Academic Champion (Specialized Population & Academic Recovery Focus)

Job Summary
As a member of the Division of Academic Affairs, the Academic Champion provides
specialized, holistic academic advising and intensive case management for Freshman and
Sophomore students. This role is uniquely split between two high-priority
populations: Band students (navigating the rigors of performance and travel) and students
in the N.A.D.O. Program (those admitted conditionally with high school GPAs below
2.0, or students currently on Academic Warning/Probation). The Academic Champion
serves as a primary advocate, coach, and strategist, ensuring these students successfully
transition to their junior year. This position is funded through Title III and reports to the
Director of Student Success.
Job Duties
 Targeted Performance Advising: Deliver proactive, interactional academic
advising for Freshman and Sophomore Band students, creating "academic
roadmaps" that account for heavy rehearsal schedules, travel, and classic "Battle of
the Bands" season commitments.
 N.A.D.O. Case Management: Provide intensive monitoring for N.A.D.O. Program
participants and students on academic recovery. This includes weekly or bi-

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Position Description Form
weekly check-ins to track progress, attendance, and the implementation of
academic success plans.
 Degree Progression & Registration: Navigate students through the registration
process, ensuring they meet general education requirements and understand the
specific GPA benchmarks required to remain eligible for Band participation and
federal financial aid (SAP).
 Academic Intervention Teaching: Instruct Student Success courses (as needed)
specifically designed for students in academic recovery, focusing on the cognitive
and non-cognitive skills required for collegiate persistence.
 Holistic Coaching: Address root causes of academic struggle by providing direct
coaching in time management, note-taking, and test-taking strategies. Coordinate
specifically with the Band Director to align academic expectations with
performance schedules.
 Integrated Referrals: Serve as a bridge to Talladega College Student Affairs,
counseling, financial aid, and disability services. Ensure N.A.D.O. students are
utilizing mandatory tutoring and writing center resources.
 Data & Compliance: Maintain meticulous records of student interactions and
progress in accordance with FERPA. Monitor "Early Warning" reports to
intervene before mid-term grades are finalized.
 High-Impact Advocacy: Remain current in high-impact practices (HIPs) regarding
HBCU student retention, at-risk student intervention, and the specific needs of
first-generation students.
Minimum Qualifications
 Education: Master’s degree in education, Counseling, or a related field preferred;
Bachelor’s degree required.
 Experience: 2+ years of experience in academic advising, student success
coaching, or higher education administration.
 Specialized Knowledge: Demonstrated commitment to working with "at-risk"
populations and students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.
 Communication: Exceptional interpersonal skills; must be able to communicate
effectively with students, faculty, and the Department of Music/Band leadership.
 Technical Skills: Proficiency in student information systems (SIS), Microsoft
Office Suite (Excel), and database management.
 Preferred: Prior experience with Band/Fine Arts programs or working with
"bridge" programs for conditionally admitted students.
 Language: Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus.