College Advisor

Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) is Wisconsin's largest and most diverse technical college, offering 170+ high-quality programs that connect students to a career in as little as one to two years. The college also offers a less expensive path to a four-year degree. MATC is transforming lives, industry and our community by preparing students today for the careers of tomorrow. Together, we are meeting the needs of the community we share and are focused on students with the greatest needs. We are seeking passionate individuals to join our team who shares the same passion in serving this purpose. Learn more about MATC at www.matc.edu.

Under the supervision of the Director of Advising in collaboration with the Supervisor of Advising, the College Advisor, is a vital contact for all program students to drive engagement and empower students to achieve their academic and career goals. Collaborates closely with valued partners (i.e. Advising Peers, Recruitment, Admissions, Career, Financial Aid, Retention Coaches, Student Life, and faculty) to provide coordinated care, academic and non-academic advice, including, but not limited to STORM and program orientations, transcript and course placement evaluations, approval of course waivers under the guidance of program faculty, and registration through various parts of the student's academic career path.

The College Advisor provides various aspects of academic support and guidance throughout the student's entire academic career path and are expected to engage and provide proactive advising strategies throughout the academic year with a minimum of three contacts during critical periods each semester (The 3 points of contacts should include: Pre-advise (first four weeks of the semester), Mid-term (weeks 6-9), and Priority registration (weeks 9-16)) to ensure students have the best opportunity to achieve their educational goals. The goal is to coordinate care and build transformative relationships with students while interpreting information and providing clarification on procedures and academic requirements of specific programs. College Advisor's are responsible for academic progression, including using academic milestones to increase retention of all students and they play a pivotal role in promoting student success to ensure students reach key benchmarks throughout their academic program.

Supervision received is general in nature using established policies and general objectives often referring to the supervisor for policy clarification or interpretation. As a staff member of the MATC College Advising Center, all job-related performance directives, training, and evaluations will be completed by the Director of Advising, while day to day direction will be provided by the supervisor.

Student Advising: Performs a comprehensive model of academic advising for current students. Presents group workshops and provides individual advising sessions. Serves as a resource for Pathway/Program faculty who advise students. Assesses scores/GPA as appropriate. Reviews transcript and program plans. Teaches students how to register for courses in alignment with course availability and program changes that are supportive of the student's ability as well as academic, financial, and career plans while applying an equity of treatment with all student concerns. Advises students on academic decisions and career development, including effects of dropping courses and/or changing programs, referring students to Financial Aid specialists as appropriate. Clarifies Academic Plan and other planning documents to students.

Education Planning Leadership: Assesses strengths and weaknesses in students' academic, career, and personal development by identifying factors that enhance or prevent academic progress. Examines alternatives based on changing goals, academic progress and/or personal situation. Interprets non-cognitive assessment results to guide students to establish realistic academic and career goals. Remains current and knowledgeable of MATC transfer credit policies, agreements and graduation requirements for Pathway programs to better assist planning. Stays current on general Financial Aid processes to inform recommendations for education planning.

Academic Monitoring and Success Planning: Assess strengths and weaknesses in students' academic, career, and personal development by identifying factors that enhance or prevent academic progress; examine alternatives based on changing goals, academic progress or personal situation; interpret non-cognitive assessment results to guide students to establish realistic academic and career goals. Monitors program plans, determining eligibility and satisfactory progress toward degree, identifying current and potential needs or problem areas such as study skills and tutoring options. Counsels suspended academic pathway students and completes a Monitored Academic Plan (MAP) that includes courses and a corrective action plan. Collaborates with the Retention Coaches to facilitate workshops for students on suspension that includes information on academic policies, academic and non-academic resources. Understands and explains procedures and implications that support Financial Aid recipients who are suspended.

Resource Guidance: Identifies and refers students in need of additional academic resources, career planning, personal or financial counseling, and/or special needs to appropriate Pathway team member(s) (i.e. Pathway Retention Coach) or other college office(s). Guides students to access college resources, including navigating the student portal to attain self-sufficiency in college transactions. Uses appropriate tools and software to generate and maintain applicable, accurate student reports that are student specific, meeting summaries and tracking notes.

Data and Reporting: Use EAB Navigate and Ellucian tools as well as collaborate with Pathway team to utilize data identifying students who benefit from services as well as participate in re-enrollment campaigns and strategies. Use appropriate tools and software to generate and maintain applicable, accurate student reports that are student specific; meeting summaries and tracking notes.

Customer Service and Engagement: Ensures delivery of excellent customer service advising, including face-to-face, telephone, on-line communication and web-conferencing. Work with Pathway team to ensure delivery of accurate information of all College services. Collaborates with Pathway Dean to help plan and deliver new student orientations, including oversight of online orientations and success workshops. Collaborates with Pathway team to utilize data identifying students who benefit from services as well as participate in re-enrollment campaigns and strategies. Assists Advising Center with general student advising as needed and assist the Retention Coaches with retention issues. Serves as student group advisor, as needed, with supervisor's approval.

Ethics and Confidentiality: Practices honesty by demonstrating a consistent and uncompromising adherence to strong moral and ethical principles, values, truthfulness and accuracy in all actions. Addresses all student and employee behavior in a confidential and respectful manner.

Collaborative Teamwork and Stakeholder Relationship Management: Establishes, maintains, and enhances positive work relationships with staff, faculty, and administrators.

Continuous Learning & Professional Development: Maintains current knowledge of best practices and standards in higher education with an emphasis on community Colleges. Actively organizes and/or participates in applicable workgroups, trainings, workshops, seminars, committees and professional associations or conferences to promote continuous learning including participating in College Advising center specific programming

Other duties: Performs other related duties within the scope of the position as required for the efficient operation of the division and to support institutional objectives.

Compliance with all state, federal, and accreditation standards/requirement, as well as all MATC policies and procedures.

Required Education & Experience: Associate's degree and five (5) years of related experience or Bachelor's degree and two (2) years of related experience. Related experience includes experience in higher education advising, success coaching, or a related higher education student services area that interfaces with students and addresses their academic needs including broad knowledge of higher education academic programs including technical education, general education and student services.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of academic advising and career development practices and principles.

• Knowledge of general entry admissions, enrollment, and registration procedures; student support services; offices, and the MATC Student Handbook.

• Knowledge of MATC programs of study, including general education requirements and prerequisites for academic pathways, transfer, and articulation agreements.

• Knowledge of workforce education trends, occupations, and career options.

• Knowledge and understanding of College organization; strategic goals and objectives; and policies and procedures.

• Ability to work flexible hours to include evenings and weekends as necessary.

• Ability to identify relevant community resources and external support services and connect students as appropriate.

• Ability to coordinate events between multiple teams.

• Ability to engage in active listening, powerful questioning, and effective conversations to facilitate learning and goal achievement.

• Ability to train a wide variety of stakeholders on software and concepts with varying degrees of complexity.

• Ability to analyze data and write written reports summarizing results to stakeholders across all levels of the organization.

• Ability to think critically and employ creative problem-solving solutions to complex problems.

• Ability to create, structure, and deliver public presentations to a variety of groups.

• Ability to communicate effectively through both oral and written means.

• Ability to establish, collaborate and maintain effective work relationships with peers, students, teachers, staff, representatives of outside agencies, educational institutions, and the general public.

• Ability to convey an image of professionalism and dedication in work related activities.

• Ability to work with culturally diverse student and employee populations.

• Proficiency in the use of computers and software specific to position, including spreadsheets and the Internet.

• Ability to work successfully with minimal supervision and serve in a leadership role to others.

• Ability to effectively organize work by establishing workflows, managing multiple projects, and meeting necessary deadlines.

Core Competencies:

• Cultivates innovation

• Optimizes work processes

• Ensures accountability Collaborates

• Interpersonal savvy

• Communicates effectively

• Instills trust

Hours This full-time position requires 38.75 hours per week, with schedule of Monday through Thursday between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM, and Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Flexibility is essential, as the role may occasionally require evening hours, participation in special events at night, weekend work, and travel to other campuses. One Saturday per semester is mandatory.

Salary is listed to the midpoint of the salary range and is determined by years of experience credit and internal salary equity.

Application Materials A complete application entails providing thorough details, including personal information, educational background, and comprehensive work experience. This should include specific job positions held, duties performed, dates of employment, and any relevant licenses or certifications. Additionally, candidates may be required to attach copies of licenses or certifications as requested by the employer. It's crucial to ensure all aspects of the application are thoroughly addressed and documented.

EEO Milwaukee Area Technical College will not discriminate against any employee, applicant for employment, student, or applicant for admission on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, creed, religion, political affiliation, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, disability, age, membership in any reserve component of the armed forces, union affiliation, arrest and conviction record, or any other protected category under applicable local, state or federal law.

Milwaukee Area Technical College is an Equal Opportunity/Access Educator/Employer. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you have a disability and need special accommodation for the application process, please contact our office at 414-297-6529 (Wisconsin Relay System: 711) or email jobs@matc.edu