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Online Student Academic and Success Counselor (with Dual Enrollment)

Online Student Academic and Success Counselor (with Dual Enrollment)

The Online Student Academic Advisor and Success Counselor supports the mission of the University by providing exceptional academic advising and student success counseling for virtual (online) students. The Advisor reports to the Assistant Director of Online Operations or designee.

Essential Responsibilities

  • Commitment to and alignment with the University’s mission and values.
  • Enthusiastically, accurately, and professionally represent the University and its online programs. The Advisor is the primary, consistent means of contact for online students for university services.
  • Assist virtual students with planning their academic programs and registering for courses; the Advisor is responsible to guide students through the completion of their academic program.
  • Counsel students and help them navigate the University’s systems and processes.
  • Collaborate with faculty department chairs to develop schedules for online course offerings.
  • Track student success and retention rates in order to predict future enrollment and evaluate programs.
  • Propose, plan, and execute initiatives to increase student retention or improve resources for online students.
  • Work with Academic Affairs and department chairs to ensure excellence in the online student experience, including access to courses, materials, information and communication, etc.
  • Assist the University’s Online Operations Office to become more efficient and effective.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

  • Serve as the Dual Enrollment academic advisor and student success coach. Work in partnership with the online operations team in the Dual Enrollment admission and onboarding process. The Advisor will develop relationships with high school administrators and staff, and parents of students, in order to build a supportive network for dual enrollment students.

Work Environment

The work environment consists of exposure to physical conditions typical of a normal office environment. Most of the job is performed while sitting, although the work may require occasional standing or walking and/or the lifting and carrying of small objects.

Spiritual Requirements

All employees must be openly committed followers of Christ and sign the UVF Community Covenant.

Qualifications and Abilities

  • Motivated self-starter, able to organize and prioritize work in order to serve students well and achieve departmental goals.
  • Desire and ability to engage and build relationships with people from diverse backgrounds and ages—teenagers through older adults.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to give and to follow verbal and written instructions.
  • Able to understand and explain multiple degree and non-degree programs.
  • Possess strong technological skills; able to maximize technological tools.
  • Demonstrate a student-focused and service-oriented attitude; able to teach student-success concepts and coach students through academic and personal challenges.
  • Commitment to learning and continuous improvement.
 

Skills and Knowledge

  • Sensitive to working with confidential information
  • Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel, Teams, OneDrive, etc.)
  • Ability to learn EMP software, Jenzabar (UVF’s student information system), Canvas, and an ability to troubleshoot issues
  • Ability to communicate well over the phone and through email
  • Exceptional customer service skills

Education and/or Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred
  • Ministry, graduate education, or prior experience in academic advising preferred
  • Customer service background preferred
  • Counseling or coaching experience preferred

The University

The University of Valley Forge is an accredited Christian University of Arts, Sciences, and Professions on a beautiful 106-acre campus in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. Visit www.valleyforge.edu for more information.

The University hereby affirms its commitment to equal employment opportunity for all qualified persons without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, disability, age, genetic information or status as a disabled veteran.

To be considered for this position, please submit a cover letter and resume to:

University of Valley Forge
Human Resources
Email: HR@valleyforge.edu

Seal of the University of Valley Forge: shield with cross, text UNIVERSITY OF VALLEY FORGE at top, 1939 at bottom.
1401 Charlestown Road Phoenixville PA 19460
800.432.8322 | 610.935.0450
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Admissions FAQs

Yes, most colleges and universities accept homeschool transcripts. You’ll need to create a transcript that lists all courses taken, grades earned, and a brief description of each subject. Many colleges may ask for additional documentation to verify the curriculum or learning outcomes. 

A homeschool transcript should include the following:   

  • Student’s name and contact information   
  • A list of courses by grade level (9th-12th)   
  • The grades and credits earned for each course   
  • GPA  

You can use online tools or templates to help structure your transcript.

Transcript Template (Right-click and “Save Link As” to download)

No, colleges understand that homeschool students may follow a non-traditional curriculum. You are not required to use a specific homeschooling program, but the courses should be rigorous and meet the academic standards of the college. 

UVF is test-optional, . It’s best to check each college’s specific testing policy. If you submit them, we will use those test scores for placement into math and English courses.  If you don’t submit test scores, we have placement tests that we designed that you will take instead. 

Homeschool students are encouraged to get involved in extracurricular activities (sports, clubs, volunteering, internships, etc.). For letters of recommendation, you can ask mentors, tutors, employers, or community leaders who are familiar with your work and character. We understand that your experiences may look different from those of traditional students. 

Homeschool students typically don’t have a GPA or class rank based on a standardized grading system. You may be asked to provide your grading scale (e.g., A = 90-100, B = 80-89, etc.) and explain how you evaluate coursework. . 

If your grading was pass/fail, a work sample does help us evaluate the rigor of your coursework. 

Yes, homeschooled students are eligible for the same federal and state financial aid (e.g., FAFSA) as other students. You are also eligible for institutional scholarships. 

You may be asked to provide documentation showing that your homeschooling complies with the laws of your state (e.g., notice of intent to homeschool, records of testing or assessments). We are familiar with most states’ homeschool laws. 

Yes, you can still apply as a homeschooled student if you were homeschooled for any portion of high school. You’ll need to explain the structure of your education and provide transcripts for both your public/private school and homeschool years, if applicable. 

A GED is not required if you have completed your high school education through homeschooling, provided you can submit a detailed transcript and meet the other application requirements. However, if you took the GED, you may submit those scores as part of your application if they are beneficial. 

We value the self-motivation and discipline that often come with homeschooling.  Our homeschooled students typically excel in academic curiosity, resilience, and ability to work independently. 

We always encourage students to come for an on-campus visit.  It can be a great opportunity to showcase your personality and explain your homeschooling background in person. It’s also a chance to ask questions about the college and demonstrate your interest in the school. 

Homeschooling allows you to tailor your education to your interests and strengths. We appreciate the diversity of perspectives that homeschool students bring, so don’t be afraid to highlight how your education has been non-traditional but still rigorous and meaningful. 

If you’ve taken college-level courses during high school (dual enrollment), make sure to include those credits on your application. You’ll need to request official transcripts from the college(s) where you took courses and submit them to your prospective schools. 

Some scholarships are specifically for homeschool graduates. These may be offered by homeschool associations, local foundations, or certain colleges. It’s a good idea to research scholarships in your area or inquire about opportunities at the colleges you’re applying to.