Basic Responsibilities Lead the development and coordination of academic support services for assigned sport(s). Provide support for the advisement and eligibility certification of student-athletes, ensuring compliance with institutional, conference, and NCAA rules and regulations. Support the coordination of student-athlete development programming with a focus on spiritual, personal, and professional growth. Collect and analyze student-athlete academic data in accordance with institutional, conference, and NCAA standards.
Essential Duties include the following: Other duties may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.
Academic Support Services Foster and maintain strong relationships with campus services (including SOAR, UAP, Tutoring Center, Speaking Center, Writing Center, and International Office) to provide academic support for student-athletes. Ensure clear and consistent communication with coaching staff by documenting progress and attending regular meetings to discuss academic performance. Facilitate study hall sessions and be willing to travel with the team, which may require evening and weekend availability. Identify at-risk students each semester and develop strategies to support their academic progress. Create task sheets for at-risk student-athletes to follow during study hall sessions. Conduct regular grade checks to monitor academic progress and implement academic interventions where necessary. Assist student-athletes with coordinating missed work and tests, while also ensuring academic integrity by proctoring exams when necessary. Work with the Faculty Athletic Representative (FAR) and the Faculty Athletic Committee to obtain advance absence approval for sport-related travel. Organize textbook and electronic device distribution for student-athletes. Collaborate with the Dean of Students to address academic integrity violations. Assist student-athletes with the academic probation and suspension appeals process as needed, including providing guidance on the process, reviewing appeals, and advocating for student-athletes as appropriate.
Advising and Eligibility Certification Maintain close working relationships with campus advisors to facilitate student-athlete class scheduling, course sequencing, and on-track graduation timeline. Monitor continuing student-athlete progress toward degree in conjunction with the Registrar’s Office, including major/minor changes, class changes, and grades. Review academic progress with students and provide ongoing advisement to ensure progress toward degree requirements are being met. Assist with the eligibility certification process by verifying and maintaining accurate academic records for student-athletes, monitoring progress toward degree requirements, and providing necessary documentation to support certification.
Student-Athlete Development Programming Coordinate with the Office of Spiritual Formation to ensure spiritual formation credit is appropriately awarded for student-athlete development events and obtain approval for credit adjustments for sport-related travel as necessary. Meet with prospective student-athletes and their families during recruiting visits as requested. Assist with orientation programming for all new incoming student-athletes. Assist with the implementation of student-athlete development events. Assist in the coordination of functions and events for student-athletes, such as the Wildcat Choice Awards, Back-to-School Bash, new student orientation, graduation receptions, and more.
Collection and Analysis of Student-Athlete Academic Data Collect and report data on various academic statistics (e.g. hours attempted and earned, athlete graduation rates, GPA, probation and suspension). Assist with the compilation of data required for national, regional, or conference academic awards.
REQUIREMENTS
Experience in academic programming, advising, and support.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Strong organizational and time management skills.
Proficiency in conflict management, mediation, and resolution.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including some nights or weekends.
Competence with various software packages: TeamWorks, Google Drive, Google Sheets, Google Docs, Banner, Slate, ARMS, CAi, etc.
About ACU
Abilene Christian University is a hub of rigorous academic excellence and devoted community. Through residential and online undergraduate and graduate programs, we equip students for lives of service leadership, empowering them through exceptional teaching that unlocks the power of their curiosity and prepares them to create the solutions that will address the opportunities of today and tomorrow.
Our Mission
Our purpose as a university is simple: We strive to educate students for Christian service and leadership throughout the world. This mission manifests in our exemplary teaching, meaningful research and service, each undergirded by ACU’s enduring core values and 21st-century vision.