Academic Advisor

About the role

The Academic Advisor supports learning by fostering a culture of empowerment by promoting goal-setting, responsibility, and accountability. Staff members serving in this role will engage in a variety of activities designed to achieve, maintain, and improve student success and retention and provide students with access to the information and resources necessary for the attainment of academic success, professional development, and personal goals.

Responsibilities

• Possess a strong understanding of requirements and policies as stated in the University Catalog including, but not limited to, information on general education, university requirements, major requirements and academic policies and procedures.
• Deliver presentations and advise students on course selection during new student orientation.
• Conduct individual academic advising sessions and small group sessions with new and continuing students.
• Provide students with the resources to become knowledgeable about, and comfortable with, the online registration process.
• Review academic transcripts, placement exams, and student files in preparation for student appointments and new student orientation.
• Demonstrate expertise in Self-Service, Student Planning, and Colleague.
• Mentor students in confirming major/minor selection in support of their educational and professional interests and goals.
• Aid students through the process of vocational discernment by discussing their strengths, values, and interests and encouraging vocational exploration.
• Build positive working relationships with students.
• Advocate on behalf of students and build positive working relationships with parents, as appropriate.
• Mentor at-risk students.
• Refer students to appropriate university resources.
• Establish and maintain relationships with assigned department chairs to understand and clarify departmental expectations to assist in maintaining current knowledge of assigned degree programs.
• Collaborate with Academic Affairs to review academic materials for accuracy (e.g. degree audits, academic catalog, online resources) and provide feedback regarding course offerings.
• Collaborate with university departments (registrar, student accounts, financial aid, admission, athletics, etc.) to help facilitate student retention and academic progress.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor's degree required with 3 years of higher education experience. Master’s degree in relevant field is preferred.
• Experience: Full-time, professional experience in higher education or related field required.
• Skills: Strong communication skills. Must be detail-oriented. Knowledge of student data and communication systems. Ability to interact with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students and parents. Flexibility with evening and Saturday work hours. Bilingual Spanish a plus.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to use a computer terminal.
• Ability to move about campus.
• Ability to work occasional evening and weekend hours.

Pay and Benefits

The anticipated pay rate for this position is $50,000-$55,000 per year. This compensation is subject to change at the sole discretion of the university, based on institutional needs. The pay range referenced in the job posting is the budgeted amount the university reasonably expects to pay for this position. The final pay rate will not be below the lowest pay rate listed herein.

Benefit-eligible positions offer excellent benefits including health, dental, life, vision, long term disability, a 403(b) retirement plan through TIAA, and tuition remission. Aurora University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Aurora University offers competitive, flexible benefits to eligible employees.

Health Insurance: Choice of HMO or PPO offered through BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois.

Dental and Vision Insurance: Choice of two dental plans and vision insurance offered through Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Life Insurance and AD&D: 1.5 times annual salary, dependent on age. Additional life insurance also may be purchased for self, spouse, and children.

Long Term Disability: 60% of salary, taxable and nontaxable options.

TIAA Retirement Account: The University offers a 403b retirement plan, administered by TIAA. Matching contributions offered first day of employment to eligible employees, at the discretion of the University and Board of Directors.

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): FSAs are available for medical costs and dependent care costs.

Vacation, personal, and sick leave are provided to eligible employees.

The university observes nine major holidays where the university is closed.

Tuition Assistance: Tuition assistance for AU undergraduate courses is available to eligible employees and eligible family members beginning the term following one (1) year of regular, full-time employment. Tuition assistance for graduate programs paid at 60% for employee following Senior Leadership approval.

Tuition Exchange Consortiums: AU is a member of the Tuition Exchange (TE) and the Council of Independent Colleges Tuition Exchange Program (CIC-TEP) enabling full-time employees and eligible family members to be eligible for tuition assistance at more than 600 universities nationwide.

To see more benefits details and breakdowns please see our benefits guide 01.