Exploratory Advisor I
Logo:Posting Number:STA00326PO26Job Family:Academic and Career CounselingJob Function:Academic AdvisingUSC Market Title:Exploratory Academic AdvisorLink To USC Market Title:https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/141219Job Level:P1 - ProfessionalBusiness Title (Internal Title):Exploratory Advisor ICampus:ColumbiaWork County:RichlandCollege/Division:Division of Academic Affairs and ProvostDepartment:PROV University Advising CenterState Pay Range:G09USC Market Range:MRF - $52,526 $65,658 $78,789Anticipated Hiring Range:$54,960-$64,960Part/Full Time:Full TimeHours Per Week:37.5Work Schedule:Standard working schedule: 8:30am – 5:00pmMust be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.Basis :12 monthsJob Search Category:Student ServicesAbout University Of South Carolina:From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.Veterans' Preference Statement:The University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities.Advertised Job Summary:The University Advising Center’s Exploratory Advisor provides prescriptive academic advising to students in transition, particularly those changing or declaring their major, to facilitate intentional academic decision-making. Exploratory Advisors have a working knowledge of all college curricula (i.e. 140+majors and concentrations), major-change policies and procedures for all 11 academiccolleges/schools) and must communicate regularly with campus partners. In addition, this position must maintain an average advising schedule of 30 hours per week, participate in on-going training, conduct various outreach efforts, and regularly assess the effectiveness of Exploratory Advising programs.Job Related Minimum Required Education And Experience:Requires a Master’s degree in a job related field and 1 year of job related experience, OR Bachelor’s degree in a job related field and 3 years of job related experience.Preferred Qualifications:Masters degree and 2 years advising experience or an equivalent combination of certification, training, education, and/or experience.Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:The position requires strong critical thinking, memorization, attention to detail, and communication skills, as well as the ability to work independently while developing strong collaborative relationships with colleagues, students, and student affairs and academic affairs units.The individual must be able to exercise excellent professional judgment and discretion, making decisions on a regular basis that impact student welfare and the institution.Job Duty:Exploratory Advising/Major Change: Provide Exploratory Advising to undergraduate students interested in changing majors. Learn curriculum and program requirements for all majors/minors/focus options at USC-Columbia including academic regulations, university policies/procedures. Support undecided students and students transitioning into their major of choice. Assist students with learning major and course requirements and developing academic plans. Use DegreeWorks, CRM Advise, and Self-Service Carolina to facilitate the major change process. Incorporate Appreciative Advising techniques in student interactions. Evening work is required during peak advising times. Other duties as assigned.Essential Function:YesPercentage Of Time:70Job Duty:Documentation and Assessment: Maintain accurate and confidential records of every student interaction including in-person, phone, and online visits. Regularly communicate with students. Develop reports and assist in the assessment of the University Advising Center. Assist with the planning and facilitation of training and professional development activities. Develop expertise in areas related to one-on-one academic support of college students.Percentage Of Time:10Job Duty:Outreach: Provide outreach and partnership management for the University Advising Center and the academic advising campus community. Manage existing and new academic and campus partnerships. Facilitate academic success presentations and workshops to various campus partners. Serve as UAC representative on campus committees and outreach events as needed. Weekend work may be required.Job Duty:Training and Certification: Exploratory Advisors participate in ongoing training to ensure accurate and effective advising, knowledge of current issues and trends related to students’ academic success and retention. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: certification at Level I and II in the Academic Advisor training and Certification program provided by the University Advising Center, participation in UAC trainings, and completed mastery rubrics for Tier I Exploratory AdvisorsSafety Sensitive Or Security Sensitive:NoHazardous Weather Category:Non-EssentialNumber Of Vacancies:1Job Open Date:05/08/2026Job Close Date:06/22/2026Open Until Filled:NoSpecial Instructions To Applicant:Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email. We are only accepting applications submitted by June 22, 2026. The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:Health and Life InsuranceRetirement ProgramsPaid TuitionDependent ScholarshipsAnnual LeaveSick Leave13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)Paid Parental LeaveProfessional Development OpportunitiesClick here to learn more about why you should work at USC.Quicklink For Posting:https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/206093EEO Statement:The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.