Academic Advisor

Workweek

Academic Advisors empower students in their ability to explore their educational opportunities, set and establish goals, and achieve academic success. Advisors provide educational planning for students by developing an academic plan and providing academic and career advising that meets the needs of the student in a manner that demonstrates commitment to the college mission and our diverse student population. Collaborate with Academic and Student Affairs departments throughout the college to assist students. Support college enrollment efforts through delivering new student advising through Orientation programming and continued student advising.

Position Summary

Full-time | 40 hours | Flexible schedule required to meet department needs, including day, some evenings and Saturdays will be required.

Essential Job Functions And Responsibilities

• Develop appropriate education plans to establish academic and career goals, and advise students on selection of courses
• Advise first year, continuing, returning, and transfer students on course selection, degree and certificate requirements, and academic planning
• Advise students individually and in group sessions using prescriptive, developmental, and intrusive relationships to monitor student progress toward established educational goals
• Support students who are exploring majors, considering a change of program, or preparing to graduate or transfer
• Assist with the facilitation of new student orientation programming by presenting college information and advising students
• Help students gain or improve necessary skills for academic success including goal-setting,development of study skills, and career/major planning, and refer to other resources as appropriate
• Maintain accurate advising notes and documentation in college systems
• Train and assist students with myMCC, self-service, and student planning tools to effectively navigate and utilize online resources for registration and course planning
• Proactively monitor at-risk students to identify opportunities to develop and improve academic success
• Assess students in crisis and refer them to the appropriate college resources
• Evaluate unofficial transcripts when appropriate to support placement, planning, and course waivers
• Conduct outreach to students (phone calls, emails, drop-in advising) to support the College’s retention efforts
• Support the onboarding and development of new advisors and College staff by providing training on advising theories, techniques, processes, and institutional policies.
• Collaborate with faculty, Student Affairs, and internal partners to ensure coordinated support and effective referrals
• Contribute to continuous improvement of advising practices and student experiences
• Proactively monitor at-risk students to identify opportunities to develop and improve academic success
• Respond to student support requests and outreach initiatives as assigned by the supervisor, based on pathway alignment
• Become proficient in and consistently apply academic policies, procedures, and degree requirements to promote student success
• Participate in College meetings and committees as assigned
• Work collaboratively with others (e.g.colleagues, stakeholders, vendors) to accomplish functions and responsibilities
• Assume additional duties asassigned by immediate supervisor
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
• Experience in serving diverse student populations
• One year of academic advising or student support services experience; or graduate level course workin College Student Personnel, Higher Education, Advising or related field; or hold an Academic Advising Graduate Certificate
• Start or obtain a Graduate Academic Advisor Certification within three years of hire ifl ess than two years of Academic Advising experience, or no Master’s degree
  
  

Desired Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in College Student Personnel, Higher Education, Advising, or related field
• Graduate certification as an Academic Advisor
• Bilingual (Spanish) speaking and writing skills
• One year of experience working within a higher education setting
  
  

Skills and Specifications:

• Ability to demonstrate understanding of student development theory and practice
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to learn technological applications
• Sensitivity to students whose cultural and educational experiences differ from his/her own
• Ability to build relationships through empathetic listening, motivation and support, in order to create a respective and inclusive environment for all students
• Ability to work underpressure with composure
• Willingness to share responsibility for improving work relations as a collaborative team member
• Demonstrate commitment to the advising profession through practice and continued acquisition of advising skills and knowledge
• Ability to work with highly detailed information and disseminate this information to groups and individuals
• Ability to meet deadlines, manage multiple tasks, organize and prioritize tasks
• Willingness to share knowledge, learn from mistakes, and accept personal responsibility
• Ability to remain flexible and handle vague or changing information
• Ability to work in a high-quality, focused service environment in a professional manner with excellent customer service skills
• Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of institution’s programs, academic requirements, policies, procedures, and support services
• Demonstrate excellent problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• Ability to sit and communicate orally, for extended periods of time
• Ability to assist with event setup, including moving and arranging tables, and lifting boxes of presentation materials
• Commitment and respect for diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Commitment to the College’s mission, vision, and goals
  
  

Equal Employment Opportunity

McHenry County College declares and reaffirms a policy of equal opportunity and non-discrimination. The College will make all decisions regarding admission, employment, participation in educational programs, or activities, without discrimination on grounds of race, color, creed or religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, order of protection status, marital status, physical or mental disabilities, military status, sexual orientation, gender-related identity, pregnancy, unfavorable discharge from military service, or other factors prohibited by law. Decisions regarding employment include hiring, promotion, termination, wages or salaries, benefits, and other terms and conditions of employment. MCC is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible college community.

To request reasonable accommodation to participate in any aspect of the hiring process, contact Human Resources at

McHenry County College offers a complete benefits package to full-time employees including medical, dental, vision, life and long term disability coverages, and flexible spending accounts. Employees also receive 15 paid holidays and a competitive bank of vacation, sick, and personal leave time along with an optional Sick Leave Pool. The College also offers employees the opportunity to save for retirement through deferred compensation plans.

The College waives tuition and fees for any full time employee who takes credit courses at MCC as well as providing tuition reimbursement for pre-approved course work taken at a regionally accredited institution upon successful completion of such course.