US Visa Sponsored Academic Advisor, Athletics Job Role (APPLY NOW)
The role of an Academic Advisor in Athletics is integral to the academic and personal success of student-athletes. This position requires a unique blend of advising, counseling and support, tailored specifically to the needs of athletes balancing rigorous academic requirements with demanding athletic schedules.
The advisor’s responsibilities extend beyond traditional academic advising; they include monitoring academic progress, providing guidance on course selection and offering strategies for effective study habits. Additionally, the advisor plays a critical role in ensuring that student-athletes remain compliant with NCAA regulations, which is essential for both their eligibility to compete and their overall educational journey. This dual focus on academics and athletics requires the advisor to have a deep understanding of NCAA rules, academic policies and the challenges faced by student-athletes, making this role both challenging and rewarding.
Moreover, the Academic Advisor in Athletics acts as a bridge between various stakeholders, including faculty, coaches, compliance officers and the athletes themselves. This role demands strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively coordinate and advocate for the needs of student-athletes. The advisor also contributes to the development and implementation of programs aimed at enhancing student-athlete retention and graduation rates, such as those related to the Academic Progress Rate (APR) and Graduation Success Rate (GSR).
By analyzing academic data and providing targeted support, the advisor helps student-athletes not only achieve their academic goals but also prepare for life after sports, whether that involves pursuing further education or entering the workforce. In this way, the Academic Advisor in Athletics is a pivotal figure in fostering a supportive environment that prioritizes the holistic development of student-athletes.
Title: Academic Advisor, Athletics
Position Type: Full-time Staff
Search Type: External – minimum 7 days
Department: 90G000 – Athletics-Restricted Funds
Division: 6G1000 – Athletics-Restricted Funds
Position Location: Richmond Campus
Driver Classification: Non-Driver
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Schedule Type: Full-Time (37.5 hours per week or more)
Hours Per Week: 37.5
Additional Schedule Details: Occasional evenings and weekends as needed
Posted Salary Grade: Non-Exempt – 44
Retirement: KTRS
Contact Person: Kate Johnson
Job Summary/Basic Functions
The Athletic Academic Advisor at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) plays a crucial role in guiding student-athletes toward successful completion of their degree programs. This role involves a combination of advising, counseling, tutoring and providing various other forms of support, all while ensuring compliance with NCAA, conference and EKU policies and procedures.
Minimum Qualifications
- Education: A Bachelor’s degree is required, with a Master’s degree preferred. A Master’s degree in fields such as Student Personnel Services, Counseling, Higher Education Administration, Communication or a related field is particularly desirable.
- Experience: At least one year of experience in higher education is required. Preference will be given to candidates who have experience working with student-athletes and familiarity with NCAA academic eligibility rules. The ability to work effectively with a diverse student population is also essential.
Licensure & Certifications
- Preferred Qualifications:
- Familiarity with general advising practices.
- Knowledge of NCAA Division 1 eligibility rules and regulations.
- Experience working within a higher education setting.
Job Duties
The responsibilities of the Athletic Academic Advisor are divided into the following key areas:
- 50% – Academic Support Program Administration: The advisor is responsible for managing and overseeing a comprehensive academic support program tailored to the needs of assigned teams and student-athletes. This includes providing academic advising and counseling in various majors, helping with goal setting, curriculum planning, course selection and study habits. The advisor also monitors student-athlete academic performance through progress reports, faculty communication and coach updates. Additionally, the advisor handles class registration processes, identifies at-risk students, meets with them regularly and refers them to appropriate resources. Participation in recruiting visits to meet prospective student-athletes and their families is also part of this role.
- 30% – Collaboration with Compliance and Registrar Offices: The advisor works closely with the Athletics Compliance Office and the EKU Registrar’s Office to track student-athletes’ academic progress, manage transfer transcript evaluations and oversee the certification process for NCAA eligibility. The advisor also plays a role in developing and implementing programs to ensure success in APR (Academic Progress Rate) and GSR (Graduation Success Rate). This involves analyzing and summarizing academic data for reports, scholarships and academic awards.
- 10% – Support for Bratzke Office and EKU Athletics: The advisor provides support to the Bratzke office and other EKU Athletics functions by fulfilling additional duties and special projects as assigned.
- 10% – Data Analysis and Reporting: The advisor is responsible for analyzing and summarizing student-athlete academic data for the purpose of generating reports, distributing scholarships and determining eligibility for academic awards.
Sponsorship
Visa sponsorship for this position will be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on the unit’s needs, available sponsorship budget and the candidate’s qualifications.
Funding Source
The position is institutionally funded.
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions
AA/EEO Statement
Eastern Kentucky University is committed to equal opportunity and does not discriminate based on age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, ethnicity, disability, national origin, veteran status or genetic information. This policy applies to all educational programs and activities, including athletics, academics and housing, as well as employment practices.
Background Check Statement
Employment offers are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications are needed to become an Academic Advisor in Athletics?
A bachelor’s degree is required, with a master’s degree preferred in fields such as Student Personnel Services, Counseling, Higher Education Administration or a related discipline. Experience in higher education, particularly working with student-athletes and knowledge of NCAA academic eligibility rules, is also highly valued.
What types of support does the advisor provide to student-athletes?
The advisor offers a range of support, including academic counseling, help with goal setting, curriculum planning and study strategies. They also monitor academic performance, assist with registration processes and connect student-athletes with additional resources if needed.
How does the advisor ensure compliance with NCAA regulations?
The advisor stays up-to-date with NCAA rules and regulations regarding academic eligibility. They collaborate with the Athletics Compliance Office and EKU Registrar’s Office to monitor student-athletes’ progress, manage eligibility certifications and ensure adherence to NCAA standards.
What is involved in tracking and reporting academic progress?
Tracking academic progress involves regularly reviewing student-athletes’ grades, attendance and overall performance. The advisor uses this data to generate reports, assess academic standing and provide feedback. They also analyze data to support scholarship applications and academic awards.
What role does the advisor play in recruiting new student-athletes?
The advisor meets with prospective student-athletes and their families during recruiting visits to provide information about academic support, expectations and resources available at the institution. They help ensure that recruits understand the balance between athletics and academics.
Are there any specific hours or scheduling requirements for this position?
The position generally requires a full-time commitment of 37.5 hours per week. However, the advisor may need to work occasional evenings and weekends, particularly during recruiting periods or to address urgent academic matters.
What kind of professional development opportunities are available for this role?
Academic Advisors in Athletics may have access to professional development opportunities such as workshops, conferences and training sessions focused on academic advising, NCAA regulations and student-athlete support strategies. This helps them stay current with best practices and evolving standards.
Is visa sponsorship available for this position?
Visa sponsorship is considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on the unit’s needs, available budget and the candidate’s qualifications. Interested international candidates should inquire about this possibility during the application process.
What is the application process for this position?
Candidates interested in the Academic Advisor position should apply through the designated application portal or contact the provided contact person, Kate Johnson. The application process may involve submitting a resume, cover letter and references and may include an interview and background check. The position will remain open until filled.
