<p>The Academic Advocate will coordinate the Office of Academic Advocacy's student intake and assessment process, which includes researching student situations, conducting the initial student interviews, working closely with the OAA graduate assistants who have intake responsibilities, and referring students to the appropriate staff member and/or department. The position works collaboratively with other partners across campus and within the community to aid undergraduate students as they negotiate a vast array offices, services and programs. The position will be focused on those students identified as having persistence challenges or who are 'at-risk' for retention. Additionally, this position will provide support to the OAA staff through informational, communication with students and campus partners, and other administrative tasks.</p> <p>Working at USF</p> <p>With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF's rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida's best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state's 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.</p> <p>About USF</p> <p>The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF's Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.</p> <p>Compliance and Federal Notices</p> <p>This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.</p> <p>Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:</p> <p>The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.</p> <p>Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)</p> <p>Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.</p> <p>Equal Employment Opportunity</p> <p>The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.</p> <p>The Academic Advocate's primary role is to enhance undergraduate student retention and success, supporting key university goals. This position provides case management for students facing academic progress challenges, identifies barriers to success through data analysis, and collaborates with university offices (e.g., Registrar, Financial Aid, and Academic Advising) to address institutional challenges. The Academic Advocate works directly with students, assisting them in navigating academic plans, major selection, and career goals, while proactively outreaching to at-risk students and connecting them to resources. This role also contributes to policy and process improvements to foster student persistence and graduation.</p> <ul> <li>This position requires a Bachelor's degree in Education, Counseling or academic field directly related to the Advisor's specific responsibilities with a minimum of one year of experience in advising or related academic functions within higher education. Work experience may not be substituted for the Bachelor's degree requirement for this position </li><li>The preferred candidate will possess a Master's degree in education, counseling, or academic field related to the position's responsibilities. The preferred candidate will have three year of progressive academic advising, career development, or coaching experience in higher education. Preferred candidates will have demonstrated experience or knowledge with first-year retention or in student completion/graduation efforts. Preferred candidates will have participated with a regionally or nationally recognized professional organization such as NACADA and will have research and/or publications focused on first-year retention, student success, or related areas. </li></ul> <p>Degree Equivalency Clause: Four years of direct experience for a bachelor's degree.</p> <ul> <li>Senate Bill 1310- The Florida Senate (https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/1310) is conditional upon meeting all employment eligibility requirements in the U.S. </li><li>SB 1310: Substitution of Work Experience for Postsecondary Education Requirements </li><li>A public employer may include a postsecondary degree as a baseline requirement only as an alternative to the number of years of direct experience required, not to exceed: </li><li>(a) Two years of direct experience for an associate degree; </li><li>(b) Four years of direct experience for a bachelor's degree; </li><li>(c) Six years of direct experience for a master's degree; </li><li>(d) Seven years of direct experience for a professional degree; or </li><li>(e) Nine years of direct experience for a doctoral degree </li><li>Related work experience may not substitute for any required licensure, certification, or registration required for the position of employment as established by the public employer and indicated in the advertised description of the position of employment. </li><li>Minimum Qualifications that require a high school diploma are exempt from SB 1310. </li><li>Conduct student intake and assess concerns through phone and/or in-person appointments, using advising and intentional interviewing techniques. Triage student concerns and refer students to appropriate campus resources; Collaborate with Academic Advocates and campus partners to provide students and adequate support to succeed academically; Provide initial guidance to undergraduate students who need major reselection and career exploration regarding their academic career. </li><li>Provide administrative support through informational reporting, communication with students and campus partners, and other administrative tasks. This includes supporting the numerous persistence and outreach efforts of the Office of Academic Advocacy through various communication means. </li><li>Work closely with OAA graduate assistants to coordinate and monitor the intake process including the evaluation of intake forms, the organization of the intake inbox, and the review/update of the intake process resources and forms. </li><li>Maintain a strong understanding of challenges and opportunities faced by at-risk students and provide periodic workshop/participation in on-campus events that increase the student and staff knowledge of academic policies and resources </li><li>Track number of student intakes and their progress on a weekly basis. </li><li>Other duties as assigned. </li></ul>