About Sacred Heart University
As one of the nation’s largest Catholic universities and among the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs. Nearly 10,000 students attend the University’s nine colleges and schools: College of Arts & Sciences; School of Communication, Media & the Arts; School of Social Work; School of Performing Arts; College of Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology; School of Computer Science & Engineering and the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing. Sacred Heart, a Laudato Si’ campus, stands out from other Catholic universities as it was established to be led by the laity. This contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts and, at the same time, cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change—in their own lives, professions and in their communities. The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 391 Colleges: 2026 Edition and Best Business Schools: 2025 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliate station, WSHU Public Radio; a Division I athletics program and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance and theatre. www.sacredheart.edu
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To apply
Qualified candidates are invited to submit a completed application and résumé through the University's online application system. Applications submitted outside of the official Careers at SHU website will not be considered. Applicants should not apply through third-party or external job sites, as such postings may be fraudulent or may misrepresent opportunities that are no longer available at the University. A cover letter or statement of interest is preferred for all staff positions.
Sacred Heart University complies with all federal and state employment laws and regulations. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for this position.
Position Summary
The Nursing Academic Advisor is responsible for serving currently enrolled undergraduate nursing students through comprehensive academic advising that facilitates registration, progression, retention, graduation, and academic success. The Nursing Academic Advisor partners with assigned students to promote academic achievement, personal development, professional identity formation, and preparation for successful progression through the nursing curriculum.
Principal Duties & Responsibilities
- Serve as the primary academic contact for assigned undergraduate nursing students throughout their academic journey.
- Advise students on academic planning, curriculum requirements, progression policies, registration, graduation requirements, and educational opportunities within the nursing program.
- Proactively monitor the academic progress of assigned advisees, identify students experiencing academic or personal challenges, and intervene as appropriate to promote student success and retention.
- Meet with advisees individually and in group settings at key points throughout each semester to provide academic guidance, registration support, and success coaching.
- Assist students in developing effective study strategies, time management, stress management, self-advocacy, and other skills necessary for success in a rigorous nursing curriculum.
- Review, approve, and monitor each student's academic plan of study, ensuring timely progression toward degree completion.
- Adjust plans of study as needed following academic standing decisions, leaves of absence, curriculum changes, or other program modifications.
- Complete graduation audits in partnership with the registrar, and monitor students' progress toward degree completion.
- Follow up on early alerts, midterm grades, academic notifications, and other indicators of student concern, providing timely outreach and intervention.
- Maintain accurate student records and document all advising interactions, referrals, and action plans in the University's advising and CRM systems.
- Communicate regularly with students regarding registration, academic deadlines, progression requirements, university policies, and other important information.
- Collaborate with faculty, Program Director, Assistant Program Directors, Student Affairs, Student Success, the Registrar, Financial Aid, Accessibility Services, Counseling, and other University offices to coordinate student support and facilitate appropriate referrals.
- Report student concerns, academic issues, and progression challenges to appropriate nursing program leadership as needed.
- Participate in orientation programs, registration events, information sessions, and other student success initiatives for current nursing students.
- Remain current on advising best practices, student development theory, nursing curriculum updates, University policies, and advising technologies.
- Maintain regular office hours and respond to student inquiries in a timely manner.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Attributes
- Bachelor’s degree required. Master's degree in Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs, College Student Development, Counseling, or a related field preferred.
- Minimum two years of higher education experience in academic advising, student success, counseling, nursing education, or a related student-facing role. Graduate assistantships included.
- Experience working with nursing or health professions students preferred.
- Knowledge of undergraduate nursing curriculum, progression requirements, and health professions education preferred.
- Knowledge of student development theory, learning strategies, academic coaching, and student success practices required.
- Proficiency with student information and advising technologies, including Ellucian/Colleague, Colleague Self-Service, Ellucian Advise (or similar CRM/advising platforms), Microsoft Office Suite, and SharePoint.
- Ability to discuss and engage in practices that support the University's mission, student development, cultural competency, and human dignity.
- Demonstrated commitment to student-centered advising and holistic student support.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise sound judgment, and demonstrate empathy and professionalism.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities and manage competing deadlines. Ability to complete work assignments accurately and within established timelines.
- Demonstrated initiative, adaptability, and ability to anticipate and respond effectively to change.
- Excellent interpersonal, written, verbal, and presentation skills.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, and campus partners.
- Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and commitment to continuous improvement.
Unusual Working Conditions
Occasional early morning, evening, and weekend hours may be required during peak registration times.
This job posting provides an overview of the role's general nature and expected tasks. It is not meant to be a comprehensive list of all duties performed. The university reserves the right to modify or reassign job responsibilities at any time. This posting description does not constitute an employment contract, either explicit or implied.
Sacred Heart University is a space that respects and embraces differences, recognizes the unique contributions that individuals can make, and creates a community that maximizes the potential of all faculty and staff. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage applications from qualified candidates who reflect the wider world in which we live.
