"Academic Advisor"

Job Details

Position Purpose:

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. S/he will engage students with compassion by providing an encouraging and supportive environment for students to share their goals, concerns, and interests.

Core Competencies:

1. Represents Aurora University in the most positive manner with prospective, former and current students, clients, suppliers and the community we serve. Interacts effectively with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students and other customers of our service, learns and uses operating practices of the department and Aurora University.
2. Upholds the Mission Statement: At Aurora University, our singular goal is to empower students to achieve lasting personal and professional success. We do this by being an inclusive community dedicated to the transformative power of learning. As a teaching-centered institution, we encourage undergraduate and graduate students to discover what it takes to build meaningful and purposeful lives.
3. Handles all information with tact and discretion and recognizes the confidential nature of university business.
4. Supports learning through performance of essential job functions and performing other duties and functions as necessary or as assigned.

Essential Job Functions:

Academic Advising

• 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.
• Proactively communicate information to students that is relevant to their academic success.
• Demonstrate expertise in Self-Service, Student Planning, and Colleague.

Mentoring

• Assist students in confirming major/minor selection in support of their educational and professional interests and goals.
• Assist students through the process of vocational discernment by discussing their strengths, values, and interests and encouraging vocational exploration.
• Intentionally focus on moving students toward increased independence by the conclusion of the first college year.
• Listen to, advocate on behalf of, and build positive working relationships with students.
• Build positive working relationships with parents, as appropriate.
• Strategically mentor at-risk students.
• Refer students to appropriate university resources.

University Partnerships

• 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.

Essential Job 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

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.