Purpose of Position

The Pre-health Academic Advisor is the Ogden College of Science and Engineering (OCSE) advisor for pre-health professions students.  The Pre-health Academic Advisor performs a variety of highly complex advising duties that require a high level of initiative, accuracy, judgment, knowledge, and discretion as necessary to support students in pre-health professions programs.  This position reports to the Associate Dean.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties are customary for this position but are not to be construed as all-inclusive. Duties may be added, deleted, and assigned at the discretion of the dean (or designee).

• Develop academic plans that meet the requirements for the particular professional schools (medicine, dental, pharmacy, optometry, veterinary, etc.).
• Remain current and knowledgeable concerning the ever-changing landscape of health professions advising.
• Maintain membership in the National Association of Advisors for Health Professions (NAAHP).
• Serve as the academic advisor for pre-health professions students in OCSE.
• Monitor progress toward application including MCAT prep, job shadowing, service, and committee development.
• Track student applications to and acceptances into health profession programs.
• Assist with operations of Pre-Health Advisors Committee.
• Network and maintain connections with admissions staff at the various health professions schools in our region.
• Contribute to recruitment and advising initiatives in the college such as T.O.P., Master Plan, Preview Day, and Head for the Hill.
• Coordinate professional school visits by their representatives with appropriate groups of students.
• Maintain web page for the OCSE Health Professions Advising Center (wku.edu/wkuhpa)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Considered Essential for Success

• Capability to maintain the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, accountability, cooperation, and customer service.
• Ability to plan, schedule, and prioritize work activities and assignments to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in meeting required deadlines (i.e. successful project management).
• Possess and demonstrate strong interpersonal communication skills with an ability to work with a wide spectrum of individuals in a diverse setting.
• Possess excellent listening, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Possess computer literacy and proficiency to include Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong decision making and problem-solving skills.

Master's Degree in higher education student affairs, educational administration, counseling or related field and at least one year of academic advising experience OR a Bachelor's degree and at least three years of academic advising experience.

Salary:  $38,000 - $40,000

Kentucky state law requires all public institutions of postsecondary education to conduct pre-employment criminal background checks to determine suitability for employment.

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is committed to a policy and practice of providing equal employment and educational opportunities to all individuals. In accordance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Revised 1992, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, no form of discrimination or harassment will be tolerated at WKU on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, age, uniformed services, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, or physical or mental disability in admission to career and technical education programs and/or activities, or employment practices.

Persons with disabilities, who need reasonable accommodations to participate in the application and/or selection process, should notify the office of Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action/University ADA Services (EEO). To request an accommodation, report/express a complaint, or ask questions regarding WKU's Discrimination and Harassment Policy (#0.2040), please contact Mr. Joshua Hayes, EEO Director/Title IX Investigator/University ADA Coordinator, via email at joshua.hayes@wku.edu or by phone at (270) 745-5121.

The University is also required to investigate complaints of sex and gender-based harassment, also a form of discrimination, and has designated the Title IX Coordinator as the individual responsible for coordinating the investigation and response to such complaints. The Title IX Coordinator for the University is Ms. Andrea Anderson, who can be contacted via email at andrea.anderson@wku.edu or by phone at (270) 745-5398. Additional information regarding Title IX is accessible via WKU's https://www.wku.edu/titleix/ website.

Information concerning educational programs offered by WKU are provided at: http://www.wku.edu/atwku/academics.php

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