Primary Role

Works collaboratively with students, faculty, staff, and families toward the goal of student success relying on effective working relationships with colleagues in these areas.

Typical Duties & Responsibilities

  • Serving as the advocate for students with special needs/learning disabilities, as well as being coach, mentor, and support person to these students. Such a person would need to have or acquire knowledge of applicable laws and mandates. The academic counselor is expected to read and interpret supporting documentation, such as reports from psycho-educational assessments and individualized education plans (IEPs) and help students develop a plan of reasonable accommodation for success at Juniata.
  • Academic/personal advising for everything from a possible change of POE to course selection to the challenge of an academic crisis.
  • Working with a cohort of conditionally admitted students.
  • Manage and maintain accurate, up to date, and confidential records for each student/each student interaction.
  • Provide referral services to students in need of help beyond the scope of Academic Support Services (i.e., Health & Wellness Center, etc.). Intervention is sometimes necessary and the academic counselor will facilitate such actions.
  • Take referrals as made by other offices on campus for academic support service needs (i.e., Enrollment, counseling staff, etc.).
  • Assist with new-student orientations in January and during the summer preceding the start of a new school year.
  • Serve as point person for the orientation and training of peer tutors in subject areas across the disciplines.

Supervision Required/Given

Reports to the Director of Academic Support Services.

Position Qualifications

  • Three years’ experience in an educational setting is required, preferably in higher education, experience working with those who face learning challenges will be important.
  • Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred.
  • A commitment to the liberal arts and to the small-college setting is a big plus.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and excellent written communication credentials (samples of written work should be provided).
  • Ability to problem-solve, patience and tolerance, professional flexibility, and a commitment to serving the academic support needs of diverse learners.