Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes 'Best Employers' lists each year. Including:
*2024 - Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
*2023 - Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
*2022 - Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes 'America's Best Employers by State' list.
Western Carolina University is the UNC system's westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.
Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans - eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.
Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Paid vacation and sick leave accrual begin after first month of employment. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.
WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences - many of which are offered free of charge.

The primary location of this position is the main Cullowhee, NC campus.

The Athletic Academic Advisor supports the development of the whole student through the delivery of the following duties and responsibilities:
* Monitor academic eligibility and Progress Towards Degree of student-athletes
* Serve as first enrollment advisor for all incoming student athletes -new freshmen, transfers, and re-entering
* Serve on the Eligibility Certification Committee
* Continue as support advisor through graduation for all student athletes
* Provide developmental academic advising to student athletes
* Provision of academic, eligibility, and personal advising for student-athletes
* Provision of regular academic and athletic eligibility progress reports
* Maintain up-to-date understanding of Western Carolina University, NCAA and Southern Conference rules and regulations
* Provision of academic and eligibility information to prospective student-athletes and their parents
* Identification of at-risk students, participation in development of support programs for them, and awareness of campus resources and services to make appropriate referrals
* Serve as liaison to Athletics and attend Athletic Department meetings
* Collaborate with Career Services staff to provide general career counseling
* Represent the Advising Center at recruitment functions
* Teach academic success and first-year experience courses as assigned
* Provide advising information and support for the University community
* Present advisor educational workshops for faculty and staff
* Assist with the development, revision, and updating processes of Advising Center forms and publications
* Maintain appropriate advising records and documentation
* Submit monthly reports of activity
* Participate in the assessment and evaluation of academic advising and advising programs for student athletes
* Participate in ongoing professional development and encourage the growth of colleagues
* Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned in support of the needs of students and the Advising Center

A Master's Degree in Higher Education, College Student Personnel, or related field is required. Experience in academic advising and/or related student services programs is required. Effective communication skills, written and oral, are essential.

Must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Prior experience in NCAA athletics advising/student-support. Knowledge of NCAA athletics eligibility.

To be considered, you must apply online.

Please include a cover letter, resume, and a list of at least three professional references to include their complete contact information.

For questions or additional information, please contact Haley Mitchell at mitchellh@wcu.edu.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.

Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.

All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.

Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; religion; sex; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Additionally, the University promotes the realization of equal employment opportunity for minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and veterans through its affirmative action program.
Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.

The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.