 101) faculty and peer leaders to align academic advising with course content and transition support. Attend school- and university-wide meetings and contribute to the implementation of first-year success strategies. Participate in spring conversion events to engage incoming students (some weekend responsibilities required). Facilitate a formal handoff of students to upper-level major advisors at the end of the first year to ensure continuity of advising support. Engage in training, team meetings, and continuous improvement initiatives related to first-year advising. Collaborate with other FYAs and advising leads to refine first-year advising practices and enhance the student experience. Participate in university committees and initiatives related to student success and advisement as assigned. Performs other such duties as may be assigned from time to time. Work Hours
Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., with additional hours as needed. Some evenings and/or weekends may be required.
Requirements
Master's degree in higher education, counseling, student affairs, or a related field required. At least one year of experience in academic advising, student support, or related student-facing roles. Demonstrated understanding of first-year student development, academic transition challenges, and student support strategies. Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills. Ability to build rapport with students and work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and university stakeholders. Commitment to equity-minded, student-centered advising practices.