First Year Academic Advisor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Posting Details
Posting Information
Posting Number
EHRA1098P
Quick Link for Internal Postings
https://jobs.wcu.edu/postings/34503
Classification Title
Academic Advisor
Working Title
Academic Advisor - #230959
Department
Advising Center
Anticipated Hiring Range
Based on qualifications/experience, internal equity, and departmental budget restrictions.
About WCU
Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes 'Best Employers' lists each year. Including:
• 2025 - Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes 'America's Best Employers by State' list.
• 2024 - Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
• 2023 - Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
• 2022 - Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes 'America's Best Employers by State' list.
Western Carolina University is the UNC system's westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.
Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans - eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.
Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.
WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences - many of which are offered free of charge.
Position Summary
The primary location of this position is on-site in Cullowhee, NC. This position is designated as being exempt from the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (EHRA).
Advisors help students select proper courses, choose careers and appropriate majors, understand university academic policies and procedures, and cope with the transition to college. The Advising Center serves as a resource for the campus to better provide academic information. Advisors are responsible for assisting with the university-wide development of a relationship-based model of academic advising in support of the educational success of the undergraduate student. Along with university colleagues in other units, advisors work to increase the yield and quality of incoming students, decrease the time to graduation, and advance completion rates. Academic advisors contribute to these efforts through their comprehensive knowledge of the academic and support programs of the University and a thorough understanding of student development theories in practice.
Academic Advisors support the development of the whole student through the delivery of the following duties and responsibilities:

• Serve as a first enrollment advisor for all incoming residential students, including new first-year students, transfers, and re-entering students
• Continue as a primary advisor for residential students with 0-45 completed hours
• Serve as the secondary advisor for residential students with 46-60 completed hours
• Continue as a primary advisor for distance students throughout their time in their program
• Serve as the primary advisor for all incoming distance students throughout their time in their program
• Provide developmental, academic advising to undeclared students
• Collaborate with Career Services staff to provide general career counseling
• Represent the Advising Center at recruitment functions
• Teach academic success courses as assigned
• Serve as liaison to assigned departments and meet regularly with department heads
• Meet regularly with the associate dean of the assigned college
• Provide advising information and support for the University community
• Present advisor educational workshops for faculty and staff
• Assist with the development, revision, and updating of Advising Center processes, forms, and publications
• Maintain appropriate advising records and documentation
• Participate in the assessment and evaluation of academic advising and advising program.
• 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

Minimum Qualifications

• Interested candidates must already be legally authorized to work in the United States and will not require any immigration sponsorship or support.
• Minimum of a Master's Degree in Education, Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or a related field. For candidates demonstrating comparable independent educational or instructional activities related to the delivery of student advising and counseling or student personnel services, a relevant undergraduate degree and three or more years of relevant experience may be accepted as a substitution.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Microsoft Office preferred, knowledge of Banner preferred. Additional computer skills helpful.

Position Type
Permanent Full-Time
Number of Hours Per Week
40
Number of Months Per Year
12
Posting Text
Open Date
07/16/2026
Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
Application materials must be submitted online. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire.
Please include a cover letter, current resume and a list of three professional references with complete contact information.
For questions or additional information, please contact Catherine MacCallum at cmaccallum@email.wcu.edu
Background/E-Verify
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.
Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.
Credential Verification
All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.
EOE
Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.
University Safety
The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.