Cratis D. Williams School of Graduate Studies

Graduate Assistantship Opportunity with University College Academic Advising 2026–2027 Academic Year | Appalachian State University

Make an impact. Support student success. Grow as a higher-ed professional.

Are you a first-year graduate student who's passionate about student success, academic engagement, and helping new Mountaineers find their place at App State? University College Academic Advising (UC Advising) is looking for a motivated, student‑centered graduate assistant to join our team for the 2026–2027 academic year with the potential to continue for a second year.

UC Advising plays a key role in transitioning, engaging, and integrating students into the academic culture at Appalachian State University. Our office leads several major initiatives, including PREP: Pre‑Registration Engagement Project, New Student Academic Advising, advising for undeclared students, and support for Professional Studies majors through graduation. We are constantly developing new initiatives within these programs to assist our students. You can be part of this work too.

What You'll Do:

Academic advising duties include:

• Provide academic advising to an assigned student population
• Discuss and clarify their academic and career goals by setting short and long-term strategies for understanding and achieving these goals.
• Assist advisees with course scheduling, explaining academic policies and procedures, and making appropriate referrals to other academic and student support services including career planning services.
• Research advising best practices and support special projects tied to university priorities (e.g. advising practices to impact retention and graduation of our rural student populations, etc.)
• Collaborate with the Associate Director and Executive Director as well as university staff and faculty to design and implement PREP and help to design and edit PREP publications in Canvas.
• Collaborate with other offices to plan and support New Student Academic Advising programs.
• Assist with additional programming as needed

General administrative responsibilities include:

• Participate in our Advisor Training model and mentoring meetings.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings, retreats, and staff development programs.
• Process required administrative paperwork and reports necessary to document advising services provided.
• Review and understand information disseminated by the advisors, and the UC Advising Leadership Team.
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with the university, state, and federal regulations.
• Maintain regular weekly office hours for 20 hours per week.

Compensation and hours:

• 20 hours/week In-Person Assistantship
• $5000/semester ($16.66/hr)
• Potential additional stipend of approximately ~$3000 during our New Student Academic Advising season (typically mid-May through July), dependent on funding.

Preferred Qualifications:

• While we're open to any first-year Master's student, we believe candidates in Higher Education and Student Affairs (HESA), Psychology, Sociology, or a related field tend to align well with the role.
• Experience in helping roles (peer mentoring, advising, tutoring, etc.,)
• Involvement in extracurricular and leadership activities during undergraduate degree.
• Students who can commit themselves to a two-year term are preferred.

Desired Skills and Competencies:

• Strong helping skills and a student‑centered mindset
• Independent, motivated, self-starter
• Excellent outreach and communication skills
• Organized, dependable, and the ability to follow through with projects

To apply, please submit your resume along with a cover letter describing your interest in the position, experience, and qualifications to Mrs. Laura Newmark, Assistant Director, at newmarkle@appstate.edu (link sends e-mail). We look forward to reviewing your application!