Academic Counselor (DeSoto Campus)

Note for Current UM Employees

Current employees must apply internally via ConnectU > connectu.olemiss.edu

The University of Mississippi

"The University of Mississippi — fondly referred to as Ole Miss — stands as a premier public research institution with a proud legacy of academic distinction. We are devoted to nurturing a vibrant, inclusive community where every member — student, faculty, and staff — can achieve their fullest potential.”

Department Summary

The University of Mississippi-DeSoto campus is a dynamic and student-centered regional campus that blends the resources of a flagship institution with the close-knit community feel of a smaller college. Our dedicated team is passionate about student success, community engagement, and academic excellence. We work collaboratively across departments to support a diverse student population, including many non-traditional and first-generation college students.

This position offers the opportunity to work in a supportive environment that values innovation, professional growth, and service. Employees on our campus benefit from close mentoring relationships, cross-functional teamwork, and the ability to see the direct impact of their work on student achievement. Our team thrives on creativity, adaptability, and a shared commitment to creating a welcoming campus culture.

In this role, the employee will contribute to initiatives that support enrollment, retention, and student services. Specific examples of work may include planning and executing campus events, developing outreach strategies for prospective students, supporting academic departments with program coordination, and building relationships with community partners. The ideal candidate is a collaborative problem-solver who enjoys meaningful work in a mission-driven environment.

Role Specifications

Below you will find classification and compensation information.  For additional details behind the University of Mississippi classification system please visit Human Resource Compensation Page

Family -Student & Academic Services

Sub-Family -Academic Advising

Career Track / Level - P1

Grade - 5

Role Summary

Advises students on academic matters, such as course selection and degree requirements, while maintaining appropriate confidentiality to ensure students reach academic, personal, and professional success.

Examples of Work Performed

• Provide one-on-one academic advising to current and prospective students, guiding course selection, degree planning, and university policies.
• Proactively monitor student progress toward graduation by running and reviewing degree audits, identifying potential roadblocks, and implementing academic success strategies.
• Maintain accurate advising records in student information systems to track interactions, progress, and advising outcomes.
• Coordinate and lead orientation sessions, information fairs, and advising workshops to enhance student understanding of degree pathways and university resources.
• Collaborate with faculty, department chairs, and administrative offices to ensure seamless academic support and timely interventions for at-risk students.
• Assist with strategic recruitment and retention initiatives by analyzing enrollment data and contributing to targeted outreach campaigns.
• Support transfer students through transcript evaluations, degree mapping, and transition programming in partnership with admissions and registrar staff.

Essential Functions

These essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following.  Additional essential functions may be identified and included by the hiring department.

1. Receives, processes and responds to academic inquiries according to established policies and procedures.
2.Serves as a main point of contact for students providing basic organizational information about educational options, academic requirements and institutional resources and addressing their needs.
3.Counsels students in identifying and assessing their interests, skills and values to match appropriate fields of study and career options and refers students to appropriate institutional resources.
4. Maintains confidentiality and accurate student records according to program policies.

Minimum Education/Experience

Education: Bachelor's Degree

Experience: No Experience Required

An equivalent combination of related experience and education may be considered for this role. Substitutions of the required experience or education will be assessed on a 1:1 substitution basis.

For full consideration, please attach a resume and cover letter with your application. 

EEO Statement

The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice, education program, or education activity to all qualified persons. The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, ethnicity, citizenship, age, disability, military status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

Minimum Physical Requirements

Physical Requirements:  These physical requirements are not exhaustive, and additional job-related physical requirements may be added to these by individual agencies on an as needed basis. 

Corrective devices may be used to meet physical requirements.

Physical Exertion:  The incumbent may be required to lift up to approximately 10 pounds.

Vision:  Requirements of this job include close vision. Speaking/Hearing: Ability to give and receive information through speaking and listening.

Motor Coordination:  While performing the duties of this job, the incumbent is frequently required to talk and hear; and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The incumbent is periodically required to sit. The incumbent is occasionally required to stand; walk; and reach with hands and arms

Interview Requirements: Any candidate who is called for an interview must notify the Department of Equal Opportunity/Regulatory Compliance in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.

Background Check Statement

The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community. UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.