Senior Academic Advisor In Al-Ain

College of Engineering

Job Purpose

The Senior Academic Advisor plays a critical role in ensuring excellence, consistency, and compliance in academic advising across the College of Engineering at Abu Dhabi University. The position reports to the Dean / Associate Dean and supports the University’s mission of student success and academic excellence by providing expert academic advising, managing complex student progression cases, and ensuring adherence to university policies, accreditation standards, and regulatory requirements.

The role contributes directly to the College’s strategic objectives by strengthening the quality of advising, supporting accreditation and compliance processes, and enhancing the overall student experience across undergraduate and postgraduate Engineering programs. Through close collaboration with academic leadership, faculty, and central academic units, the Senior Academic Advisor ensures effective student progression, retention, and timely graduation.

Key Responsibilities

Academic Advising & Student Success

• Provide expert academic advising to undergraduate and postgraduate College of Engineering students, including study planning, course selection, academic standing, progression requirements, and graduation pathways.
• Manage complex advising cases, including academic probation, at-risk students, progression appeals, readmission cases, and graduation eligibility.
• Conduct and review graduation audits to ensure full compliance with program, college, and university requirements.
• Interpret, apply, and communicate academic policies, regulations, and procedures accurately and consistently.
  
  

• Ensure advising practices align with university regulations, accreditation standards, and quality assurance requirements relevant to Engineering programs.
• Support the College in maintaining accurate academic records and advising documentation in coordination with central academic and registration units.
• Provide advisory input on curriculum structures, study plans, and progression pathways to support academic governance and program effectiveness.
  
  

• Work closely with the Dean, Associate Dean, Assistant Dean, Program Chairs, faculty members, and the Registration Office to ensure alignment on advising matters and student progression decisions.
• Act as a liaison between students and academic leadership on sensitive, complex, or high-risk academic issues.
• Support student orientation, onboarding, and transition activities for new and continuing students.
  
  

• Monitor and analyze student progression, retention, and graduation data to identify trends, risks, and areas for improvement.
• Contribute to the continuous enhancement of advising processes, tools, and best practices within the College.
• Provide data-driven insights and recommendations to academic leadership to support evidence-based decision-making.
  
  

• Conducts calls for proactive advising, retention, and enrollment tracking.
• Supports data requests and decision-support related to advising.
  
  

• Communication & Collaboration: Shapes effective institutional communication and engages stakeholders to support student success.
• Initiative & Problem Solving: Anticipates complex academic challenges and leads effective, cross-functional solutions.
• Accountability & Institutional Alignment: Promotes accountability and ensures alignment with long-term institutional and College objectives.
  
  

• ERP Systems (e.g., PeopleSoft): Customizes system reports, supports data integrity, trains users, and oversees advising-related data processes.
• Microsoft Office: Designs and automates workflows; integrates Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook for advanced reporting and process improvement.
• Data Analysis & Reporting: Builds analytical models and dashboards to support advising decisions and strategic planning.
  
  

• Time Management: Effectively prioritizes multiple advising demands and deadlines.
• Collaboration: Works productively with diverse academic and administrative teams.
• Adaptability: Responds effectively to policy changes, regulatory updates, and evolving student needs.
• Emotional Intelligence: Empathizes with student needs and advocates for their well-being and improved performance.
  
  

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering or computing-related field.
• Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration, Education, Quality Management, Student Affairs, or a related discipline.
  
  

• Minimum 5–7 years of progressive experience in academic advising or academic administration within a higher education environment.
  
  

• Demonstrated experience in academic advising, student progression management, and graduation audits.
• Experience working within regulated and compliance-driven academic programs.
• Proven ability to manage complex student cases independently and exercise sound academic judgment.
  
  

• None required.
  
  

• English (required).
• Arabic (preferred).
  
  

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Strong analytical, documentation, and policy interpretation skills