University of South Carolina
Exploratory Advisor I
🇺🇸 Columbia, SC
🕑 Full-Time
💰 $55K - $65K
💻 Academic Advising
🗓️ December 22nd, 2025
Edtech.com's Summary
University of South Carolina is hiring an Exploratory Advisor I. The role involves providing prescriptive academic advising to undergraduate students in transition, particularly those changing or declaring majors, to support intentional academic decision-making. The advisor maintains regular communication with campus partners, manages a 30-hour weekly advising schedule, engages in ongoing training, conducts outreach efforts, and assesses the effectiveness of advising programs.
Highlights
- Provide exploratory advising to students interested in changing majors and support those transitioning into their major of choice.
- Utilize DegreeWorks, EAB Navigate, and Self-Service Carolina to facilitate major changes.
- Maintain accurate and confidential student records across various communication methods.
- Participate in outreach by managing campus partnerships, delivering presentations, and representing the University Advising Center at committees and events.
- Engage in ongoing advisor training and certification programs to maintain effective academic support skills.
- Requires a master’s degree with 1 year of related experience or a bachelor’s degree with 3 years of related experience; preference for a master’s degree and 2 years of advising experience.
- Strong critical thinking, communication skills, discretion, and ability to collaborate independently are essential.
- Starting salary approved at $54,960 with a range up to $64,960.
- Standard 37.5 hours per week, with flexible scheduling including evening and weekend work during peak times.
- Serves students across all 11 academic colleges/schools at USC Columbia, managing knowledge of 140+ majors and concentrations.
Exploratory Advisor I Full Description
Exploratory Advisor I
Please see Special Instructions for more details.
Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.
We are only accepting applications submitted by February 2, 2026
The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:
- Health and Life Insurance
- Retirement Programs
- Paid Tuition
- Dependent Scholarships
- Annual Leave
- Sick Leave
- 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)
- Paid Parental Leave
- Professional Development Opportunities
Click here to learn more about why you should work at USC.
Posting Details
Posting Summary
Logo
Posting Number | STA00974PO25
Job Family | Academic and Career Counseling
Job Function | Academic Advising
USC Market Title | Exploratory Academic Advisor
Link to USC Market Title | https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/141219
Job Level | P1 - Professional
Business Title (Internal Title) | Exploratory Advisor I
Campus | Columbia
Work County | Richland
College/Division | Division of Academic Affairs and Provost
Department | PROV University Advising Center
State Pay Band | 6
Approved Starting Salary | $54,960
Advertised Salary Range | $54,960-$64,960
Location of Vacancy |
Part/Full Time | Full Time
Hours per Week | 37.5
Work Schedule | Standard working schedule: 8:30am – 5:00pm Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.
Basis | 12 months
Job Search Category | Student Services
About USC
About University of South Carolina | From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.
Veterans' Preference Statement | The University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities.
Veterans' Preference Statement | The University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities.
Benefits for FTE Positions
The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at https://uscjobs.sc.edu. Research Grant or Time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or no benefits, based on the grant or project funding.
The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at https://uscjobs.sc.edu. Research Grant or Time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or no benefits, based on the grant or project funding.
Position Description
Advertised Job Summary | The University Advising Center’s Exploratory Advisor provides prescriptive academic advising to students in transition, particularly those changing or declaring their major, to facilitate intentional academic decision-making. Exploratory Advisors have a working knowledge of all college curricula (i.e. 140+majors and concentrations), major-change policies and procedures for all 11 academic colleges/schools) and must communicate regularly with campus partners. In addition, this position must maintain an average advising schedule of 30 hours per week, participate in on-going training, conduct various outreach efforts, and regularly assess the effectiveness of Exploratory Advising programs.
Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience | Requires a Master’s degree in a job related field and 1 year of job related experience, or bachelor’s degree in a job related field and 3 years of job related experience.
Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials |
Preferred Qualifications | Masters degree and 2 years related advising experience is preferred.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities | The position requires strong critical thinking, memorization, attention to detail, and communication skills, as well as the ability to work independently while developing strong collaborative relationships with colleagues, students, and student affairs and academic affairs units. The individual must be able to exercise excellent professional judgment and discretion, making decisions on a regular basis that impact student welfare and the institution.
Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience | Requires a Master’s degree in a job related field and 1 year of job related experience, or bachelor’s degree in a job related field and 3 years of job related experience.
Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials |
Preferred Qualifications | Masters degree and 2 years related advising experience is preferred.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities | The position requires strong critical thinking, memorization, attention to detail, and communication skills, as well as the ability to work independently while developing strong collaborative relationships with colleagues, students, and student affairs and academic affairs units. The individual must be able to exercise excellent professional judgment and discretion, making decisions on a regular basis that impact student welfare and the institution.
Job Duties
Job Duty | Exploratory Advising/Major Change: Provide Exploratory Advising to undergraduate students interested in changing majors. Learn curriculum and program requirements for all majors/minors/focus options at USC-Columbia including academic regulations, university policies/procedures. Support undecided students and students transitioning into their major of choice. Assist students with learning major and course requirements and developing academic plans. Use DegreeWorks, EAB Navigate, and Self-Service Carolina to facilitate the major change process. Incorporate Appreciative Advising techniques in student interactions. Evening work is required during peak advising times. Other duties as assigned.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 70Job Duty | Documentation and Assessment:Maintain accurate and confidential records of every student interaction including in-person, phone, and online visits. Regularly communicate with students. Develop reports and assist in the assessment of the University Advising Center. Assist with the planning and facilitation of training and professional development activities. Develop expertise in areas related to one-on-one academic support of college students.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 10Job Duty | Outreach: Provide outreach and partnership management for the University Advising Center and the academic advising campus community. Manage existing and new academic and campus partnerships. Facilitate academic success presentations and workshops to various campus partners. Serve as UAC representative on campus committees and outreach events as needed. Weekend work may be required.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 10Job Duty | Training & Certification: Exploratory Advisors participate in ongoing training to ensure accurate and effective advising, knowledge of current issues and trends related to students’ academic success and retention. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: certification at Level I and II in the Academic Advisor training and Certification program provided by the University Advising Center, participation in UAC trainings, and completed mastery rubrics for Tier I Exploratory Advisors
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 10
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 70Job Duty | Documentation and Assessment:Maintain accurate and confidential records of every student interaction including in-person, phone, and online visits. Regularly communicate with students. Develop reports and assist in the assessment of the University Advising Center. Assist with the planning and facilitation of training and professional development activities. Develop expertise in areas related to one-on-one academic support of college students.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 10Job Duty | Outreach: Provide outreach and partnership management for the University Advising Center and the academic advising campus community. Manage existing and new academic and campus partnerships. Facilitate academic success presentations and workshops to various campus partners. Serve as UAC representative on campus committees and outreach events as needed. Weekend work may be required.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 10Job Duty | Training & Certification: Exploratory Advisors participate in ongoing training to ensure accurate and effective advising, knowledge of current issues and trends related to students’ academic success and retention. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: certification at Level I and II in the Academic Advisor training and Certification program provided by the University Advising Center, participation in UAC trainings, and completed mastery rubrics for Tier I Exploratory Advisors
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 10
Position Attributes
Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing.
Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing.
Safety Sensitive or Security Sensitive | No
Hazardous weather category | Non-Essential
Hazardous weather category | Non-Essential
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies | 2
Desired Start Date |
Job Open Date | 12/19/2025
Job Close Date | 02/02/2026
Open Until Filled | No
Special Instructions to Applicant | Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email. We are only accepting applications submitted by February 2, 2026 The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:
Health and Life Insurance Retirement Programs Paid Tuition Dependent Scholarships Annual Leave Sick Leave 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday) Paid Parental Leave Professional Development Opportunities
Click here to learn more about why you should work at USC.
Quicklink for Posting | https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/200099
EEO Statement | The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.
Desired Start Date |
Job Open Date | 12/19/2025
Job Close Date | 02/02/2026
Open Until Filled | No
Special Instructions to Applicant | Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email. We are only accepting applications submitted by February 2, 2026 The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:
Health and Life Insurance Retirement Programs Paid Tuition Dependent Scholarships Annual Leave Sick Leave 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday) Paid Parental Leave Professional Development Opportunities
Click here to learn more about why you should work at USC.
Quicklink for Posting | https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/200099
EEO Statement | The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
- * Do you have at least a Master’s degree in a job related field and 1 year of job related experience, OR a Bachelor’s degree in a job related field and 3 years of job related experience?
- Yes
- No
- * Please define Exploratory Advising and how this is similar to or different from academic advising.
(Open Ended Question) - * What are the most important skills/knowledge areas that an Exploratory Advisor needs to demonstrate mastery in to be considered an expert advisor?
(Open Ended Question) - * Explain your level of commitment to working with students in transition and articulate how your previous experience has increased your passion for advising as a career.
(Open Ended Question)
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- List of References and Contact Information
Optional Documents
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