Job Description

Note for Current UM Employees

Current employees must apply internally via ConnectU >   connectu.olemiss.edu

The University of Mississippi

"The University of Mississippi — fondly referred to as Ole Miss — stands as a premier public research institution with a proud legacy of academic distinction. We are devoted to nurturing a vibrant, inclusive community where every member — student, faculty, and staff — can achieve their fullest potential.”

Role Specifications

Below you will find classification and compensation information. For additional details behind the University of Mississippi classification system please visit Human Resource Compensation Page

Family - Student & Academic Services

Sub-Family - Academic Advising

Career Track / Level - P1

Grade -5

Role Summary

The Academic Counselor II provides advanced academic support and guidance to undergraduate students in the School of Journalism and New Media, with a focus on expanded graduate advising and program support. The position coordinates academic counseling, assists with graduate admissions and recruitment, and helps plan and execute initiatives that strengthen graduate programs while supporting overall student success.

Key Responsibilities

• Academic Advising & Student Support: Offer individualized academic counseling to undergraduate and graduate students, providing guidance on program requirements, course selection, degree progression, and University policies. Monitor academic performance and intervene as needed to promote retention and success. 
• Undergraduate Recruitment : Support recruitment initiatives such as virtual and on-campus information sessions.
• Graduate Admissions & Recruitment: Assist with the graduate admissions process, including managing applicant inquiries, tracking materials, preparing files for review, and communicating with prospective students. Support recruitment initiatives such as outreach efforts and prospective student visits.
• Graduate Program Support: Help design and implement initiatives that enhance the graduate student experience, including onboarding, orientation, professional development workshops, and opportunities for research and creative work.

Examples of Work Performed

• Coordinates the delivery of academic support services to students.
• Provides academic counseling and direct support to students, including advising on degree requirements, course selection, program options, and academic planning.
• Provides guidance and direction to subordinate academic counseling staff; may assign work to support/advising personnel.
• Assists in developing and implementing policies and procedures related to academic support services.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of admission requirements, degree requirements, curriculum changes, and related academic policies; ensures advising staff are informed of changes.
• Tracks students’ progress through the term/semester, monitors academic performance, and intervenes as needed for retention or remediation.
• Prepares operational reports and data analyses, particularly regarding student progress and adverse trends.
• Maintains accurate files and documentation related to academic support, office operations, and assigned projects.
• Represents the University in orientations, events, or recruitment settings and responds to inquiries regarding academic advising.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Essential Functions

These essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following. Additional essential functions may be identified and included by the hiring department.

1. Receives, processes and responds to academic inquiries according to established policies and procedures.
2.Serves as a main point of contact for students providing basic organizational information about educational options, academic requirements and institutional resources and addressing their needs.
3.Counsels students in identifying and assessing their interests, skills and values to match appropriate fields of study and career options and refers students to appropriate institutional resources.
4. Maintains confidentiality and accurate student records according to program policies.

Minimum Education/Experience

Education:  Bachelor's Degree

Substitution Statement: An equivalent combination of related experience and education may be considered for this role. Substitutions of the required experience or education will be assessed on a 1:1 substitution basis.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience: Two (2) years of experience performing duties related to academic counseling or student support services.

• Strong organizational and communication skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic academic environment.
• Experience with degree audits and degree finalizations
• Experience working with graduate-level programs and students.
• Strong organizational and communication skills, with the ability to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced academic environment.

Competencies / Characteristics (Preferred)

• Adapting to change
• Acting decisively
• Accepting responsibility
• Pursuing self-development
• Leveraging opportunities
• Interacting across levels and with diverse stakeholder

EEO Statement

The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice, education program, or education activity to all qualified persons. The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, ethnicity, citizenship, age, disability, military status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

Minimum Physical Requirements

Physical Requirements: These physical requirements are not exhaustive, and additional job-related physical requirements may be added to these by individual agencies on an as needed basis. 

Corrective devices may be used to meet physical requirements.

Physical Exertion: The incumbent may be required to lift up to approximately 10 pounds.

Vision: Requirements of this job include close vision. Speaking/Hearing: Ability to give and receive information through speaking and listening.

Motor Coordination: While performing the duties of this job, the incumbent is frequently required to talk and hear; and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The incumbent is periodically required to sit. The incumbent is occasionally required to stand; walk; and reach with hands and arms

Interview Requirements: Any candidate who is called for an interview must notify the Department of Equal Opportunity/Regulatory Compliance in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.

Background Check Statement

The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community. UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.

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