Science & Research OPT Jobs in West Virginia

INTRODUCTION

The Office of Dean's Administration in the Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Senior Academic Advisor.

About the Opportunity

The incumbent will advise undergraduate students within the Statler College and be responsible for ensuring that students are equipped with enough information to matriculate through the higher education system in general and the college in specific and aids in the total development of students by providing them guidance in developing social, educational, and career goals, formulating intelligent objectives, and selecting appropriate and realistic academic majors.

• Plans, implements and coordinates programming for improving the retention and persistence through graduation that includes, but is not limited to, multi-year initiatives and academic support services.
• Participates in First Year Seminar by developing and presenting curriculum related to advising and student success strategies to improve the first-year experience and success rates.
• Provides support to recruiting and academic events, which may include off-peak hours (evenings, weekends, etc.).
• Provides timely and effective academic counsel to assist students with selecting, matriculating into, and completing baccalaureate degrees.
• Coordinates with the college career services center staff and central student services to assist students in selecting a major, identifying career pathways and building a professional profile for eventual placement.
• Provides advising and counseling to students who are probationary, on deferred suspension or who have been reinstated after suspension.
• Develops and maintains curriculum for the mid-year academy for those students who are on probation.
• Develops and prepares a four- or five-year academic plan for each advisee and records plan in degree audit system (i.e. DegreeWorks). Tracks and monitors persistence and completion in accordance with academic plan and revises when necessary.
• Employs a combination of appreciative, developmental, intrusive, and prescriptive academic advising to assist students in persistence and completion of degree.
• Researches and interprets the WVU Undergraduate Catalog and Statler College policies and procedures for the purpose of assisting students matriculating into degree programs, academic majors and academic minors.
• Utilizes student information systems (i.e. Banner and SSC Campus) to track and monitor academic history and in-progress work.
• Conducts outreach to students who are identified as at-risk during early alert or midterm grade reporting processes and makes referrals to academic, career, and other support services.
• Provides guidance to students submitting appeals for academic and federal financial aid suspensions, which includes creating an academic success plan in DegreeWorks.
• Assists students with the transient approval process by reviewing course equivalencies and matching WVU courses with courses offered by the transient institution.
• Assists students with the transition from high school to college through formal convocation and orientation programs.
• Assesses student concerns and makes referrals to other University representatives/units.
• Serves on college- and/or university-wide task forces/committees that impact student success at WVU.
• Assists the Program Director in collecting and analyzing enrollment data.
• Collaborates with recruitment staff by supporting initiatives to increase yield of first time admits to deposits.
• Participates in events sponsored by the unit, which may include on campus recruiting, new student orientation, academic academies, and commencement.
• Maintains current knowledge of federal statutes (i.e. FERPA) protecting the confidentiality of academic records.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Requires a master’s degree, preferably in a STEM discipline or a bachelor’s degree preferably in a STEM discipline and equivalent related experience.
• A minimum of two (2) years of experience in each of the following:
• Advising or counseling
• Academic or student support services
• Student information systems
• Program Planning/Management
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
• Knowledge of student information systems (i.e. Banner, Student Success Collaborative Campus)
• Application of degree audit/planning tools (i.e. DegreeWorks)
• Expertise in different forms of academic advising (appreciative, developmental, intrusive, etc.)
• Professional oral and written communications
• Demonstrated ability to apply critical reasoning and problem solving
• Ability to employ interpersonal communications and conflict resolution
• Analytical skills prudent to conducting research
• Ability to teach young adults through formal and informal instruction
• Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality

ABOUT WVU

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values — service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation — unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.

Job Posting: Jul 31, 2026
Posting Classification: Non-Classified
Exemption Status: Exempt
Benefits Eligible: Yes
Schedule: Full-time