Position Purpose:
The Graduate 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.
Core Competencies:
- 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.
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.
Handles all information with tact and discretion and recognizes
the confidential nature of university business.
Supports learning through performance of essential job
functions and performing other duties and functions as necessary or
as assigned, including voluntary participation in university
committees, activities and events.
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, degree
requirements and academic policies and procedures.
- Deliver presentations and advise students on course selection
and academic policies during new student orientation.
- Conduct individual academic advising sessions and small group
sessions with new and continuing students.
- Participate in various committees and assigned Innovation
Team.
- Provide students with the resources to become knowledgeable
about, the online registration process.
- Review academic transcripts 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 degree and program 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
professionalism by the conclusion of their program.
- Listen to, advocate on behalf of, and build positive working
relationships with students.
- Strategically mentor at-risk students.
- Encourage students to utilize 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.
Other
- Other duties as assigned.
Essential Job Requirements:
Education & Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree with at least two years of higher education
experience required.
- Master’s degree in relevant field and professional advising
experience preferred.
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.
- Ability to work occasional evening and weekend hours.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to use a computer terminal.
- Ability to move about campus.
