Academic Advisor/Assistant Director UAAC

Description
Governors State University (GovState) welcomes qualified candidates to apply for the position of Academic Advisor/Assistant Director. Reporting to the UAAC Director, the Academic Advisor/Assistant Director will be housed in the Undergraduate Academic Advising Center (UAAC) , for the Office of the Provost. They are directly involved in academic advising for students in undergraduate degree programs. They will monitor students' academic records, assist with course selection, inform students about academic policies, make students aware of study abroad programs, discuss transfer credit, articulate academic majors and career interests' equivalencies, integrate, explain academic standing (including Early Alert Warnings via GSUStar (Starfish), academic probation and suspension), discuss degree programs, (including changing majors, graduate programs, and minors); explain degree audit, and graduation clearance. This position is classified as an Academic Support Professional (ASP) and is covered by the Collective Bargaining Agreement between Universities Professionals of Illinois (UPI-4100) and Governors State University.

Essential Responsibilities

80% Student Support

•Assist enrolled students in developing an academic plan based on enrollment at GOVSTATE.

•Consult with students from admission to graduation, providing regular follow-up to
monitor their academic progress and make necessary adjustments.

•Communicate with students primarily on-site at GOVSTATE, supplementing face-to-face meetings with mail, email, social media, virtual meetings, and telephone.

•Establish and maintain a comfortable environment for students to receive honest, accurate advising in a timely manner.

•Offer referrals to appropriate resources at GOVSTATE, such as tutoring services, mental health counseling, and career services.

•Develop a rapport with students, create and share resources, act as a student liaison to the university, and support students' transition to GOVSTATE.

•Provide excellent student service and advise students on all degree requirements in their major.

•Fill out all appropriate paperwork related to academic and field experiences.

Collaboration and Compliance

•Collaborate closely with other administrators, staff, and faculty, participating in weekly meetings and project teams.

•Adhere to campus policies and procedures.

Expertise Development

•Develop expertise in undergraduate programs by liaising with Chairs, program coordinators, and GOVSTATE program literature.

•Develop expertise in GOVSTATE policies and procedures related to undergraduate education by liaising with the Honors College, Registrar, and Admissions and other student-centered units.

Reporting and Recordkeeping

•Provide an analysis report of students advised to the Director as directed, including metrics on student progress, advising interactions, and any issues encountered.

•Maintain appropriate forms to facilitate recordkeeping and track student data using specified tools and systems.

•Maintain data for all assigned students.

20% Liaison and Representation as Assistant Director

•The Assistant Director will step in and provided additional direct student support (besides their own advising load) when needed.

•Attend UAAC meetings, meet with program coordinators, faculty and other advisors to keep up to date on curriculum and division related matters.

•When necessary, provide supplementary direct academic advising (and related functions) to students.

•Act as a liaison for committees or as a representative for special projects. This includes GOVSTATE recruitment (participation in open houses, information sessions, personal
phone calls/notes, and special initiatives), technology, professional development, or other assignments by the Director.

•Assists the Director in managing and developing academic advising programs, supporting faculty and academic advisors, and ensuring student success through
advising initiatives and data-driven practices.

•Works with the director and the advising team and campus stakeholders to communicate and solve barriers to advising, access, and equity; and advocates for needed resources.

•Monitor Chat Bot manager for accuracy

•Contributes to procedures to support transitional advising services to improve and facilitate student handoffs, especially as students transition from General Studies to their major.

•Supervise work study students

•Assist with advising gaps in the absence of colleagues

•Represent the program at various events and functions.

•Coordinate services with other college programs at GOVSTATE.

•Serve as staff lead when Director is out of office

Recruitment and Retention Initiatives

•Proactively contribute to enhancing the institution's recruitment and retention initiatives.

•Track and report on recruitment and retention efforts, challenges, and successes, using defined metrics and benchmarks.
Program Operations and Assessment

•Assist in program operations and assessment, participating in continuous improvement processes and contributing to the development and accomplishment of the unit strategic plan.

Professional Development

•Participate in professional development related to advising, such as relevant workshops, courses, and certifications.

Additional Duties

•Perform other duties as assigned, such as assisting with departmental projects or events.

•Other duties as assigned.

Required and Preferred Qualifications

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree.

One year experience in university-level academic advising

Experienceworkingcollaborativelyinateamenvironmentwithflexiblehours.

Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills.

Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Proficiency in using Microsoft Office tools (word processing, spreadsheets, databases, PowerPoint) to create/produce letters, reports, flyers, and other documents. Ability to learn and use new software programs and ERP systems effectively.

Proficiency in using Customer Relation Manager (CRM) software. SLATE preferred.

Experience working successfully with diverse populations, demonstrating sensitivity to and appreciation for the academic, ethnic, socio-economic, disability, age, and gender diversity of students and staff at GOVSTATE.

Ability to multi-task, handle projects, and prioritize tasks based on program goals and objectives.

Ability to work independently, make decisions, and demonstrate good judgment.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree in a closely related academic discipline.

Knowledge of Student Information Systems (Colleague or related product).

Abilitytohelpstudentswithunderstandingpathwaystocompletegraduateeducation.

Supplemental Information

Please attach the following to the application:

• Cover letter
• Resume or CV
• Transcript.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until position is filled. For priority consideration, complete applications should be submitted by May 4, 2025.