The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECpE) within the College of Engineering at Iowa State University is seeking qualified candidates for an Academic Adviser II. The Academic Adviser II will update and maintain students’ degree audits; participate in department and college orientations, recruiting, and graduation programs; assist with student admissions and registration procedures; provide guidance in course selection; evaluate transcripts; and may assist in coordinating and teaching learning communities, as well as supervising peer mentors. Successful candidates will have a broad understanding of university, college, and department resources, policies, and procedures; strong knowledge of degree requirements and career pathways; effective written and oral communication skills; experience in advising or counseling; and familiarity with engineering undergraduate curriculum and Iowa State University systems.
Main Duties of the Role:
Provide undergraduate and graduate students with basic advising and personalized support using student needs assessments and quality service standards.
Refer students to appropriate campus resources.
Perform degree audits and advise students regarding degree changes.
Apply student development theory, techniques, and research to support the success of various student populations.
Use knowledge of student organization structures, leadership development, and student development theory to strengthen student engagement and success.
Communicate effectively in writing for various audiences, including students, staff, faculty, and parents.
Maintain accurate student records and documentation.
Work collaboratively and build strategic relationships with colleagues, coworkers, constituents, volunteers, and students.
Function as an effective team member and work independently with moderate supervision.
Review work for accuracy and ensure timely completion of tasks.
Manage workload under pressure and meet frequent, tight deadlines.
Set priorities and complete assignments for managers, department chairs, faculty, and students.
Process and handle confidential information with discretion.
Design, plan, coordinate, and teach courses when assigned.
Prepare lesson plans, lecture notes, and online learning modules.
Exercise independent judgment in individual student situations.
Utilize department, college, and university resources to resolve issues.
Interpret and communicate university policies and procedures related to student needs.
Clearly explain policies and processes to students.
Schedule and coordinate interactions with industrial partners and university resource personnel.
Understand and navigate the university’s decision-making process.
Gather, analyze, and interpret relevant data to support decision-making.
Demonstrate sound judgment in making critical decisions.
Anticipate and diffuse problems before they escalate.
Develop objectives, evaluate effectiveness, and assess student needs.
About the Department
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECpE) offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs that prepare students for successful careers in electrical engineering, computer engineering, software engineering, and cyber security engineering. ECpE students engage with a various community of peers and faculty and gain practical experiences that prepare them to make meaningful contributions in their fields. The department’s research focuses on five high-impact interdisciplinary areas: bioengineering, cyber infrastructure, distributed sensing and decision-making, energy infrastructure, and small-scale technologies. ECpE is committed to excellence in education and research, supported by strong leadership, talented faculty, partnerships with industry, and the achievements of its students and alumni. Our community continues to make significant contributions to the technologies shaping the world today.
Example of Duties
• Advises students concerning degree planning, academic support services, academic policy issues, graduation requirements, degree certification, degree auditing, etc.
• Assists students in making personal education decisions and meeting graduation requirements including course selections.
• Refers students to appropriate resources such as counseling, academic success, financial aid, etc.
• Interprets academic policies and procedures to support student success.
• Teaches orientation courses.
• Presents at orientation or other events.
• Participates in recruitment activities and develops materials.
• Advises learning communities.
• Advises student organizations.
• May supervise students.
• May serve as a lead advisor.
Level Guidelines
• Intermediate-level position with solid professional and/or technical skills working under general supervision to achieve goals
• Applies broad, working knowledge of the principles of the field to moderately complex, difficult, and varied problems and issues
• Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action and resolve problems
• Responds to a broad range of inquiries and requests
• May provide training and/or direction to lower-level staff
• May lead projects of moderate scope and complexity
• Provides guidance to students
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.