College of Health Professions - Academic Advisor

About Sacred Heart University As one of the nation's largest Catholic universities and among the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs. Nearly 10,000 students attend the University's nine colleges and schools: College of Arts & Sciences; School of Communication, Media & the Arts; School of Social Work; School of Performing Arts; College of Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology; School of Computer Science & Engineering and the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing. Sacred Heart, a Laudato Si' campus, stands out from other Catholic universities as it was established to be led by the laity. This contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts and, at the same time, cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change-in their own lives, professions and in their communities. The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 391 Colleges: 2026 Edition and Best Business Schools: 2025 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliate station, WSHU Public Radio; a Division I athletics program and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance and theatre. View SHU's Faculty Experts Here To apply Qualified candidates are invited to submit a completed application and résumé through the University's online application system. Applications submitted outside of the official Careers at SHU website will not be considered. Applicants should not apply through third-party or external job sites, as such postings may be fraudulent or may misrepresent opportunities that are no longer available at the University. A cover letter or statement of interest is preferred for all staff positions. Sacred Heart University complies with all federal and state employment laws and regulations. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for this position. Position Summary The Academic Advisor is responsible for serving currently enrolled and prospective undergraduate students including advisement to facilitate registration, enrollment, major/minor selection, retention, graduation, and monitoring academic standing. The Academic Advisor partners with their assigned advisees to promote student success, graduate school planning, and career development. Principal Duties & Responsibilities Serve as the primary academic contact for their assigned advisees. Advise students on academic and career issues; assists students with identifying educational and career options appropriate for each student and assists with the analysis of each option. Support the success of first-year students, by providing proactive coaching and guidance addressing self-care, socio-emotional well-being, and career-related issues. Proactively monitor the academic progress of assigned advisees, offer appropriate support, and intervene when and as appropriate. Meet at least twice per semester with advisees in both group and/or individual sessions at key points during the academic year. Assist advisees in developing the skills and habits needed to meet the academic expectations of college. Encourage students to use tutors/peer learning assistants, and meet regularly with professors. Follow up on Academic Notifications, Mid Term Grades, student alerts, and other indications of student concerns. Work individually with students who do not complete course/major requirements and instruct them how to complete or retake courses. Assist advisees with decisions about course and program selections, class registrations, and major declarations. Maintain student files and records: document all pertinent student information; update computerized information. Participate in the preparation of orientation programming and present academic information to new students and parents during orientation as assigned. Cooperate with other University offices and services, and faculty in enhancing the overall growth and development of advisees. Make appropriate referrals to campus resources (Wellness Center, Residential Life, Student Success). Assist in recruitment of potential students by advising them of general academic requirements; describe courses; and participate in occasional events as requested. Work collaboratively with transfer admissions, transfer advising, and registrar staff to support transfer students. Assist with the overall evaluation of program effectiveness and assist with performance reports as requested. Maintain regular office hours to direct student issues, answer questions, etc. Remain up to date on advising systems and trends in academic advising. Other duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Attributes Master's degree in Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs, College Student Development, Counseling, or related field required. Minimum three years higher education experience in health professions, student counseling, advisement, or related experience. Comfort with appropriate technologies including Ellucian/Colleague, Colleague Self-Service, Ellucian Advise, Microsoft Sharepoint and Office Suite required. Knowledge of health careers and curriculum preferred. Knowledge of learning styles, learning strategies, and academic success strategies required. Ability to discuss and engage in practices directly related to University Mission, identity development, cultural competency and humility required. Must exhibit confidentiality, good judgment, and empathy. Must be a self-starter, innovative, and able to manage a busy office with multiple tasks. Ability to envision and propose new methods to perform tasks that support the student population. Ability to anticipate and embrace change. Demonstrated ability to work effectively within an organizational team. Attention to detail, flexibility, ability to prioritize and problem solve. Excellent interpersonal, teaching/presenting, and communication skills. Able to complete work tasks in a timely fashion, including occasional tasks requiring a rapid turnaround time. Unusual Working Conditions Occasional evening and weekend hours required. This job posting provides an overview of the role's general nature and expected tasks. It is not meant to be a comprehensive list of all duties performed. The university reserves the right to modify or reassign job responsibilities at any time. This posting description does not constitute an employment contract, either explicit or implied. Sacred Heart University is a space that respects and embraces differences, recognizes the unique contributions that individuals can make, and creates a community that maximizes the potential of all faculty and staff. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage applications from qualified candidates who reflect the wider world in which we live.

Created: 2026-03-17