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Title: Academic Advisor
Division Name: Academic Affairs
Department: University College
Campus Location: Normal, IL

Job Summary

The Academic Advisor in University College Academic Advising is to give academic advice and overall guidance to all assigned students including course recommendations, so that they may progress successfully through the next stage of their academic career at Illinois State University. University College Academic Advising serves several student populations including first-year, general/undecided, continuing, and academic probation students. Advisors must provide accurate and realistic academic information and support to an assigned caseload. Advisors must accurately interpret and relay academic policies and requirements, including general education, as well as major/minor plans of study.

What you can expect:

• Starting with summer orientation, advise a caseload of students with diverse identities.
• Participate in retention initiatives including early alert outreach, outreach to students in-between terms, and probation advising.
• Guide students through major exploration, degree planning, registration, and re-enrollment processes as well as navigating academic issues.
• Monitor student progress and provide proactive, sustained, and developmentally appropriate coaching to targeted populations.
• Assist in training and mentorship of a student worker through shared responsibility of caseload management.
• Present to groups of incoming students and guests during new student orientation.
• Participate in internal training and professional development opportunities on a continuing basis (including anti-racism trainings and workshops). Seek out opportunities to enhance one’s knowledge regarding students of color and how to provide effective support.
• Provide referrals to appropriate campus resources for any difficulties that may happen during a student’s college journey.
• Assist and advise transfer students during Transfer Day Program.

Salary Rate / Pay Rate

$43,888 - $48,000

Required Qualifications

1. Bachelor's Degree
2. Evidence of interpersonal communication and listening skills to interact in a culturally inclusive and respectful manner with students, parents/guardians/families, faculty, administrators, staff, and the general public; and to communicate in person, in writing, via Zoom, and by telephone.
3. Ability to communicate while addressing urgent and confidential matters with discretion and sensitivity.
4. Document all student interactions so that others may understand the outcomes of any contacts related to the student.
5. Communicate with historically underrepresented students; exhibit understanding and sensitivity to the needs of students of color.
6. Autonomously manage work goals and priorities, with attention to detail and follow-through.
7. Collaborate with University College colleagues and other campus partners.
8. Meet the educational needs of diverse student populations including, but not limited to, students with diverse abilities, racial, ethnic, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic backgrounds, and religions.
9. Interact in a culturally inclusive and respectful manner with students, parents/guardians/families, faculty, administrators, and staff.
10. Exhibit a professional and growth-minded demeanor that cultivates a culture of understanding and empathy.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Master's Degree, preferably in Education, College Student Personnel or related field)
2. Professional advising experience or demonstrated equivalent experience

Work Hours

8:00 - 4:30 M-F

Functional Expectations

Must be able to complete the following with or without a reasonable accommodation:
1. Remain at a workstation for extended periods
2. Move about in various locations on and off campus as needed to complete day-to-day work
3. Effectively communicate on a daily basis

Proposed Starting Date

March 2025

Required Applicant Documents

Resume
Cover Letter
Reference List

Please Note: These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"

Special Instructions for Applicants

Review of applications for two positions will begin February 5, 2025; submissions received prior to this date will receive priority consideration. The positions will remain open until filled.

University Benefit Highlights:
- Insurance benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life
- Retirement and supplemental retirement planning options
- Tuition waiver benefits available to staff as well as their eligible dependents
- Paid holiday/administrative closures during Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks
- Paid benefit time

Additional University Benefit information, including information regarding eligibility to participate in the State Universities Retirement System and the State of Illinois Group Insurance program, can be reviewed here: https://hr.illinoisstate.edu/benefits/

Contact Information for Applicants

Heather Fey, hrfey@ilstu.edu

Important Information for Applicants

This position is subject to a criminal background investigation and if applicable, an employment history review, based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation and/or an employment history review. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.

Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other state or federal law you may request an accommodation by contacting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at (309) 438-3383. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access will hold any confidential information you provide in confidence.

If you are having difficulty accessing the system, please call Human Resources at (309) 438-8311.