Academic Advisor

Location: Chicago, IL USA

Salary: $64,000 (competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity)

About the University of Illinois Chicago

UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.

About the Role

The position coordinates, oversees, and engages students in Computer Science, Data Science, and CS majors to support their academic, educational, and professional development from orientation through graduation. It evaluates students' progress within their programs and provides advising, guidance, and recommendations related to degree requirements, academic programs, professional planning, course registration, and available resources and opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Provide academic advising support to engineering students at all levels, including assistance with course selection, identification of individual barriers to student success, and working with students to develop effective strategies and plans to achieve their academic and professional goals.
• Engage in student advising with current and incoming students, evaluating students’ degree progress/eligibility, educating and providing guidance concerning degree requirements, programs, academic and professional planning.
• Evaluate students’ progress in their respective programs, assessing degree requirements, counseling, and providing related guidance and direction.
• Educate students regarding College, University, and Campus policies and procedures, along with course registration and selection.
• Interpret and enforce academic policies.
• Intervene and refer students to resources throughout the University community as needed.
• Exercise professional discretion and judgment to troubleshoot issues and problems that may arise.
• Document pertinent and required information related to interactions with students.
• Maintain and update related databases to ensure that student records accurately reflect degree progress and academic status.
• Implement projects and unit project committees designed to achieve student service goals such as new student orientation, coordination of tutoring services, student petition processes, and transfer course articulation.
• May assist with student recruitment, scholarship selection, and outreach to faculty.
• Guide students in navigating the petition process for exceptions to academic policies.
• Provide students and prospective students with information regarding available College and University resources and opportunities.
• Educate and inform prospective students and their family/friends about college degree programs and opportunities to aid in the recruitment of new students.
• May conduct new student orientation programs, supporting students in their transition to college, the University, and promoting their academic success.
• Collaborate with other academic advisors, career advisors, faculty, and leadership to identify potential barriers to student achievement and participate in the development of strategies to address these barriers.
• Assist in the facilitation, training, and development of new advisors, as needed.
• Serve on college and campus committees as necessary.
• Participate on committees and/or teams as needed and/or assigned.
• Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree
• One year of professional work experience
• Introductory knowledge of student-centered services and programming
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Ability to manage multiple demands in a collaborative, team-based environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in College Student Personnel, Counseling, or related field
• One year of work experience in university student services
• Demonstrated work experience in student/academic advising, counseling, or other related field in an institution of higher learning
• Knowledge of curricula and student development theory
• Familiarity with student development theory and FERPA
• Proficiency in Banner and/or INSIGHT preferred, along with other related software
• Excellent communication, organization, presentation, and computer/PC skills
• Ability to handle critical student issues with concern and confidentiality

Benefits

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Tuition waivers for employees and dependents