Academic Counselor II

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The University of Mississippi

"The University of Mississippi — fondly referred to as Ole Miss — stands as a premier public research institution with a proud legacy of academic distinction. We are devoted to nurturing a vibrant, inclusive community where every member — student, faculty, and staff — can achieve their fullest potential.”

Role Specifications

Below you will find classification and compensation information. For additional details behind the University of Mississippi classification system please visit

Family -Student & Academic Services

Sub-Family -Academic Advising

Career Track / Level - P1

Grade - 5

Role Summary

The Academic Counselor II provides advanced academic support and guidance to undergraduate students in the School of Journalism and New Media, with a focus on expanded graduate advising and program support. The position coordinates academic counseling, assists with graduate admissions and recruitment, and helps plan and execute initiatives that strengthen graduate programs while supporting overall student success.

Key Responsibilities

• Academic Advising & Student Support: Offer individualized academic counseling to undergraduate and graduate students, providing guidance on program requirements, course selection, degree progression, and University policies. Monitor academic performance and intervene as needed to promote retention and success.
• Undergraduate Recruitment: Support recruitment initiatives such as virtual and on-campus information sessions.
• Graduate Admissions & Recruitment: Assist with the graduate admissions process, including managing applicant inquiries, tracking materials, preparing files for review, and communicating with prospective students. Support recruitment initiatives such as outreach efforts and prospective student visits.
• Graduate Program Support: Help design and implement initiatives that enhance the graduate student experience, including onboarding, orientation, professional development workshops, and opportunities for research and creative work.

Examples of Work Performed

• Coordinates the delivery of academic support services to students.
• Provides academic counseling and direct support to students, including advising on degree requirements, course selection, program options, and academic planning.
• Provides guidance and direction to subordinate academic counseling staff; may assign work to support/advising personnel.
• Assists in developing and implementing policies and procedures related to academic support services.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of admission requirements, degree requirements, curriculum changes, and related academic policies; ensures advising staff are informed of changes.
• Tracks students’ progress through the term/semester, monitors academic performance, and intervenes as needed for retention or remediation.
• Prepares operational reports and data analyses, particularly regarding student progress and adverse trends.
• Maintains accurate files and documentation related to academic support, office operations, and assigned projects.
• Represents the University in orientations, events, or recruitment settings and responds to inquiries regarding academic advising.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Essential Functions

These essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following. Additional essential functions may be identified and included by the hiring department.

1. Receives, processes and responds to academic inquiries according to established policies and procedures.
2.Serves as a main point of contact for students providing basic organizational information about educational options, academic requirements and institutional resources and addressing their needs.
3.Counsels students in identifying and assessing their interests, skills and values to match appropriate fields of study and career options and refers students to appropriate institutional resources.
4. Maintains confidentiality and accurate student records according to program policies.

Minimum Education/Experience

Education: Bachelor's Degree

Substitution Statement: An equivalent combination of related experience and education may be considered for this role. Substitutions of the required experience or education will be assessed on a 1:1 substitution basis.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience: Two (2) years of experience performing duties related to academic counseling or student support services.

• Strong organizational and communication skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic academic environment.
• Experience with degree audits and degree finalizations
• Experience working with graduate-level programs and students.
• Strong organizational and communication skills, with the ability to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced academic environment.

Competencies / Characteristics (Preferred)

• Adapting to change
• Acting decisively
• Accepting responsibility
• Pursuing self-development
• Leveraging opportunities
• Interacting across levels and with diverse stakeholder