Position Title:
Academic Advisor, Assistant Professor
Location:
Big Rapids (Main Campus)
Department:
43000 - University College
Advertised Salary:
$50,000 - $55,000; Salary commensurate with education, experiences, and other requirements.
Benefits:
Comprehensive benefit package (health care, vacation, etc.).
Faculty Health Benefit Plans
Temporary/Continuing:
Continuing
Part-Time/Full-Time:
Full-Time
Union Group:
Ferris Faculty Association (MEA-NEA)
Term of Position:
12 Month
At Will/Just Cause:
Just Cause
Summary of Position:
The Academic Advisor, Assistant Ranking will provide academic advising within the School of Education in the College of Arts, Sciences and Education, including assisting students with the development of academic plans and course schedules, advising on academic program changes, and meeting with prospective students and their families.
Other duties include, but are not limited to, assisting with summer orientation and registration, responding to inquiries regarding programs, and maintaining timely communication with students.
The anticipated start date of this position is May 2026. However, this is an estimated date and can be revised if needed
Position Type:
Faculty - Temporary & Continuing
Required Education:
Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in a related field.
Required Work Experience:
At least one year of relevant experience, preferably in a higher education setting with student support assignment.
Required Licenses and Certifications:
Physical Demands:
- Office Environment
- Moving
- Sitting
Additional Education/Experiences to be Considered:
Essential Duties/Responsibilities:
Provide academic advising, which includes assisting students in the development of
academic plans and course schedules, advising on academic program changes, and
meeting with prospective students and their families.
Demonstrate understanding of academic program planning and application of advising
theory with related experience.
Maintain individual student records as appropriate, updating and evaluating as new
information is received.
Consistently review student records to verify that progress is being made toward degree
completion and provides outreach and support to students on probationary status.
Provide timely answers to student inquiries and assist students in the selection of
appropriate courses and concentrations in terms of students' stated preferences.
Regularly assist students in identifying curricular and scheduling issues that may affect
their time to degree.
Prepare accurate summaries and reports as requested.
Maintain confidentiality of information and performs duties in compliance with applicable
laws, policies, and procedures related to primary and college/department specific
responsibilities.
Provide dependable year-round specialized academic advising for specified students.
When applicable, demonstrate satisfactory instruction to students in assigned courses.
Cultivates an environment of belonging that values, respects, supports, and celebrates individual similarities and differences, allowing students, faculty and staff to thrive authentically.
Support, promote, and develop university student enrollment and retention initiatives.
Any other duties assigned within the position classification area.
Marginal Duties/Responsibilities:
Participate in scholarly and professional development activities related to student
advising, retention, and student success.
Active membership in professional organizations.
Communicate effectively with faculty, department chairs/heads, lead advisors, program
coordinators, department leadership, and dean's office personnel to ensure that accurate
data and information is provided to students.
Participate in University, College, and/or departmental committees.
Actively participate in registration activities (e.g. summer orientation, pre-registration,
late registration, etc.)
Prepare communication in support of advising activities and initiatives.
Provide information and referrals regarding University policies, additional resources,
programs, and services that will support student success.
Knowledge of academic standards governing student probation, suspension and/or
expulsion.
Knowledge of student persistence and completion issues.
Additional hours in the evenings or weekends may be required as necessary to meet the
needs of students and the university
Skills and Abilities:
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to recognize and refer students to appropriate University and community
resources.
Create and update student records.
Gather data, compile information, and prepare reports.
Maintain calendars and scheduled appointments.
Use independent judgement and to manage confidential information.
Work independently to meet deadlines and timelines.
Analyze and solve problems related to professional responsibilities.
Review and understand course prerequisites, program course requirements and
graduation requirements.
Review student transcripts and/or records for advising purposes.
Demonstrated successful experience working directly with people from diverse backgrounds, including cultural, educational, socioeconomic, and life experiences.
Required Documents:
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- Unofficial Transcript 1
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Unofficial Transcript 1 (REQUIRED): Applicants must attach a copy of unofficial transcript of Master’s degree. Transcript must include institution name, applicant name, date degree attained, degree awarded. Finalist will be required to submit an official transcript.
Initial Application Review Date:
April 20, 2026
Open Until Position is Filled?:
Yes
EEO Statement:
Ferris State University, an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, is committed to enhancing equity, inclusion, and diversity within its community. Ferris offers employment opportunities to qualified candidates seeking careers in a student-focused environment that values opportunity, collaboration, diversity and educational excellence. Learn more about the Ferris Mission and community at ferris.edu. The University actively seeks applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups. For more information on the University’s Policy on Non-Discrimination, visit: Ferris Non-Discrimination Statement.
