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Western Carolina University

Academic Advisor - #202871

🇺🇸 Cullowhee, NC 🕑 Full-Time 💰 TBD 💻 Academic Advising 🗓️ April 14th, 2026
NACADA

Edtech.com's Summary

Western Carolina University is hiring an Academic Advisor responsible for providing undergraduate advising within the College of Health and Human Sciences. The advisor will guide students on course selection, degree requirements, university policies, and career pathways, while supporting recruitment and continuous improvement initiatives.

Highlights
  • Provide academic advising to undergraduate students from admission through graduation, including new student orientation and course scheduling.
  • Advise students on degree requirements, academic policies, and university procedures; coordinate academic resources.
  • Maintain accurate and confidential advising records using technology.
  • Participate in assessment and continuous improvement of advising practices.
  • Assist in developing and revising advising processes and publications.
  • Represent the College at recruitment events and support enrollment efforts.
  • Collaborate with faculty and staff to promote student success and the College's mission.
  • Maintain current knowledge of institutional policies, procedures, and resources.
  • Required qualifications include a Master’s degree in higher education or related fields and legal work authorization in the US.
  • Preferred qualifications include experience in higher education advising, knowledge of NAAHP/NACADA practices, and proficiency with Banner and MS Office.

Academic Advisor - #202871 Full Description

Western Carolina University has been ranked #3 in the nation on Forbes 2025 ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’ list, out of the top 498 employers across all industries.

Academic Advisor - #202871 Bookmark this Posting Print Preview | Apply for this Job

Please see Special Instructions for more details.
Thank you for your interest in this position. To be considered, you must apply online.
Applicants must attach a current resume, a letter of interest, and a list of at least three professional references (include names, addresses and complete contact information).

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected.

For questions or additional information, please contact Lori Anderson, Dean and Search Chair, at landerson@email.wcu.edu
Posting Details
Posting Information
Posting Number EHRA1062P
Quick Link for Internal Postings https://jobs.wcu.edu/postings/33658
Classification Title Academic Advisor
Working Title Academic Advisor - #202871
Department Office, Dean, Health & Human Sci
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).

The College of Health and Human Sciences is seeking applicants for a permanent, full-time Academic Advisor position. The Student Services Center serves as a central hub for undergraduate advising within the College, supporting students across two departments — the Department of Integrated & Environmental Health Sciences and the Department of Therapeutic & Clinical Healthcare — from new student orientation through graduation.

Programs include Emergency Medical Care, Environmental Health, Integrated Health Sciences, Nutrition & Dietetics, Recreational Therapy, and the graduate-level Master of Science in Athletic Training and Master of Health Sciences. The College also houses Communication Sciences and Disorders, Nursing, Physical Therapy, and Social Work.

Advisors help students navigate course selection, degree requirements, university policies, and career pathways while connecting them to campus resources. The Academic Advisor will also provide pre-professional advising to students pursuing health-related graduate programs such as athletic training, medicine, occupational therapy, pharmacy, physical therapy, and physician assistant studies.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Provide academic advising to undergraduate students across assigned departments, from admission through graduation, including participation in new student orientation and course scheduling.
  • Advise students on degree requirements, academic policies, and university procedures; identify and coordinate appropriate academic resources.
  • Maintain accurate, confidential advising records and utilize technology to support advising functions.
  • Participate in assessment of advising practices, including data collection and evaluation to inform continuous improvement.
  • Assist with the development and revision of advising processes, forms, and publications as needed.
  • Represent the College at recruitment events and support enrollment efforts by engaging with prospective students.
  • Work cooperatively with faculty and staff across the institution in support of student success and the College’s mission.
  • Maintain current knowledge of institutional policies, procedures, and available resources.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Student Services, Department Heads, or the Dean.
  • Occasional evening and weekend hours required.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Interested candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employment sponsorship or any other immigration-related assistance.
  • Master’s degree in higher education, student affairs, education, communication, counseling, psychology, social work, or a related health sciences field from a regionally accredited institution.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience working with students in a higher education setting.
  • Experience in undergraduate academic advising, higher education student personnel administration, and/or counseling in a higher education setting.
  • Knowledge of NAAHP and/or NACADA best practices.
  • Strong technical proficiency in electronic document management systems, student information systems, i.e. Banner and MS Office Suite.
Position Type Permanent Full-Time
Number of Hours Per Week 40
Number of Months Per Year 12
Posting Text
Open Date 04/13/2026
Close Date
Open Until Filled Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
Thank you for your interest in this position. To be considered, you must apply online.
Applicants must attach a current resume, a letter of interest, and a list of at least three professional references (include names, addresses and complete contact information).

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected.

For questions or additional information, please contact Lori Anderson, Dean and Search Chair, at landerson@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.
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
  1. Cover Letter/Letter of Application
  2. Resume
  3. List of references

Optional Documents

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

  1. * Do you require sponsorship?
    • Yes
    • No

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