Academic Advisor Student Support Programs

Danbury, CT
Full Time
Pre-Collegiate & Access Services
Experienced
Western Connecticut State University is pleased to announce that applications are being accepted for a Academic Advisor – Student Support Services Program in our Pre-Collegiate and Access Services department.

Western Connecticut State University (WCSU) is committed to enhancing our diverse university community by actively encouraging people with disabilities, members of LGBTQIA and BIPOC communities, veterans, and women to apply.  We take pride in our pluralistic community and continue to seek excellence through diversity and inclusion.  WCSU is honored to be awarded the federal designation as a Hispanic Servicing Institution (HSI). This accomplishment marks a pivotal moment in our progress toward fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within our campus community. 

WCSU’s Pre-Collegiate & Access Services department oversees programs that are designed to empower individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their academic pursuits and open doors to higher education. Additional information is available at www.wcsu.edu/pcaap/. Information on the University may be found on www.wcsu.edu.

Position Summary: The Academic Advisor provides integrated services and programs to support academic success, student development, college transition, leadership, and career development for first-generation, low-income, and students with disabilities. Works directly with first year, second-year, and transfer students enrolled in the Student Support Services Program to develop and implement individualized plans for success. This position is funded through a five-year grant cycle.  Long-term continuation of this position is contingent upon WCSU receiving additional funding from the U.S. Department of Education.

Position Responsibilities
  • Advises Student Support Services participants on academic planning, course selection, and degree requirements, utilizing a holistic counseling approach.
  • Supports students in developing and updating individualized Student Success Plans and monitors progress toward academic goals.
  • Conducts intake assessments and regular re-assessments of participants’ academic, financial, and career needs.
  • Meets regularly with students (bi-weekly for first/second year, monthly for upperclassmen) to review academic progress and provide targeted interventions.
  • Reviews midterm and final grades, monitors course registration, and implements intervention strategies for students at risk (i.e., probation, low grades).
  • Coordinates with university departments (Advisement, Tutoring Resource Center, Math Clinic, Writing Center, Career Success Center, AccessAbility Services) to connect students with campus resources.
  • Provides career counseling, including workshops, career exploration, resume and interview preparation, and internship placement assistance.
  • Facilitates financial aid counseling and personal finance workshops in collaboration with Financial Aid.
  • Organizes and facilitates workshops on study skills, time management, and personal development.
  • Provides social-emotional support and referrals to Counseling Services as needed.
  • Maintains accurate and confidential student records, logs meetings and interventions, and assists with annual performance and funding continuation reports.
  • Performs other duties and responsibilities related to those enumerated above which do not alter the basic level and responsibilities of the position.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Education, Counseling, Social Work, Higher Education Administration, or a related field is required.
  • Three (3) years working with similar populations (first-generation, low-income, students with disabilities).
  • Three (3) years of relevant experience in a higher education environment, including advising, career counseling, teaching, or personal counseling.
  • Knowledge of advising related to academically at-risk students, especially those who are first-generation, disabled, and/or low-income.
  • Demonstrated problem-solving, organizational, and cross-area collaboration skills.
  • Experience with the Microsoft Office suite (Excel, Word, Outlook & Teams) and Google Chrome and/or Microsoft Edge.
Salary & Benefits: The hiring salary range is is $69,669 - $92,356 and is commensurate upon candidates' experience. WCSU offers a comprehensive benefits package. Additional information on benefits can be found at www.wcsu.edu/hr/benefits/. All employment, if offered, is contingent upon proof of citizenship or employability under the requirement of the Immigration and Control Act (IRCA) and the successful passing of a background check. WSCU is committed to providing a safe campus community. Background investigations include reference checks, employment verifications, and a criminal history record check

Application Process: Interested applicants must submit a cover letter, which includes the names and contact information for three (3) professional references and a resume.  Questions may be directed to [email protected] - please references Academic Advisor SSS in subject line. 

To apply, submit your materials to:
https://westernconnecticutstateuniversity.applytojob.com/apply/AcYluNbBBB/Academic-Advisor-Student-Support-Programs

Application materials must be submitted no later than Wednesday, January 14, 2026.  Late applications will not be accepted.
Western is an Affirmative Action Equal Opportunity Educator/Employer
Share

Apply for this position

Required*
We've received your resume. Click here to update it.
Attach resume as .pdf, .doc, .docx, .odt, .txt, or .rtf (limit 5MB) or Paste resume

Paste your resume here or Attach resume file

To comply with government Equal Employment Opportunity and/or Affirmative Action reporting regulations, we are requesting (but NOT requiring) that you enter this personal data. This information will not be used in connection with any employment decisions, and will be used solely as permitted by state and federal law. Your voluntary cooperation would be appreciated. Learn more.
Human Check*