Academic Advisor - Division of General Studies

Campus Center for Advising and Academic Services

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is seeking applications for Academic Advisors in the Division of General Studies. Academic Advisors provide developmental academic advising for undeclared undergraduate students as they explore their personal and professional interests and the curricular and co-curricular opportunities available at the University of Illinois.

DGS enrolls the third largest class of freshmen every year and is the academic home for approximately 2,250 first and second-year undeclared students. The DGS student population is diverse; students come from a variety of backgrounds and have a variety of academic interests and talents. Approximately 32% of students in DGS are from historically underrepresented backgrounds and 17% are international students. This position will join a team of 9 other Undeclared Academic Advisors.

Duties & Responsibilities -

Provide developmental academic advising services and support the educational and career development of undergraduate students who are undeclared in the Division of General Studies.

• Through in-person and virtual appointment modalities, engage in purposeful discussion with students to learn about course performance and interests, assess qualifications for entry into specific courses or majors, and gauge student adjustment to the University.
• Assist students in understanding the structure and requirements of campus degree and pre-professional programs.
• Apply judicious interpretations of Illinois program requirements on the basis of individual circumstances and within the framework of policy guidelines established by the campus.
• Provide advice and counsel regarding viable alternatives in academic, personal, and career options.
• Participate in the 6-8 week New Student Registration program in June and July for the advisement and registration of new DGS freshmen and transfer students entering the University of Illinois.
• Provide ongoing advising support for students with increased availability at critical and high-volume advising times such as mid-semester deadlines, priority course registration periods, and other designated times throughout the academic year.
• Contribute as a member of an advising team serving an assigned roster of students, working collaboratively with team members to conduct targeted outreach and host group advising programs or other initiatives aimed at meeting the needs of the assigned roster
• Provide support and resources for an assigned roster of students on academic probation as part of the DGS Program for Academic Support and Success
• Create a welcoming environment that is inclusive of students from diverse backgrounds.
• Respond to queries from students, faculty, staff, and parents/families as appropriate (within the parameters of FERPA).
• Provide referrals for campus and academic resources for additional support.
• Responsible for thorough record-keeping of all student contacts.

Teach two sections of GS 101, a First-Year experience course coordinated by DGS.

Become proficient regarding Illinois academic and support-related resources. Serve as a liaison with department and college colleagues on academic advising issues to ensure accuracy of information.

Participate in activities that facilitate the mission and goals of the Division of General Studies such as involvement with DGS committees, workgroups, staff development, and on-going training.

Other relevant duties as assigned; minimal evening and weekend work required.

Required Qualifications -

• Master’s degree in higher education, student affairs, college student personnel, counseling, education, or closely related field.
• One year of full-time professional experience or two years of related graduate-level experience working with college students in academic advising, counseling, career development, student affairs, or teaching.
• Outstanding presentation and/or teaching experience.
• Experience working effectively both independently and in collaborative groups.

  Preferred Qualifications -

• Experience with and understanding of the needs, concerns, and strengths of undeclared and exploring students at the college level.
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse populations and ability to articulate the value of diversity and inclusivity.
• Involvement in professional development activities such interaction with the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) or other unit, campus, local, state, regional or global organizations.

  Knowledge, Skills and Abilities -

• Ability to collaborate and work with students, staff, faculty, and families from a variety of diverse backgrounds.
• Understanding of the needs of a diverse student population, including students from underrepresented backgrounds and international students.
• Exceptional interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Exceptional time management skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Evidence of exceptional ability to focus on details and specific information.
• Demonstrated ability to understand and clearly explain complex processes, procedures, and program requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to respond to concerns, motivations, and learning patterns of undergraduate students.
• Understanding of college student development theory and/or academic advising theory and how they relate to working with exploring students.
• Understanding of the academic policies, procedures, and systems at the University of Illinois.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close of the search. Salary is commensurate with experience. This position reports to the Associate Director for Advising and Student Success. Academic professionals at UIUC are responsible for a minimum of 40 hours per week, generally 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on March 21, 2023.

Upload the following documents -

• cover letter
• resume
• contact information for three professional references
• academic advising philosophy
• proof of degrees

Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. Interviews may be conducted before the search closes but no hiring decision will be made until after the search close date. For further information about this specific position, please contact Jennifer Steiling at steiling@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1016158
Job Category: Education & Student Services
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu