Position Summary:

The primary location of this position is the main Cullowhee, NC campus.

The College of Engineering and Technology ( CET ) at Western Carolina University ( WCU ) is growing! The University has received substantial support from the North Carolina legislature to expand engineering to meet the rapidly growing needs of the region and state. Our construction management, engineering, and engineering technology programs feature project-based learning embedded throughout the curricula, preparing our students for professional practice and advanced study. Industry engagement is a hallmark of our programs, and we pride ourselves on having faculty with significant industry experience. Our culture embraces faculty-student interaction through experiences such as undergraduate research. We are committed to changing the lives of our students and their families through a transformative experience at our rural main campus setting in the mountains of western North Carolina, and at sites in Asheville and across western NC. The college’s programs are instrumental to the economic vitality of the region and are advancing the university to be one of the nation’s premier regional comprehensive institutions. We are creating leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs with the foundation and skills needed for transformative careers in engineering and beyond.

The Senior Academic Advisor plays a vital role in supporting the College of Engineering & Technology ( CET ) by guiding students towards graduation success. This position serves as the primary point of contact for first-year students during enrollment, offers ongoing academic advising to all CET students, and supervises support staff within the college. The advisor also fosters strong relationships with faculty and staff by collaborating with departments and program directors.

A generalized list of duties includes:

• Serve as a first enrollment advisor for new first-year students

• Provide developmental, academic advising to CET students with a focus on retention and persistence to graduation

• Represent The College of Engineering and Technology at recruitment functions

• Serve as liaison to assigned departments and meet regularly with department heads and program directors

• Provide advising information and support for the programs within CET and continually improve advising processes, forms, etc. for CET

• Develop and lead orientation programs for incoming students

• Maintain appropriate advising records and documentation

• Participate in the assessment and evaluation of academic advising and advising programs in CET

• Participate in ongoing professional development and encourage the growth of colleagues

• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned in support of the needs of students and the Advising Center

• Serve as a liaison with the WCU Advising Center

• Supervise support advisors for the college

Minimum Qualifications:

Must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Masters Degree in a related field and previous experience in academic advising. Degree must be from an appropriately accredited institution.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Two or more years of demonstrated experience as an academic advisor in an undergraduate setting

• Previous supervisory experience

• Experience in the use of Microsoft Office and Banner

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Applicants must apply online in order to be considered. Hard-copy application materials will not be considered. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire. .

Please attach a cover letter, current resume, and a listing of at least three professional references to include their complete contact information.

For questions or additional information, please contact Brittney Buchanan at bdbuchanan@wcu.edu